(a) The sheriff shall keep the board informed by periodic reports of the employment needs of the office.

(b)

(1) The board shall, as often as necessary, hold tests to establish lists of persons eligible for the various positions in the classified service.

(2) Such tests shall be public, competitive and open to all persons who may be lawfully appointed under the rules promulgated by the board and existing prior to the announcement of the examination. Such rules may set limitations as to residence, age, health, habits, moral character and other necessary prerequisites for the performance of the duties of the position for which examination is designated.

(c) Promotion tests shall be public, competitive and free to all persons examined and appointed under this part who have held a position for at least one (1) year.

(d) All tests shall be practical and shall consist only of subjects which will fairly determine the capacity of the person examined to perform the duties of the position in which the appointment is to be made. Tests may include examination for physical fitness and manual skill. No question in any test shall relate to religious or political opinions or affiliation.

(e) The eligibles shall take rank upon a list which shall be compiled for each position, in the order of their relative excellence as determined by the tests and without reference to when the tests were given. No lists of eligibles shall be valid after one (1) year; however, the civil service board may extend an eligible period for not more than one (1) additional year.

(f) Notice of the time, place and general scope of each test, and the duties, pay and experience required for all positions for which the test is to be held, shall be given by the board to each applicant at least one (1) week preceding the test. The notice must be in writing and addressed to the last known address supplied by the applicant. Notice of promotional tests shall be given as the board may prescribe.