Qian Hall, CSC Docket No. 2023-2888

BackgroundQian Hall appeals his score for the physical performance portion of the examination for Fire Fighter (M1867W), Pleasantville.

The record establishes that the appellant took the subject portion of the examination on June 21, 2023. The physical performance portion of the exam consisted of three parts: the obstacle course, the ladder climb, and the darkened maze crawl. Each part had a passing point. The passing time for the darkened maze crawl was 40 seconds, and the appellant completed it in 47.07 seconds and therefore failed the examination.

At the test center, the appellant stated that he was being too cautious and that he hit his hand on the side and did not want to be disqualified. In a supplement, he states that he was not mindful of the time. He requests a retest as being a Fire Fighter has always been his dream career and one false movement should not cost him his future.

N.J.A.C. 4A:4-2.15(b)2, Rating of examinations, states that, “examinations consisting of more than one part may be rated independently, and candidates who do not receive a passing score on one part of an examination shall be deemed to have failed the entire examination.” Thus, it was necessary to pass all three parts of the physical performance portion in order to pass the examination. If a candidate did not complete any one of the three physical performance exercises in under the allotted times, that candidate failed the examination.

CONCLUSION

The appellant has not presented a persuasive argument for a retest. Each Center Supervisor makes notes of non-routine occurrences in the testing center. In this case, the Center Supervisor notes indicate that the appellant stated that he was taking his time and expecting more debris. All candidates had access to the physical performance test, physical fitness manual, which provides a description of the darkened maze crawl. They are also told to be prepared. All candidates knew of the time constraints, and the appellant was not treated any differently than any other candidate. A retest is not warranted under these circumstances.

A thorough review of the record indicates that the determination of the Division of Test Development and Analytics was proper and consistent with Civil Service regulations and that the appellant has not met his burden of proof in this matter.

ORDER

Therefore, it is ordered that this appeal be denied.

ClosingThis is the final administrative determination in this matter. Any further review should be pursued in a judicial forum.