Texas Civil Service Exam Chapter 143 Civil Service Law 3

Question 1

Under Chapter 143, what is the minimum probationary period for a new police officer or firefighter hired through the civil service process?

Accepted Answer

12 months

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

120 hours

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Denial of a promotion to a position not on the eligibility list

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

15 days

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Reinstate the employee with back pay

Answer

If the commission finds the suspension unjustified, it orders reinstatement of the employee with full back pay for the suspension period.

Texas Civil Service Exam Practice Test

Texas Civil Service Exam Practice Test

Texas Civil Service Exam Chapter 143 Civil Service Law 3