The City of Chester’s Police and Fire positions are filled through a civil service process governed by the City’s Civil Service Rules and applicable state law. This page explains how that process works. Current open examinations are listed below in the “Current Examinations” section.

Civil service positions – including Police Officer and Firefighter – are filled through a competitive examination process rather than the standard application process used for other City jobs. The process is designed to ensure hiring decisions are based on standardized, merit-based testing and established rules.

Civil service hiring is administered by the City’s Human Resources Department in coordination with the Civil Service Commission.

• An examination is announced when the City needs to establish or refresh an eligibility list for a covered position.
• Applicants submit a completed application, required documentation, and processing fee by the posted deadline.
• Eligible applicants complete required testing, which may include a physical agility test, written examination, and other assessments specific to the position.
• Applicants who pass al required testing are placed on a ranked eligibility list.
• When a vacancy occurs, the City refers candidates from the top of the eligibility list in accordance with the Rule of Three.
• Eligibility lists remain valid for a set period and expire in accordance with the Civil Service Rules.

Detailed qualifications, automatic disqualifiers, and step-by-step testing procedures differ by position. See the dedicated department page for the position you’re interested in:

• Police Officer – Requirements & Testing (link to subpage section here)
• Firefighter – Requirements & Testing (link to subpage section here)

Requirements vary by position and are listed in full on each examination notice. Common requirements include:

• Minimum age requirement as of the testing date
• Proof of legal authorization to work in the United States
• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver’s license
• Residency in the City of Chester or approved distance
• Position-specific certifications where applicable (e.g., Act 120 certification for Police Officer)

Eligible veterans who qualify as a “soldier” under the Veteran’s Preference Act receive an additional 10 points added to their total score, provided the applicant has successfully completed all phases of the testing procedure. Acceptable documentation verifying qualifying military service must be submitted with the application by the deadline.

A non-refundable processing fee applies to civil service applications unless otherwise stated on the examination notice. Fee amount and accepted payment methods are listed on each examination notice.

Application instructions are specific to each examination and are posted with the examination notice. In general:

• Applications and required documentation must be submitted in full by the stated deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Accepted submission methods (mail, courier, email, or in-person by appointment) are listed on each examination notice.
• Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.

There is no active Civil Service examination at this time. Check back periodically or contact the Office of Human Resources to be notified of upcoming examinations.

For questions about the civil service process, an open examination, or the application process, contact the Office of Human Resources at 610-447-7700.