But he worked hard and rose far, taking every promotional exam he could, catching the eye of his bosses, becoming indispensable to them.

Technicians may take an internal promotional exam to become firefighters.

In 1942, the first promotional exam was given for the title of "Special Patrolman Grade 2" - or what is now known as a sergeant.

He could have stayed and made a career for himself, even taken a promotional exam in a few years to become a civil servant.

Other important aspects of the Birmingham plan, including the validity of promotional exams, have not yet been resolved in the lower courts.

Mr. Speas said that when he took the 1987 promotional exam for fire captain there were three parts to the written exam.

Departmental records show that black and Hispanic officers have not done as well as whites on promotional exams.

He rose quickly through the ranks, scoring first on every promotional exam he took in his ascent from officer to deputy chief.

A bachelor's degree may substitute for one year of experience but can only be used for one promotional exam.

"They passed four promotional exams," he said.