N.J.S.A. 11A:4-2 Holding of examinations
A vacancy shall be filled by a promotional examination when considered by the commission to be in the best interest of the career service. Amended 1 time since 1986.
Current through the close of the 221st Legislature (L. 2025, c. 346). What that means
Reviewed as of July 28, 2026. Official text: njleg.state.nj.us.
In plain language
Twenty-four words deciding whether a vacancy is open to outsiders. A vacancy is filled by promotional examination when the Commission considers that to be in the best interest of the career service. The judgment is the Commission's, not the appointing authority's, and the standard is the interest of the service rather than the preference of the department with the opening. That is the pivot on which "will this job be advertised to the public" turns.
Written by the NJ Civil Service Navigator editorial team from the text of this section. The statute itself is below, unabridged.
A vacancy shall be filled by a promotional examination when considered by the commission to be in the best interest of the career service.
Enacted by L. 1986, c. 112, effective September 25, 1986. Last amended by L. 2008, c. 29, effective June 30, 2008.
An old amendment date alone does not mean a provision is obsolete. This mirror reflects the source watermark above; later laws and decisions can affect how the text applies.
Legislative history
Session laws, newest first
- L. 2008, c. 29, section 31Amended
effective June 30, 2008 - L. 1986, c. 112Enacted
effective September 25, 1986
How this section has been applied
1 reported decision cites this section. Citations only: the summaries in the source are the publisher's own writing, and where we describe a case we write it from the decision itself.
Appellate Division 1
- In re Police Chief S. Orange Village266 N.J. Super. 101, 628 A.2d 809
Effective-date provisions
Quoted from the session laws themselves.
- Section 120 of L. 2008, c. 29 provides: “This act shall take effect immediately and any actions necessary to implement this act may be taken any time thereafter. General implementation shall be completed no later than 12 months following enactment.” Chapter 29, L. 2008, was approved on June 30, 2008.