Oakland County processes applicants under the rules of the Oakland County Employment Merit System. All applicants are screened to determine if they meet minimum qualifications as described on the job posting. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are required to take an examination. The Merit System is Oakland County's version of a civil service system by which applicants obtain their jobs on the basis of their individual qualifications, much like one finds at the state and federal government levels. Competitive testing determines each person's selection for a job, without regard to political affiliation, national origin, religious beliefs, race, sex, age or disability. Oakland County's Merit System was adopted in November of 1966 after a resolution, placed on the ballot during the general elections, was passed by an overwhelming majority of Oakland County voters. It is now administered by the County Executive through the Human Resources Department, with policies established by the Board of Commissioners.