Texas Civil Service Exam Chapter 143 Civil Service Law 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under Chapter 143, what is the minimum probationary period for a new police officer or firefighter hired through the civil service process?
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 12 months (Correct answer)
- 18 months
Correct answer: 12 months
The standard probationary period under Chapter 143 is 12 months, during which the employee can be discharged without the full civil service appeal process.
Question 2: Under Chapter 143, after a classified employee is indefinitely suspended, within how many days must the department head file written charges with the commission?
- 48 hours
- 5 days
- 120 hours (Correct answer)
- 10 days
Correct answer: 120 hours
The department head must file written charges with the commission within 120 hours (five days) of imposing an indefinite suspension.
Question 3: Under Chapter 143, which action by a department head is NOT subject to a civil service appeal by the affected employee?
- Indefinite suspension
- Demotion for cause
- Temporary suspension of 15 days
- Denial of a promotion to a position not on the eligibility list (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Denial of a promotion to a position not on the eligibility list
Appeals under Chapter 143 cover disciplinary actions and promotions from eligibility lists; discretionary decisions outside the classified promotional process are generally not appealable.
Question 4: Under Chapter 143, a suspended officer who appeals to the civil service commission must file a written appeal within how many days of receiving the department head's written charges?
- 5 days
- 10 days
- 15 days (Correct answer)
- 30 days
Correct answer: 15 days
The suspended employee has 15 days from receipt of written charges to file a written appeal with the commission.
Question 5: Under Chapter 143, which of the following is the commission's authority when it finds a suspension was unjustified?
- Reinstate the employee with back pay (Correct answer)
- Reduce the suspension period only
- Recommend reinstatement to the governing body
- Fine the department head
Correct answer: Reinstate the employee with back pay
If the commission finds the suspension unjustified, it orders reinstatement of the employee with full back pay for the suspension period.
Question 6: Under Chapter 143, a classified employee who is demoted or suspended may bypass the civil service commission and appeal directly to which body?
- The mayor
- District court (Correct answer)
- County civil service board
- State Fire Marshal's office
Correct answer: District court
Chapter 143 allows an employee to bypass the commission and appeal directly to district court instead of filing with the commission.
Question 7: Under Chapter 143, if a department head reduces a classified employee in rank during a reduction in force, what criterion must be used to determine who is reduced?
- Performance ratings
- Seniority (Correct answer)
- Educational credentials
- Physical fitness scores
Correct answer: Seniority
Reductions in force under Chapter 143 must be based on seniority, with the least senior employees reduced first.
Texas Civil Service Exam Chapter 143 Civil Service Law 3
Under Chapter 143, what is the minimum probationary period for a new police officer or firefighter hired through the civil service process?