Texas Civil Service Exam Chapter 143 Civil Service Law 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under Chapter 143, which of the following accurately describes the role of the civil service director?
- The director commands all civil service employees
- The director administers examinations and maintains eligibility lists (Correct answer)
- The director appoints commissioners
- The director approves all disciplinary actions
Correct answer: The director administers examinations and maintains eligibility lists
The civil service director is the administrative officer who conducts examinations, certifies eligibility lists, and keeps personnel records.
Question 2: Under Chapter 143, a promotional examination must test candidates on duties relevant to the position being filled. Which of the following may NOT be included in a promotional exam?
- Job knowledge specific to the rank
- Physical agility unrelated to the position's duties (Correct answer)
- Assessment center exercises
- Written problem-solving scenarios
Correct answer: Physical agility unrelated to the position's duties
Physical agility tests are only appropriate where the duties of the promoted rank specifically require them; they cannot be used arbitrarily for all promotional exams.
Question 3: Under Chapter 143, what is the maximum period a department head may temporarily suspend a classified employee without filing formal charges with the civil service commission?
- 24 hours
- 15 days (Correct answer)
- 30 days
- There is no maximum — only indefinite suspensions require charges
Correct answer: 15 days
A temporary suspension under Chapter 143 may not exceed 15 days; suspensions longer than 15 days constitute an indefinite suspension requiring formal charges.
Question 4: Under Chapter 143, which statement about promotional eligibility lists is CORRECT?
- Any classified employee may take any promotional exam regardless of time-in-grade
- Candidates must have served in the next lower classification for a minimum period set by the commission (Correct answer)
- The department head selects who may sit for a promotional exam
- Promotional exams are given only when the department head requests them
Correct answer: Candidates must have served in the next lower classification for a minimum period set by the commission
Chapter 143 requires candidates to have served in the next lower classification for the period specified by the commission's rules before sitting for a promotional exam.
Question 5: Under Chapter 143, if a commission hearing officer's recommended decision is challenged, to which court may the aggrieved party appeal?
- Court of appeals
- District court in the county where the municipality is located (Correct answer)
- Justice of the peace court
- Texas Supreme Court
Correct answer: District court in the county where the municipality is located
Appeals from civil service commission decisions under Chapter 143 are taken to the district court in the county where the municipality is located.
Question 6: Under Chapter 143, which of the following is an example of conduct that constitutes a violation warranting disciplinary action?
- Reporting a supervisor's illegal conduct to an oversight body
- Engaging in political activity prohibited by the chapter (Correct answer)
- Joining a professional association
- Requesting a transfer to another division
Correct answer: Engaging in political activity prohibited by the chapter
Chapter 143 prohibits classified employees from engaging in certain political activities, and violation of those restrictions is grounds for disciplinary action.
Question 7: Under Chapter 143, which provision protects a classified employee who reports a violation of Chapter 143 to the civil service commission or a law enforcement agency?
- The merit protection clause
- The anti-retaliation provision (Correct answer)
- The whistleblower exemption under Chapter 554
- No specific protection exists under Chapter 143
Correct answer: The anti-retaliation provision
Chapter 143 contains an anti-retaliation provision prohibiting a municipality from taking adverse action against an employee for reporting violations of the chapter.
Texas Civil Service Exam Chapter 143 Civil Service Law 4
Under Chapter 143, which of the following accurately describes the role of the civil service director?