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Training Descriptions

Program Descriptions and Prerequisites

Since March 2020, when the pandemic started, we now offer eLearning training.  Please visit the eLearning page here.

Please note that our training program information is listed alphabetically by program name followed by the level (e.g., Advanced Salary Determinations class is listed as "Salary Determinations, Advanced"). For each program, the course description is listed followed by the course prerequisites.  

Prerequisites ensure that each Personnel Specialist succeeds in comprehending the subject matter offered in the class. Personnel Specialists who lack the required experience may have difficulty with the material and detract from the class. Therefore, if a Personnel Specialist is unable to maintain the pace of the session, the instructor may request that he/she return to his/her department.

PLEASE NOTE: Prerequisites may be waived if a Personnel Specialist has sufficient experience and training. To request a waiver, the training coordinator should contact us at ppsdtraining@sco.ca.gov.

Payroll Procedures Virtual Training Series: Fundamentals of Payroll (8 hours) 

This virtual training course provides information necessary for Personnel Specialists to correctly and confidently document basic payroll transactions and outlines appropriate procedures and processes governing a variety of payroll functions. Class attendees will be given a general overview on learning how to reconcile Monthly and Semi-Monthly Payroll, to include when to use and how to complete the following eight (8) forms: 

Information will also be given on the Master Payroll Certification (MPC) system, the Accounts Receivable process, the A/R Offset-Leave Credits process, instruction on how to process overtime, process shift differentials, and how to reconcile Positive Attendance. Participants will complete a variety of practical exercises to learn and acquire processing skills for reinforcement. 

Course workbook and link to virtual class will be emailed prior to class start date. 
 
Prerequisites: 

Payroll Procedures Virtual Training Series: Payroll Input Process (4 hours) 

This virtual training webinar has been designed for new Personnel Specialists who are processing pay transactions such as overtime, dock, positive pay, miscellaneous payments, etc.

Personnel Specialists will be provided a program overview of the PIP system and the five PIP batch entry screens: TA - Time and Attendance; MIS - Miscellaneous/Leave Actions; DCK - Dock; ETC - Employee Time Certification; and ADJ - Pay Adjustment Request. Instructions for the available commands and inquiry screens will be reviewed. 
 
Course workbook and link to virtual class will be emailed prior to class start date. 

Virtual California Leave Accounting System (7 hours) 

This course provides an opportunity to walk through Leave Accounting situations, including establishing employees who are new to the California Leave Accounting System (CLAS), non-qualifying pay periods, and retroactive leave benefit election changes.

This course is held over two days, with a three-hour session each day, where you will have an opportunity to expand your knowledge of CLAS through documenting and viewing the keying of transactions.  

Prerequisites: 

Virtual Corrective Actions (6 hours) 

This course is a must for Personnel Specialists who need instructions in properly documenting Corrective Actions and Out-of-Sequence (O/S) PAR transactions. Personnel Specialists will be provided a step-by-step method of reconstructing Employment History (EH) for O/S transactions. Through the use of the PAM and with a variety of comprehensive practical exercises and transaction situations, Personnel Specialists will be able to correctly determine the appropriate steps and procedures necessary to complete Corrective Action documentation. 

In-depth coverage of the Personnel Action Manual (PAM) Section 9 will be provided in the following areas: 

Prerequisites: 

Virtual Fundamentals of Personnel: Qualifying Pay Periods, Sick Leave, and Vacation (3 hours) 

This course provides as introduction to the Fundamentals of Personnel. By viewing online modules and virtual class attendance, participants will accurately determine qualifying pay periods for full-time, part-time, and intermittent employees, using current rules and regulations. Regulations regarding sick leave and vacation accrual and usage will also be covered 

Prerequisites: 

Virtual PAR Documentation (4 hours) 

This course provides an introduction to the PAM Sections 1 through 8 with a primary emphasis on the organization and use of the PAM and completion of the PAR (Personnel Action Request).

Through online modules, workbook exercises, and virtual class attendance, Personnel Specialists will be provided a review of the PAM, instruction on selection and use of the appropriate PAR Required/Conditional transaction charts, and an introduction to PAR item definitions. 

When the Personnel Specialist is enrolled the virtual class, the instructor will contact the attendee and provide an electronic copy of the virtual training workbook. 

Prerequisites: 

Salary Determinations - Level I, Introduction to (6 hours)

In this one-day, interactive, virtual class, we will cover foundational laws and rules and additional information published by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) and the State Personnel Board (SPB) integral to salary determinations such as, employee status, Anniversary dates, salary determination formulas, the Entrance Rate rule, and more.

This is a mandatory prerequisite for all other salary determinations virtual classes.

Prerequisites: