California Code, Government Code - GOV § 19889.3

(a) Eligibility for appointment to positions in the career executive assignment category shall be established as a result of competitive examinations.  All candidates shall meet such minimum qualifications as the State Personnel Board may determine are requisite to the performance of high administrative and policy influencing functions.

(b) No person employed in a career executive assignment shall be deemed to acquire as a result of such service any rights to or status in positions governed by the provisions of this part relating to the civil service other than the category of career executive assignment, except as provided by State Personnel Board rule.