Probate Referee Exam
The California State Controller appoints probate referees to perform reliable, prompt, and low-cost appraisal of all types of estate assets. The service of a probate referee is required for court resolution of an estate and also available for non-probate trust administration.
Prospective probate referees must pass a state-administered test on probate procedures and appraisal principles. The Controller then appoints at least one probate referee per county based on the recommendations of a panel of lawyers and judges who interview qualified candidates. Probate referees complete 15 hours of continuing education each year to stay up-to-date on current appraisal methods.
CPS HR is the administrator of the Probate Referee Exam.
This is a two-step process which will require applicants to send documents to two different offices. If you have any questions regarding completion of the application or examination process, please contact CPS HR Consulting at [email protected], or call 916-263-3624 and select option #4.
Step 1: Complete the Application for Probate Referee
• Include your email. Write your email address on the upper, right corner of the application
• Include a check or money order in the amount of $75.00 made payable to the Office of the State Controller. This fee is not refundable.
• Include a check or money order in the amount of $75.00 made payable to the Office of the State Controller. This fee is not refundable.
• Applications must be received by CPS HR Consulting no later than November 14th, 2025.
• Send completed application and exam fee to CPS HR Consulting at the address below. You may send your application via certified mail or other shipping method that allows for delivery tracking:
CPS HR Consulting Attn: Probate Referee Program
2450 Del Paso Road, Suite 160
Sacramento, CA 95834
2450 Del Paso Road, Suite 160
Sacramento, CA 95834
Step 2: Send Five (5) letters of recommendation to the Office of the State Controller.
• References should come from the references you list on your application and are required to be considered for an appointment.
• All letters must be received by the State Controller's Office no later than November 14th, 2025.
• Send letters to: State Controller's Office, at the address below:
• References should come from the references you list on your application and are required to be considered for an appointment.
• All letters must be received by the State Controller's Office no later than November 14th, 2025.
• Send letters to: State Controller's Office, at the address below:
State Controller's Office Attn: Probate Referee Program
300 Capitol Mall, Suite 1850
Sacramento, CA 95814
300 Capitol Mall, Suite 1850
Sacramento, CA 95814