Candidates who have successfully passed an open-competitive or promotional examination for a specific job title are placed on an eligible list. The eligible lists for open-competitive announcements rank candidates based on residency, veterans’ status, and by final average. For example, residents are ranked ahead of non-residents and veterans are ranked ahead of non-veterans. The eligible lists for promotional announcements rank candidates based on a combination of factors, (i.e., testing mode, seniority, performance evaluation). Most eligible lists have a three-year duration. State and local governmental agencies use these lists to fill job vacancies. They must follow the " Rule of Three " when appointing candidates to a position.
