All appointments to the police force must be made by the mayor or, in those cities operating under the commission-manager plan, by the manager and must be confirmed by the city council or commission. An appointment may not be made until:
(1) an application for a position on the police force has been filed with the mayor or, in those cities operating under the commission-manager plan, with the manager and referred to the police commission, when a commission exists; and
(2) the applicant has successfully passed the examination required to be held by the police commission and a certificate from the police commission that the applicant has qualified for the appointment has been filed with the mayor or, in those cities operating under the commission-manager plan with the manager.