(a) The classified service as defined by Code Section 45-20-2 shall consist of all positions filled by agencies prior to July 1, 1996, except those included by law in the unclassified service and except as provided in Code Section 15-11-24.3. Such classified positions shall be covered by the state merit system. Any officer or employee who occupies a covered position under the state merit system prior to July 1, 1996, or as provided in Code Section 15-11-24.3 shall remain in the classified service so long as such officer or employee shall remain in a covered position or as otherwise provided by law.

(b) The unclassified service as defined by Code Section 45-20-2 shall consist of all positions in the departments of state government not included in the classified service under this article and these positions shall not be subject to the rules and regulations of the State Personnel Board.

(c) Exclusion from the classified service shall not exclude any employee, officer, or official from eligibility for membership or membership in the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia, provided that such employee, officer, or official is otherwise eligible for membership under Chapter 2 of Title 47.

(d) It is the intent of the General Assembly that employees in the classified service be required to serve a working test period before they obtain merit system protection and that the successful completion of this probationary period is part of the employment examination procedure. Each employee serving in a working test period shall be provided with management review by the appointing authority within ten calendar days of the date the employee has completed one-half of the working test period or as near to such date as is practicable. The management review shall include an evaluation of the employee's progress and recommendations, if any, for corrective action. The provision of management review pursuant to this subsection is solely for the purpose of promoting efficient management and employee development and shall not be interpreted as granting any additional rights to a working test employee. The State Personnel Board shall be responsible for adopting and amending rules and regulations establishing the guidelines to be used by the appointing authority in completing the management review pursuant to this subsection.