It hears and rules on appeals filed by state, county and municipal employees, employment candidates, and appointing authorities.

Established in 1908, the Civil Service Commission's founding is rooted in the early 20th century Progressive movement, which had a goal of fighting corruption and inefficiency in government.

Requiring that the commission make all appointment decisions "according to merit and fitness" was part of an effort to subvert a spoils system, and to have a civil service that had greater skill and specialization in addressing the state's work.

The Civil Service Commission assumed many of the roles of the Department of Personnel and Merit System Board.

[1] During much of the Christie administration, the Commission operated with three members or was unable to conduct business due to a lack of quorum.