Subject to the provisions of this act and other applicable laws, the committee shall:
(a) establish and define standards of proficiency and competence for key positions, not inconsistent with the provisions of law;
(b) provide and issue certificates of qualification to applicants who have successfully taken such noncompetitive examinations and met such standards of character, health, training and achievement as the committee may determine to be reasonably required for fully competent performance of the duties of each key position with due regard to the nature and character of the work and to the training and achievement of persons generally engaged in such work;
(c) formulate or propose in-service training programs for persons holding key positions;
(d) have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by this act, or otherwise by law.