(a) Civil service examinations shall be held at such times and places, and in a format or manner, including online and web-based, as the Department or designated appointing power may determine is appropriate for the classification that is the subject of the examination. The Department shall direct the preparation of every examination. Examinations may contain any combination of components, including, but not limited to, oral panel tests, written tests, physical tests, and performance tests. The type and scoring methods of examinations to be administered shall be determined by the Department or designated appointing power.

(b) Announcements for civil service examinations shall be posted for a minimum period of ten calendar days and provide all of the following information:

(c) Where the civil service examination is required to be taken in person at the physical location designated on the examination announcement and the agency giving the examination prefers applicants to apply by way of the online application system, the agency shall not prohibit applicants from applying by way of U.S. mail or parcel delivery or courier service or in person. In such a circumstance, the announcement may state or use words to the effect of the following: “Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for this civil service examination; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail or parcel delivery or courier service or in person, as set forth in this announcement.” For purposes of this regulation, “in person” does not include online or web based examinations taken on a computer or other digital device where a particular physical location(s) for taking the online examination is not required and not specified on the examination announcement.

(d) Nothing specified in this section shall be construed to prevent appointing powers from requiring applicants to file certain required documents or materials via U.S. mail or parcel delivery or courier service, where appropriate (e.g., certified transcripts directly from a school, college, or university, completed fingerprints, certified court documents, or rehabilitation documents).

(e) A civil service examination may be canceled by the Department or designated appointing power at any time prior to the establishment of the employment list.