DETROIT (AP) - The Michigan Civil Service Commission is accused of using an exam that discriminates against black applicants who want to work for the state police or become conservation officers. A lawsuit claims the civil service exam produces racially disparate results because blacks have a higher failure rate than white applicants. The Detroit Free Press reports that a Wayne County judge has certified the case as a class-action, although an appeal is likely. State attorneys say the exam only is a screening tool and that each agency does its own hiring. Carlos Bell says he failed two versions of the exam but passed a Detroit police screening test. He says he "may not have a lot of book smarts" but his common sense is "pretty good." He wanted to become a trooper. --- Information from: Detroit Free Press, http://www.freep.com