MERIT SYSTEM 2569

dates actually to perform the duties of the class of positions to which they
seek to be appointed. Any investigation of training and experience and any
tests of technical knowledge, manual skill or physical fitness that in the
judgment of the Commissioner serves to this end may be employed.

In all examinations to determine the qualifications of a preference ap-
plicant, credit shall be given for all valuable experience, including experi-
ence gained in civic, service and organization activities, even though no
compensation was received therefor.

Examination shall be competitive, free and open to all persons who
may be lawfully appointed to any position within the class for which the
examination is held, with such limitations as may be specified in the rules
by the Commissioner as to age, sex, health, habits, moral character, physical
condition, and other qualifications, except as hereinafter provided that
are in the judgment of the Commissioner prerequisite to the performance
of the duties of such positions; provided, however, that the Commissioner
may, from time to time, provide for general rules exempting from com-
petitive examinations, positions to be filled by unskilled manual laborers,
including positions for road patrolmen under the State Roads Commis-
sion, and may, if he sees fit, provide in lieu of said competitive examina-
tions such system or systems of registration for said laborers or otherwise
as in its judgment will best provide for such positions; and provided
further as to all positions that the Commissioner may by his rules give
preference in competition for higher classes of positions to classified ser-
vice employees or to classified service employees of a certain class or classes
by giving credit for experience and demonstrated efficiency (not to exceed
twenty per centum of all marks) in determining the relative fitness for
promotion of such employees. Honorably discharged veterans of the mili-
tary and naval services of the United States who served sometime during
the war with Spain (April 6, 1898, to July 2, 1902) or the World War
(April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918) and who have been bona fide resi-
dents of this State for five years or more shall be given special credit for
such service. Such honorably discharged war veterans who are disabled
as the result of their war service shall be given a credit of ten points
in all examinations for appointments. Non-disabled veterans shall be
given a credit of five points in all examinations for appointment.

The same preference as extended disabled veterans shall be given to the
wives of such veterans as have themselves been unable to qualify for Merit
System appointment because of disability, and to the unmarried widows
of deceased veterans who had served in any branch of the armed forces
of the United States as aforesaid, provided, however, that they shall be
such wife or widow of said veterans on the date of the enactment of this
Act; such honorably discharged war veterans under fifty-five years of age
granted preference shall be released from age limitation, except for posi-
tions of policemen and firemen. Honorably discharged war veterans hav-
ing qualified with all such credits shall be certified for appointment, em-
ployment, re-instatement or reemployment before non-veterans.

Promotion is a change from one class to another class with a higher
maximum compensation, and vacancies shall be filled by promotion as far
as is consistent with the best interests of the classified service, in the
judgment of the Commissioner.

The Commissioner shall control all examinations and may designate
as special examiners any officers or employees of this State or any other