Appeals Frequently Asked Questions


1. What is the purpose of the appeal process? The purpose of the appeal process is to correct errors made during the review of your application materials. The appeal process is not an opportunity for applicants to amend their initially submitted application. An appeal may also include the review of suspensions of 1-5 day(s), probationary reduction, probationary discharge, classification studies, and miscellaneous personnel action to determine if the decision was justified.
2. How does the appeal process work? The appeals staff provide an independent review by analyzing documents provided by an appellant and considers applicable governing authorities, policies and practices. This process does not include an interview or a hearing.


Upon completion, a written response is prepared. The appeal response is only provided by email or mail (if US mail was selected as the response option) to the appellant and/or his/her authorized representative.
3. What are the most common types of appeals filed?
    Examination Process
  • * Application rejection/Non-acceptance: Your application was not accepted because it was determined that you did not meet the examination requirements as stated in the bulletin.
  • * Computer Administered Tests: The score you received on a computerized test, including the Work Styles Assessment (WSA), Writing Assessment, or Other, as specified in the examination result notification.
  • * Paper and Pencil Written Tests: The score you received in the following non-computerized tests: Broad-Based Employment Skills Test (BBEST), Writing Assessment, or Other, as specified in the examination result notification.
  • * Oral Interview: The score you received based on the responses you provided to questions presented during the interview portion of the examination.
  • * Evaluation of Training and Experience/Rating from Records: The score you received based on the evaluation of information you provided on your application, Supplemental Questionnaire, and other applicable documents.
  • * Appraisal of Promotability (AP): County employees only - The score you received based on management’s assessment of your potential to perform at the higher level position.
  • * Performance Test (e.g. Driving, Physical Agility, Swimming, Typing, etc.): The score you received based on your performance.
  • * Veteran’s Credit:Ten (10) additional points added to the final passing score of an open competitive examination based on qualifying service in the military. See CSR 7.15 for details.
    Discipline/Personnel Action
  • - 1-5 day(s) Suspension: Suspension from current County employment for 1 to 5 days only
  • - Probationary Discharge: Release from County employment due to not passing the probationary period
  • - Probationary Reduction: Reduced from a promotional position due to not passing probationary period
  • - Interdepartmental Transfer: Transfer to a different department without being requested by the transferee
  • - Classification Study: Results of a request to reclassify current payroll item(s)
  • - Resignation: Resignations from County employment under duress, fraud, or undue influence.
    Disqualifications
  • - Background: Disqualifications from the examination or hiring process due to the results of a background investigation or disclosure
  • - Inaccurate Disclosure to Occupational Health Program: Disqualification due to an inaccurate disclosure to the Occupational Health Program
4. What rules govern the appeal process?
5. Is there a deadline to file an appeal? Yes. The deadlines are as follows:
  • * Examination process, disqualification/withhold, probationary reduction, and probationary discharge: Ten (10) business days from the date the electronic notice was sent from the Department or from the postmark date on the envelope, if the notice was sent by US mail.
  • * Suspensions of 1-5 day(s): 15 business days from the date the electronic notice was sent from the Department or from the postmark date on the envelope, if the notice was sent by US mail.
6. What information is required when filing an appeal? The online appeals system will navigate you to complete the required fields and will also prompt you to attach the required documents. Appeals submitted without the required information and/or documents will be deemed insufficient.
7. Can I file multiple appeals? Yes. If you are appealing more than one examination part, you must file a separate appeal for each. Please do not submit duplicate appeals for the same examination part. Duplicate filing may delay the response to your appeal.
8. When can I expect a response from the Appeals Program? Our goal is to respond to all appeals within 60 calendar days. Regrettably, in some circumstances, the review may require additional time.
9. How do I track the status of my appeal? The appeal status is available at any time by accessing “Track Appeal” on the eAppeals home page at https://eappealstest.lacounty.gov by using the reference case number you received in your confirmation email.
10. Can I file an appeal if the deadline to file has passed? Regrettably, appeals filed after the deadlines as stated in Question #5 are deemed untimely.
11. What are the acceptable attachment types? The only compatible file types have the following extension: pdf, doc, docx, msg, jpg, png, tif, tiff, gif. File names should have no special characters. For example, do not use periods, hashtags or dashes in file names.
12. I received an error message. What should I do? Please click here (eService portal hyperlink) to open a ticket to request technical assistance. Include a thorough description of the technical issue(s). Do not submit an appeal through this portal.
13. My application was rejected because I did not submit the required documents (i.e., diploma, transcripts, license). Will you consider these documents? Regrettably, the appeal process does not allow for the acceptance of documents not provided to the Department with the application at the time of submission or as instructed in the examination bulletin.
14. I received a letter from the Department but I do not understand the reason for the Department’s decision. Who can help me? You may contact the Department's examination analyst as stated in your notification letter.
15. I do not agree with the Appeals Program's decision. Can my appeal be re-reviewed? Are there additional appeal rights? Civil Service Rules do not allow for the acceptance of additional information or the re-review of an appeal after the appeal process is completed. However, for rated portions of your examination, you may have appeal rights to the Civil Service Commission. Your appeal response letter will contain information regarding further appeal rights, if applicable.
16. How do I withdraw my appeal? You can withdraw your appeal by accessing “Withdraw Appeal” from our eAppeals Home page at https://eappealstest.lacounty.gov.
17. I moved or changed my email address after I submitted my appeal. How can I ensure my appeal response is sent to my current mailing address or email? Please submit your changes in writing to the Appeals Program. Please fax to (213) 738-9380.
18. How do I submit my appeal if I need accommodation due to a disability? If you need accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with filing your appeal, you may access this website for assistance http://hr.lacounty.gov/accommodation-request/). Please indicate at the beginning of your request for accommodation that your submission is related to an appeal. You may also contact the Appeals Program at (213) 738-3934 or at eAppeals@hr.lacounty.gov to notify us of a request for accommodation. Please keep in mind the filing timeline for your appeal still applies.
19. I have filed a grievance with my Department regarding my suspension. Who will review my concerns? On matters that are under the Appeals Program's jurisdiction, your appeal is held until the Department completes your grievance process.