Current through Pa Acts 2024-53, 2024-56 through 2024-92
Section 55635 - General provisions relating to examinations(a) The commission shall make rules and regulations to be approved as provided in section 630, providing for the examination of applicants for positions in the police force and as paid firefighters and for promotions, which rules and regulations shall prescribe the minimum qualifications of all applicants to be examined and the passing grades. All examinations for positions or promotions shall be practical in character and shall relate to matters and include inquiries as will fairly test the merit and fitness of the individuals examined to discharge the duties of the employment sought by them. All examinations shall be open to all applicants who have the minimum qualifications required by the rules and regulations. Each applicant for examination for an original position shall: (1) be subject to the regulations adopted by the commission;(2) either before or after the written examination, submit to a physical fitness or agility examination that is job-related and consistent with business necessity;(3) if made a conditional offer of employment, be given a physical and psychological medical examination in accordance with section 643; and(4) be subject to a background investigation. Background investigations may be restricted to those candidates on an eligibility list or those to be certified to the board of commissioners for appointment in accordance with section 638.(a.1) An applicant for promotion shall be subject to the regulations adopted by the commission and to examination and selection in accordance with section 642. A physical fitness or agility examination that is job related and consistent with business necessity and physical and psychological medical examinations may, but need not, be required for promotions.(b) Public notice of the time and place of every examination, together with the information as to the kind of position to be filled, shall be given by publication once in a newspaper of general circulation at least two weeks prior to each examination, and a copy of the notice shall be prominently posted in the office of the commission or other public place.(c) The commission shall post in its office the eligibility list containing the names and grades of those who have passed the examination.1931, June 24, P.L. 1206, art. VI, § 635, added 1949, May 27, P.L. 1955, § 20. Amended 1980, Dec. 4, P.L. 1101, No. 188, § 2, imd. effective; 2010, Oct. 19, P.L. 521, No. 75, § 1, imd. effective; 2011, Nov. 9, P.L. 409, No. 100, § 1, imd. effective; 2020, Oct. 29, P.L. 782, No. 96, § 33, effective in 60 days [Dec. 28, 2020].