CalPERS details myCalPERS test environment, Cognos access change and payroll‑file validations

CalPERS systems staff described recent and upcoming changes to the myCalPERS test environment and validations affecting employer payroll processing.

Pua Yang of CalPERS’s systems support team told employers that test environment hyperlinks are available on the technical resources page. She advised there are two different test links: one for accounts provisioned into CalPERS’ monthly test refresh (use production credentials) and another for accounts created directly in the test environment (these local test accounts are removed at refresh).

Yang said that as of Dec. 20, 2024, external users can no longer run Cognos reports in the test environment; reporting remains available in production and employers should contact Employer Technical Support for assistance retrieving test data as needed.

Why it matters: Employers use the test environment to validate files and payroll before production uploads to reduce data errors.

Yang described three system enhancements in the employer account area. A validation deployed Jan. 18, 2025 requires that the pay rate type in a retroactive salary adjustment match the pay rate type originally reported for that earned period; mismatches will produce a validation error. CalPERS also plans a two‑phase update to the Maintain Payroll Records functionality: phase one (deployed March 1, 2025) will reverse payroll records and associated financials as originally reported and allow employers to correct payroll data rate changes (for example PEPRA to classic) without CalPERS assistance; phase two (planned April 26, 2025) will allow employers to adjust payroll across multiple appointments and to review/adjust payroll records tied to arrears determinations.

Ending: Employers were asked to review technical resources, to use test links appropriately, and to contact employer technical support for help with testing and report access.