(a) General rule.--A promotion shall be based on merit to be ascertained by an examination to be prescribed by the commission. All questions relative to a promotion shall be practical in character and fairly test the merit and fitness of persons seeking promotion.
(b) Notification of vacancy.--Council shall notify the commission of a vacancy in the police force or as a paid fire apparatus operator in the borough which is to be filled by promotion and shall request the certification of an eligibility list.
(c) Certification required.--
(1) The commission shall certify for each vacancy the names of three persons on the eligibility list who have received the highest average in the last preceding promotional examination held within a period of two years preceding the date of the request for the eligibility list.
(2) If three names are not available, the commission shall certify the names remaining on the eligibility list.
(3) The council shall make an appointment from the names certified, based solely on the merits and fitness of the candidate, unless council makes objections to the commission regarding one or more of the persons so certified for any reason provided under section 1183 (relating to rejection of applicant and hearing).
(d) Increase in salary as promotion.--The council may determine in each instance whether an increase in salary constitutes a promotion.
Cross References. Section 1188 is referred to in section 1181 of this title.