(A) General. The examination process shall include all of the factors taken into consideration in constructing an eligible list and selecting a candidate to fill a position.
(B) Examination elements. An examination may consist of one or more of the following elements:
(1) Written examinations. Written examinations shall examine an applicant's aptitude, potential for achievement, and knowledge of work. The examination may include: an objective type examination designed to test an applicant's familiarity with information and material which could reasonably be expected in a position; standard intelligence tests; standard aptitude tests; a dissertation on one or more subjects dealing with problems encountered in a position; or any other acceptable method to examine an applicant's potential and ability to perform the duties of a position in a classification.
(2) Medical or psychological examinations.
(a) Examinations for entire classification. When it is determined that medical or psychological qualifications are of special importance to a classification, candidates shall be required to pass an examination and be certified as qualified in such respect. Candidates will not be required to undergo a medical or psychological examination until a conditional offer of employment has been extended.
(b) Examinations for specific positions within a classification. When it is determined that medical or psychological qualifications are of special importance to a specific position within a classification, and such qualifications are not required for all positions within a classification, applicants certified for appointment to, or being considered for, provisional hiring shall be required to pass a medical or psychological examination.
(c) After a conditional decision has been made to hire an individual, the individual may be required to undergo a medical or psychological examination and to supply the results to the Commission. The examination results shall be the last factor evaluated by the Commission before reaching a final decision to make an offer of employment.
(C) Notice and certification of examination. Whenever a medical or psychological examination is required, the following shall apply:
(1) Notice of requirement. When a medical or psychological examination is required for a classification such requirement shall be published in the examination announcement.
(2) Certification required. When a medical or psychological examination is required, applicants shall be furnished forms that indicate the items an examination will cover. The forms must be completed by a licensed practitioner who has personal knowledge, from either medical treatment or examination, as to the medical or psychological condition of the applicant as the condition would relate to the applicant's performance in a position in the classification.
(3) Designation of medical provider and cost of the examination. The Commission reserves the right to designate or approve the examining licensed practitioner, whose report shall be final. The cost of examination shall be borne by the city. Costs of all other examinations, unless otherwise specified, shall be borne by the applicant.
(4) Use of examination results. Any medical or psychological examination reports shall be deemed confidential records and may only be used in ascertaining an applicant's fitness for appointment and employment.
(D) Types of examinations.
(1) Physical or physiological examinations. Physical or physiological examinations shall measure the muscular strength, agility, endurance, and coordination of applicants. Physical or physiological examinations to measure an applicant's physical abilities to perform required tasks of a classification or position may involve physical tasks similar to those required of a classification position. The city may require periodic physical, physiological, orpsychological examinations of employees as become necessary to ensure the continued health and well-being of employees.
(2) Unassembled examination. Unassembled examinations to evaluate the education, experience, or training of applicants shall use a consistent standard of ranking of the qualifications of applicants. Ratings may be made which evaluate education, training, special skills, and/or experience relevant to the classification for which the examination is taken or relevant to a position or positions within a classification if such qualifications are necessary for the performance of duties for the position or positions within a classification.
(3) Oral examinations; assessment centers.
(a) Oral examinations, interviews or assessment centers which evaluate and demonstrate the knowledge, personal qualities, qualifications, and communication skills of an applicant may be utilized.
(b) Oral examinations shall involve similar questions for all applicants for an examination or position. Oral examinations shall be administered by one or more individuals, who shall be familiar or familiarized with the classification or position. When more than one examiner is used for oral examinations the scores shall be averaged to determine a final score for an applicant.
(c) Oral examinations shall not be used for applicants to the position of firefighter.
(4) Mental fitness examinations. Examinations which evaluate an applicant's mental fitness, character traits, and attitudes may be given, provided such examinations are designed to determine an applicant's potential to perform the duties of a classification.
(5) Polygraph examinations. Applicants for an examination may be examined by a polygraph. Whenever a polygraph examination is required as an element of examination process the cost of the polygraph examination shall be borne by the city. Any polygraph examination and the examination reports shall be deemed confidential records and may only be used in ascertaining an applicant's fitness for appointment and employment.
(E) Scope of examinations.
(1) All examinations, all portions of an examination, and all methods utilized in an examination shall be related to and premised upon the duties and responsibilities of the classification or position examined.
(2) All entrance examinations shall be designed to measure an applicant's skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform the duties of a classification.
(3) Promotional examinations shall be designed to measure an applicant's ability to perform the duties of a position in a classification above the entry-level classification. Promotional examinations may be either open or closed promotional examinations to be determined according to the provisions of the Ohio Revised Code and by the decision of the Commission.
(4) Each applicant for examination must successfully complete each element of the examination in order to pass the examination. The elements of each examination that each applicant must successfully complete shall be specified.
(F) Qualifications for examinations.
(1) Age requirements for applicants or examinees.
(a) General. There shall be no age limitations required of applicants for examination or employment except as established by the Commission in the minimum qualifications of a classification specification. Justifiable age requirements may be established for appointment to positions.
(b) Fire applicants. No person shall be eligible to receive an original appointment as firefighter in a fire department unless he or she has reached the age of 18.
(c) Police applicants. No person shall be eligible to receive an original appointment as a police officer unless he or she has reached the age of 21.
(2) Special or exceptional qualifications. When a position within a classification requires special qualifications of a scientific, managerial, professional, or educational nature, or where a particular applicant has special qualifications for a vacant position based on special skills, education or experience, the Commission may determine that it is not practicable to give a competitive examination for a position or to fill a position from an eligible list. In such cases, the Mayor may appoint or approve the appointment of a person who possesses such special qualifications upon submission to, and approval by, the Commission that it is not practicable to conduct an examination for the position, or to fill the position from an eligible list, and that the person possesses the special qualifications.
(Ord. 2001-03, passed 1-16-01)