Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 80 Part 1.djvu/454

 418

PUBLIC LAW 89-554-SEPT. 6, 1966

[80 STAT.

(2) necessary exceptions from the provisions of sections 2951, 3304(a), 3306(a)(1), 3321,7152, 7153,7321, and 7322 of this title. Each officer and individual employed in an agency to which the rules apply shall aid in carrying out the rules. § 3303. Competitive service; recommendations of Senators or Representatives An individual concerned in examining an applicant for or appointing him in the competitive service may not receive or consider a recommendation of the applicant by a Senator or Representative, except as to the character or residence of the applicant. § 3304. Competitive service; examinations (a) The President may prescribe rules which shall provide, as nearly as conditions of good administration warrant, for— (1) open, competitive examinations for testing applicants for appointment in the competitive service which are practical in character and as far as possible relate to matters that fairly test the relative capacity and fitness of the applicants for the appointment sought; and (2) noncompetitive examinations when competent applicants do not compete after notice has been given of the existence of the vacancy. (b) An individual may be appointed in the competitive service only if he has passed an examination or is specifically excepted from examination under section 3302 of this title. This subt;°.ction does not take from the President any authority conferred by section 3301 of this title that is consistent with the provisions of this title governing the competitive service. (c) Notwithstanding a contrary provision of this title or of the rules and regulations prescribed under this title for the administration of the competitive service, an individual who served— (1) for at least 3 years in the legislative branch in a position in which he was paid by the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the House of Representatives; or (2) for at least 4 years as a secretary or law clerk, or both, to a justice or judge of the United States; acquires a competitive status for transfer to the competitive service if he is involuntarily separated without prejudice from the legislative or judicial branch, passes a suitable noncompetitive examination, and transfers to the competitive service within 1 year of the separation from the legislative or judicial branch. For the purpose of this subsection, an individual who has served for at least 2 years in a position in the legislative branch described by paragraph (1) of this subsection and who is separated from that position to enter the armed forces is deemed to have held that position during his service in the armed forces. (d) Employees at any place outside the District of Columbia where the President or a Civil Service Commission board of examiners directs that examinations be held shall allow the reasonable use of public buildings for, and in all proper ways facilitate, holding the examinations. § 3305. Competitive service; examinations; when held (a) The Civil Service Commission shall hold examinations for the competitive service at least twice a year in each State and territory or possession of the United States where there are individuals to be examined.

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