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California Research Data Specialist I (EX-2360)
EXAM ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
Summarized Exam Coverage – California Research Data Specialist I (EX-2360)
The Research Data Specialist I (RDS I) exam is an online, self-guided assessment used by the State of
California to establish an eligibility list for hiring . The exam is not timed, but you must complete it in
one sitting; your responses are saved when you navigate between pages .
Exam Content (100% of Final Score) :
The exam is an online questionnaire evaluating your education and experience. It covers:
• Knowledge of: data analysis methods, research planning, trend analysis, statistics, experimental
design, operations research, data security, business intelligence software, algorithms, data
structures, survey methods, forecasting, and problem-solving.
• Ability to: research/gather/analyze structured/unstructured data, conduct
descriptive/inferential statistical analysis, prepare reports, manage multiple projects, work in
teams, query/manipulate data, adapt research methods, design studies, evaluate data
adequacy, develop data collection procedures, analyze program outcomes, and communicate
effectively both orally and in writing.
Scoring & Eligibility :
• A final score of 70% is required to be placed on the eligible list.
• Scores are based on your self-reported education and experience.
• Once you take the exam, you may not recompete for 9 months.
• The resulting eligible list is valid for 12 months.
• Eligible lists are used to fill vacancies statewide.
• Veterans' Preference applies (GC Sections 18973-18979).
Work Environment & Tools :
• Positions are often hybrid (e.g., Sacramento office 2 days/week).
• Common tools: SAS, R, SQL, Python, Databricks, Tableau, ArcGIS, Excel.
• Typical tasks: economic forecasting, policy analysis, data visualization, quality assurance,
technical training, stakeholder communication.
1. A candidate for the Research Data Specialist I position has a bachelor's degree in sociology with 15
semester units of statistics and research methods. However, she has only 2 years of full-time research
experience. Which statement best describes her eligibility to take the exam?
A) Eligible because she meets the educational requirements and has some research experience
B) Not eligible because she needs 4 years of experience or a master’s degree
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C) Eligible only if she also passes a typing test
D) Not eligible because sociology is not a qualifying field of study
Answer: B – The minimum qualifications require either 4 years of experience or a master’s degree in a
related field (which substitutes for 2 years). With 2 years of experience and only a bachelor’s, she does
not meet either pattern .
2. An applicant for the Research Data Specialist I exam has a master’s degree in economics. She has 1
year of experience collecting and analyzing labor market data. How many years of the 4-year experience
requirement does her master’s degree substitute?
A) 0 years (no substitution)
B) 1 year
C) 2 years
D) 3 years
Answer: C – A master’s degree in economics, mathematics, psychology, sociology, demography,
geography, anthropology, statistics, data science, or a related research-oriented field may be
substituted for 2 years of the required experience .
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3. The Research Data Specialist I exam is an online assessment. What happens if you close your browser
before completing the exam?
A) You can resume where you left off within 30 days
B) Your responses are saved, and you can return later
C) You must restart the exam from the beginning because it must be completed in one sitting
D) You automatically fail the exam
Answer: C – The exam is designed to be taken in one sitting. Session information is saved when you
move between pages, but closing your browser will end the session and require restarting .
4. Which of the following fields of study is NOT listed as qualifying for the 12-unit research-related
coursework requirement?
A) Demography
B) Geography
C) Business administration
D) Anthropology
Answer: C – The bulletin lists economics, mathematics, psychology, sociology, demography, geography,
anthropology, statistics, and data science. Business administration is not specifically listed .
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5. A Research Data Specialist I is asked to forecast the economic impact of a new state policy. She must
analyze housing, employment, and income trends. What type of analysis is she most likely performing?
A) Geospatial analysis
B) Time series forecasting
C) Qualitative survey analysis
D) Text mining
Answer: B – Economic forecasting involves analyzing time-series data (e.g., employment, housing,
income over time) to predict future trends .
6. After taking the exam, a candidate receives a score of 85%. How long will her name remain on the
eligible list?
A) 6 months
B) 12 months
C) 18 months
D) 24 months
Answer: B – Eligibility expires 12 months after the list is established. Applicants must retake the exam to
reestablish eligibility .
California Research Data Specialist I (EX-2360)
EXAM ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
Summarized Exam Coverage – California Research Data Specialist I (EX-2360)
The Research Data Specialist I (RDS I) exam is an online, self-guided assessment used by the State of
California to establish an eligibility list for hiring . The exam is not timed, but you must complete it in
one sitting; your responses are saved when you navigate between pages .
Exam Content (100% of Final Score) :
The exam is an online questionnaire evaluating your education and experience. It covers:
• Knowledge of: data analysis methods, research planning, trend analysis, statistics, experimental
design, operations research, data security, business intelligence software, algorithms, data
structures, survey methods, forecasting, and problem-solving.
• Ability to: research/gather/analyze structured/unstructured data, conduct
descriptive/inferential statistical analysis, prepare reports, manage multiple projects, work in
teams, query/manipulate data, adapt research methods, design studies, evaluate data
adequacy, develop data collection procedures, analyze program outcomes, and communicate
effectively both orally and in writing.
Scoring & Eligibility :
• A final score of 70% is required to be placed on the eligible list.
• Scores are based on your self-reported education and experience.
• Once you take the exam, you may not recompete for 9 months.
• The resulting eligible list is valid for 12 months.
• Eligible lists are used to fill vacancies statewide.
• Veterans' Preference applies (GC Sections 18973-18979).
Work Environment & Tools :
• Positions are often hybrid (e.g., Sacramento office 2 days/week).
• Common tools: SAS, R, SQL, Python, Databricks, Tableau, ArcGIS, Excel.
• Typical tasks: economic forecasting, policy analysis, data visualization, quality assurance,
technical training, stakeholder communication.
1. A candidate for the Research Data Specialist I position has a bachelor's degree in sociology with 15
semester units of statistics and research methods. However, she has only 2 years of full-time research
experience. Which statement best describes her eligibility to take the exam?
A) Eligible because she meets the educational requirements and has some research experience
B) Not eligible because she needs 4 years of experience or a master’s degree
, Page 2 of 134
C) Eligible only if she also passes a typing test
D) Not eligible because sociology is not a qualifying field of study
Answer: B – The minimum qualifications require either 4 years of experience or a master’s degree in a
related field (which substitutes for 2 years). With 2 years of experience and only a bachelor’s, she does
not meet either pattern .
2. An applicant for the Research Data Specialist I exam has a master’s degree in economics. She has 1
year of experience collecting and analyzing labor market data. How many years of the 4-year experience
requirement does her master’s degree substitute?
A) 0 years (no substitution)
B) 1 year
C) 2 years
D) 3 years
Answer: C – A master’s degree in economics, mathematics, psychology, sociology, demography,
geography, anthropology, statistics, data science, or a related research-oriented field may be
substituted for 2 years of the required experience .
, Page 3 of 134
3. The Research Data Specialist I exam is an online assessment. What happens if you close your browser
before completing the exam?
A) You can resume where you left off within 30 days
B) Your responses are saved, and you can return later
C) You must restart the exam from the beginning because it must be completed in one sitting
D) You automatically fail the exam
Answer: C – The exam is designed to be taken in one sitting. Session information is saved when you
move between pages, but closing your browser will end the session and require restarting .
4. Which of the following fields of study is NOT listed as qualifying for the 12-unit research-related
coursework requirement?
A) Demography
B) Geography
C) Business administration
D) Anthropology
Answer: C – The bulletin lists economics, mathematics, psychology, sociology, demography, geography,
anthropology, statistics, and data science. Business administration is not specifically listed .
, Page 4 of 134
5. A Research Data Specialist I is asked to forecast the economic impact of a new state policy. She must
analyze housing, employment, and income trends. What type of analysis is she most likely performing?
A) Geospatial analysis
B) Time series forecasting
C) Qualitative survey analysis
D) Text mining
Answer: B – Economic forecasting involves analyzing time-series data (e.g., employment, housing,
income over time) to predict future trends .
6. After taking the exam, a candidate receives a score of 85%. How long will her name remain on the
eligible list?
A) 6 months
B) 12 months
C) 18 months
D) 24 months
Answer: B – Eligibility expires 12 months after the list is established. Applicants must retake the exam to
reestablish eligibility .
