The commission may employ personnel as necessary to carry out its duties and responsibilities. The staff of the commission shall be subject to the provisions of the State Civil Service Act contained in Part 2 (commencing with Section 18500) of Division 5 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
All persons, other than temporary employees, serving in the state civil service and engaged in the performance of a function transferred to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing or engaged in the administration of a law, the administration of which is transferred to the commission, shall remain in the state civil service and may request transfer to the commission or remain with the department on the effective date of this section. The status, position, and rights of any person shall
not be affected by his or her transfer and shall continue to be retained pursuant to the State Civil Service Act, except as to positions the duties of which are vested in a position that is exempt from civil service.