All appointments and promotions shall be made on the basis of merit and after examination as to fitness. The character of all examinations shall be determined in each case by the appointing authority, and shall be practical in nature and designed to evaluate the actual qualifications of the applicant. Examinations may be assembled or unassembled and may consist of written, oral or performance tests, or a rating of experience and training or any combination thereof. Prior to receiving a probationary appointment, the applicant shall be given a physical examination by his physician at Town expense. He shall not be appointed until a physician's medical certificate has been placed on file to the effect that the appointee meets the established physical requirements of the class and/or is physically capable of performing the duties of the position for which appointment is being considered.