All applicants for position in the fire or police departments shall be subjected to an examination by the commission which shall be competitive and free to all resident persons possessing the right of suffrage and meeting the requirements prescribed by the commission, subject to reasonable limitations as to residence, age, health, education and moral character. Such examinations shall be practical in their nature and shall relate to those matters which fairly test the relative capacity and fitness of the persons examined to discharge the duties of the position to which they seek to be appointed. But no such applicants shall be examined concerning their political or religious opinions or affiliations. In the conduct of such examinations the commission may call to its assistance the aid of such persons as it may desire either from within or without the personnel of the department affected.

With the approval of the city council special and temporary policemen or firemen may be appointed by the commission to serve at its pleasure, such employees not to be subject to the provisions of this section having reference to competitive examinations. And employees performing strictly clerical work for either department or the commission, if there be any such, shall likewise not be subject to the provisions of this section having reference to competitive examinations, and such employees shall also be appointed with the approval of the city council and hold office at the pleasure of the commission. Provided, as to age, applicants for positions in fire departments within this article shall have a minimum age of eighteen years.