The department may designate an appointing power to design, announce, or administer examinations for the establishment of employment lists in accordance with Section 18654 and board rule. No later than January 1, 1987, the board shall authorize or assess the ability of appointing powers to design, announce, or administer designated examinations for the establishment of employment lists. The board may audit examinations and order corrective action or nullify any examination or parts thereof which have been conducted improperly.
A designated appointing power may contract with the department or another designated appointing power for the purpose of designing, publicizing, or administering an
examination.