§ 12. [Conduct of examinations for appointment.]

Tests for fitness for original entrance and for promotion shall be free, and tests for original entrance shall be open to all persons 18 years or over who meet the requirements established for admission as specified in the rules to be established by the Board which may relate to age, sex, health, habits, experience, moral character, training, education and other reasonable qualifications. If such a person be 21 years of age or over, he or she must be a qualified voter. Preference is to be given both by the Board and the appointing authority to a resident of the City of New Iberia when all things are relatively equal in respect to ability, experience, training, and education as compared to a nonresident of the City of New Iberia.

(A)

Examinations shall be practical in character and shall relate to matters which will fairly test the relative capacity of the person examined to discharge the duties of the position to which he seeks appointment and may include tests of physical qualifications and health, and when appropriate, of manual skill. No question in an examination shall relate to the political, factional or religious opinions or affiliations of such applicant.

(B)

The Board shall adopt such rules for taking the tests, for grading the applicants and for the general method of conducting such examinations as seems desirable and fair.

(C)

Insofar as practicable, vacancies in the Classified Service shall be filled by promotion but competitive examinations open to all qualified city employees and persons not in the City Classified Service shall be used to fill vacancies in entrance level classes of positions or in any other class of position when, in the discretion of the Board, the filling of such vacancies through open competitive examinations would be in the interest of the city service.

(D)

Five points shall be added to the grade for military service under honorable conditions provided that the points may be added only after a passing grade or score is attained.

(E)

Within sixty (60) days after the date on which a test is held, the Director shall complete the rating and prepare the list or lists hereinabove provided.