Notwithstanding any other law, full-time employees of the state who are exempt from state civil service pursuant to the provisions of Section 4 of Article VII of the California Constitution, shall be eligible to receive three career credits, except when competing for managerial positions, as defined in Section 3513, under conditions prescribed by the department.

Such credits shall be granted only for open nonpromotional examinations. In order to be eligible to receive credits, such employees must meet all qualification requirements specified and must have 12 consecutive months of service in an exempt position.