Merit Award Programs
The State of California appreciates your commitment to serve. The Merit Award Program is a set of employee benefits available year-round and is comprised of these programs:
Governor's State Employee Medal of Valor
The Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor is the highest honor California bestows upon its employees. In a public ceremony the Governor awards gold or silver medals to state employees who risked their lives to save others or state property. Since the program began in 1958, 640 medals have been awarded to state employees in many different professions.
Nominations
Special Service Award (Silver Medal)
For an act of heroism by a state employee extending above and beyond the normal call of duty or service performed at personal risk to his or her safety to save human life or state property.
Special Act Award (Gold Medal)
For an extraordinary act of heroism by a state employee extending far above and beyond the normal call of duty or service, performed at great risk to his or her own life in an effort to save human life.
Nomination Process
- The nominator reviews the Medal of Valor Nomination webpage for instructions.
- If the heroic act or service meets the criteria, the nominator downloads and completes the CalHR-012 Nomination Form.
- The nominator submits the completed package to their departmental Merit Award Administrator (MAA).
- The MAA reviews the nomination, and if necessary, requests additional documentation.
- The MAA forwards the finalized nomination package to the department director for approval.
- If approved, the MAA forwards the complete nomination package to CalHR.
- CalHR staff reviews it for completeness; if necessary, they will request additional information or documentation.
- Once completed, the Merit Award Board (MAB) receives the nomination and renders a decision.
- The MAB’s decision and the nomination package is forwarded to the CalHR Director for a final decision.
- CalHR notifies the department of the Director’s decision.
Award Ceremony
CalHR coordinates the award ceremony with the Governor’s Office and the participating departments.
2022 Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor Virtual Award Ceremony
Past Medal of Valor Awardees
To search for awardees by department, last name, first name, or year awarded, please see: medalofvalor.ca.gov
More Information
For more information, please contact your departmental Merit Award Administrator or CalHR’s Merit Award Program Manager, at merit@calhr.ca.gov.
NEGRI Award
The Robert L. Negri Human Resources Achievement Award is an annual award given by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). This award is presented to an employee or organizational group of the State for outstanding performance and achievement in the field of human resources.
Superior/Sustained Accomplishment Awards
The Merit Award Program administers the Superior Accomplishment and the Sustained Superior Accomplishment Award Programs. These awards are for a performance resulting in exceptional contribution to state government and are excellent tools for recognizing deserving individuals and teams. Many state agencies hold an annual awards ceremony to acknowledge their outstanding employees and increase employee morale.
Specific areas of accomplishment may include the following topics:
- An important contribution to science, research, or development.
- An unequaled personal effort in overcoming unusual difficulties or obstacles in the completion of a major project or task with substantial benefits to the state.
- Completion of a major project or task in a significantly shorter period of time with substantial benefits to the state.
Superior Accomplishment Form
Nominations must be submitted on this form and signed by the department director
The Superior Accomplishment Award
This award is for a performance by an individual or a group of individuals or team which results in an exceptional contribution to state government.
Silver Award
For a silver award, departments may issue one or both of the following to an individual or team:
- Engraved walnut plaque or a certificate.
- Cash or gift award.
Cash awards for individuals or teams range from $25 to $250. Individual team members may receive $25 to $250 each. Departments have the option of providing cash or equivalent gift awards.
Gold Award
For a gold award, departments may issue one or both of the following to an individual or team:
- Engraved walnut plaque or a certificate.
- Cash or gift award.
Cash awards for individuals or teams range from $50 to $500. Individual team members may receive $50 to $500 each. Departments have the option of providing cash or equivalent gift awards. Note: it would be rare for a group of individuals to receive a gold award as this award is of such prominent degree that it merits recognition of the highest order.
The Sustained Superior Accomplishment Award
This award is for an employee’s sustained act of superior job performance over a two-year period resulting in an exceptional contribution to the efficiency of state government. The maximum standard is one nomination per 100 employees for each department.
Departments may issue one or both of the following to an individual or team:
- Framed certificate.
- Cash or gift award.
Cash awards for individuals or teams range from $25 to a maximum of $250. Individual team members may receive $25 – $250 each. Departments are responsible for the design, purchase, and printing of certificates.
Contact
For more information, please contact your department’s Merit Award Administrator or the CalHR Merit Award Program at merit@calhr.ca.gov.
HR Credentialing Program
Receive professional recognition through the HR Credentialing Program
Why participate in the HR Credentialing Program? It’s all about professional recognition. The HR Credentialing Program is designed to allow journey-level human resources and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) professionals at state departments to be recognized for mastering specific human resource areas. CalHR, through the Civil Service Improvement (CSI) effort, is promoting a workforce culture of lifelong learning, professional recognition and personal growth. The HR Credentialing Program is a vehicle for professional growth for human resources and EEO professionals who are spread throughout state service.
Exam Offerings and Schedule
Exam sessions are postponed
Applications and exams are open to all State departments.
Application Period and Deadline
Applications from Summer 2020 exam session will be rolled into future exam offerings.
Applications are welcome for future exam sessions.
Modules
• Civil Rights/Equal Employment Opportunity
• Classification and Compensation
• Employee Performance Management
• Health and Safety
• Labor Relations
• Recruitment and Selection
• Training and Development
• Workforce and Succession Planning
Application & Instructions
Applicants must first meet the eligibility requirements before they submit an application noting their desired subject area credential. The application will be used to verify that applicants meet the eligibility requirements, namely three years of experience performing duties in a state HR work environment or EEO program.
After review by a panel of HR Credentialing Program evaluators, applicants who have the required experience will receive notification of the reviewing committee’s decision. Those that apply and have the required experience will be invited to take a proctored written examination.
Questions or comments regarding the program may be sent to: HRcredentialing.coordinator@calhr.ca.gov
Application
Submit a complete standard state application STD 678 (or download an application from your CalCareer account). Indicate which credential(s) you are applying for at the top of page one and list each module in the EXAMINATION(S) OR JOB TITLE(S) FOR WHICH YOU ARE APPLYING field, and sign the certification at the bottom of the page.
Note: Incomplete or unsigned applications will not be accepted. Do NOT include your Social Security Number on any application materials.
Submit Application
Email to HRcredentialing.coordinator@calhr.ca.gov
Or mail to:
HR Credentialing Program
1515 S St., North Building, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95811-7258
Note: Your application will be reviewed after the deadline for submission, and you will be notified if you do or do not qualify to take the examination once the application period has ended.
25-Year Service and Retirement Awards
The 25-Year Service and Retirement Awards program was established by the Legislature to recognize state employees who have completed 25 years or more of state service. There are two types of awards – the Service Award and the Retirement Award. The Service Award recognizes employees who have completed 25 years of state service. The Retirement Award recognizes retiring employees who have completed 25 years or more of state service.
- Departments may purchase mementos for eligible employees directly from State Price Schedule service providers discussed below.
- State employees with questions about purchasing awards or their service and retirement award status should contact their Human Resources Office.
- Human Resources professionals may contact CalHR at (916) 322-1360 for additional information.
25-Year Service Award
The appointing power may present a certificate, plaque, or other suitable memento to state employees with 25 years of completed state service. The cost may not exceed $125.
25-Year Retirement Award
A retiring state employee with at least 25 years of service may receive a 25-Year Retirement Award. Departments may make a presentation to a retiring employee who, on the date of their retirement, has completed 25 or more years of state service. The cost may not exceed $125.
Who is Eligible?
All state employees.
Authority
California Government Code Section 19849.9 – 25-Year Service and Retirement Award
Additional Information
As of February 1, 2017, Frank T. Marchello and MTM Recognition are identified as State Price Schedule service providers. Departments may utilize their Core Item and Non-Core Item catalogues to fulfill procurement orders.
Gift Catalogs and Contract Information
On Cal eProcure, click on the link for “Find Public Procurement Information.” Then, you can search for vendor associated contract information using these contract identification numbers:
- For MTM Recognition, search 2-21-84-14A
- For Frank T Marchello, search 2-21-84-14B
To request any additional state price schedule service provider documents, please contact the Merit Award Program Manager at merit@calhr.ca.gov.
Frank T Marchello
- https://california.awardfulfillment.com
- Enter the site by clicking the link above.
- To access “Core” awards, click on the “Core – 25 Years” and “Core – Retirement” links on the left side of the page.
- To access “Non-Core” awards, click on the collection of links on the left side of the page.
- For Employee questions please call the 800# as we have a Staff to assist and clarify all questions on gifts.
- For questions pertaining to Pricing or completion of forms such as Payee Data: frankmarchello@yahoo.com | (909) 208-5506 Award Fulfillment Center | california@awardfulfillment.org | (800) 718-8852
- http://awards.mtmrecognition.com/california
- Enter the site by clicking on the “guest” button.
- To access “Core” awards, click on the “25-Year” and “Retirement” links on the left of the page below the “Core” heading.
- To access “Non-Core” awards, click on the collection links (“Level I” through “Level V”) on the left of the page below the “Non-Core” heading.
- For questions or concerns with MTM Recognition:
Bryan Mular, Customer Care Associate
bmular@mtmrecognition.com | (877) 495-1011
Non-Core, Higher Cost Items
At the department’s discretion, employees may purchase a gift that is a non-core item, including those above the $125 threshold from the service providers. The State of California will be responsible for the first $125 (plus the tax on $125). The employee is responsible for the balance. At the time of order, it is the employee’s responsibility to pay anything above and beyond the $125 plus tax. No order will be officially placed until the employee’s portion is paid in full. The state’s portion of the payment will be standard state terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an employee who has completed 25 years of state service and plans on retiring, regardless of the time period between the two events, receive both a 25-Year Service Award and a 25-Year Retirement Award?
Yes. There is nothing in the current law that indicates an employee must choose between the 25 years of state service and the retirement award.
Can a retiring employee who has completed 25 years of state service combine the 25-Year Service Award and the 25-Year Retirement Award and purchase a $250 gift?
No. These are two separate award programs.
Can an employee receive the appropriated $125 in cash?
No. The law states “a certificate, plaque, or other suitable memento.” Cash is not considered a “suitable memento” since the definition of memento is “a reminder or a souvenir.”
Does a department have to purchase a gift from the State Price Schedule service providers?
No, it is not mandatory to purchase a gift from the State Price Schedule service providers.
Can an employee who is retiring and does not have 25 years of service purchase a retirement award at their own expense?
No. This award is in recognition of 25 years or more of state service.
Can an employee with 23 years of state service qualify for a 25-Year Service/Retirement Award if they previously purchased two years of service credit for retirement purposes?
No. Service Awards are based on qualifying months of state service.
If an employee transfers to a new department, can they still receive a 25-Year Service Award from the new department?
Yes. The new department would provide the 25-year award.
What is the difference between the core items and the non-core items?
The core items are those most commonly purchased by agencies for their employees and include watches, clocks, vases, etc. Some of the service providers offer additional, or “non-core,” gift items for purchase. The core items do not exceed $125. The non-core items vary in price.
Can an employee choose a gift from the non-core catalog?
Each department may establish their own internal policy for ordering service awards. Please check with your Merit Award Administrator or Human Resources office.
If my department allows it and I choose a gift from the non-core catalog that exceeds $125, how do I pay for it?
The State of California is responsible for the first $125 (plus the tax on the $125). The employee is responsible for the balance. Employees may contact their Merit Award Administrator or Human Resources Office for further details.
Are there time limits for purchasing retirement gifts?
There are no time restrictions in the law; departments may establish reasonable time limits for their retiring employees.
What is the turnaround time when an award is ordered?
For MTM Recognition: Three weeks is the normal turn-around time. If a shorter turn-around time is required, please contact Bryan Mular.
My PERS statement shows a different amount of service time than SCO. Why?
Service years are based on qualifying months of state service as indicated by the State Controller’s Office. SCO and PERS calculate service time differently.
Program Inquiries and Feedback
If you have any issues or concerns to report about a product purchased from a State Price Schedule service provider, please contact the Merit Award Program Manager at merit@calhr.ca.gov.
Related Forms