Department Of Civil Service
Civil Service Exam Application
Use Form ACS-21, the Application for Examination or Employment, when applying. ALL of the sections on the application must be completed in detail, even if you elect to attach a resumé to your application form.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application and appropriate filing fee are received by the Albany County Department of Civil Service or postmarked by the United States Postal Service by the last filing date for an examination. The Albany County Department of Civil Service is not responsible for lost or late applications sent via interoffice mail/courier.
Additional Applications & Forms
The most important document that candidates should carefully read and consider is the announcement itself. Candidates should pay close attention to the Scope of Examination section of the announcements where candidates are informed about the test type and content, and focus your examination preparation upon the information described in this portion of the announcement.
Department of Civil Service, Municipal Service Division
If the exam for which you have applied requires that you submit a college transcript, please do so at the time of application or as soon after as possible. You need not provide an original or official copy however, it must indicate completion of the degree , your name and the name of the college/university. We will accept online printouts as long as the aforementioned three items appear on the transcript.
Nyc Civil Service Tests
Over 80% of civil service positions in New York City require a civil service exam by law. The required exams will be listed in the job description when you apply. The exams will be testing for different skill sets due to the variety of civil service positions available. Though the content may vary, the objective of all the tests is to determine the skill level of the job-seeker. If you pass the test, you will be placed on an eligibility list. The higher your score the better, the candidates with the top test scores are automatically the ones to be considered for positions. You can reapply for tests after a set amount of time. However, the most recent score is the one that will be recorded. The civil service exams may take several different forms.
- You may be required to take a timed, multiple-choice exam. There may be up to 100 job-related questions, and the test will either be administered by computer or Scantron.
- Educational and Experience Test To determine if you meet the minimum requirements of the job, you will be given a questionnaire to fill out regarding your educational background and experience. This test can be taken from your home computer, and you can receive your results right away.
- Practical Test For any test that requires a particular skill, such as typing speed, you will be required to take a practical test. The physical exams required by police and firefighters fall into this category.
How Can You Find Upcoming Exams
Find out about all of our upcoming civil service exams. You can subscribe to our mailing list and select “City Jobs and Civil Service Announcements to receive announcements for upcoming exams. The exams schedule is available in Alpha Order and Application Period Order. Our exam schedule is posted every July, lists all our upcoming exams, and is updated every month.
Note you will need to apply for and pay a fee, or obtain a fee waiver, and meet the minimum requirements to qualify to take the exams listed. You can also see the most recent updates in the monthly exam applications schedule, or view the tables on this page. Note that some exams may be cancelled or postponed, so check the schedule regularly if you plan to apply for or take an exam.
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Working In New York City
The most populous, and most recognizable city in the U.S, New York City, is made up of 5 boroughs that make up five separate counties. These are Manhattan, Staten Island, The Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn. It is a major cultural hub, with a strong influence on entertainment, fashion, politics, and media. It is well known for its skyscrapers as well as other architecture of note. Manhattan has some of the most expensive real estate and is also home to the two largest stock exchanges in the world. The headquarters of The United Nations is located in New York City as are many Fortune 500 companies, and many multinational corporations. There are several world-renowned colleges located in New York City, Cornell, New York University, and Rockefeller University. It has a rich history and is home to several historical landmarks. The Statue of Liberty, Castle Clinton National Monument, Federal Hall National Memorial, and the African Burial Ground National Monument, all fall under the purview of National Park Service, a government entity. New York City employs a large number of public sector employees. Benefits provided by NYC include:
- Health insurance
What Does A Civil Service Test Consist Of

What the civil service test will measure, depends on the position for which you want to apply for.
So, a Law Enforcement civil service test will measure your ability to follow orders, your ability to stay calm in stressful situations, or your interpersonal negotiation skills.
The New York Sanitation civil test, on the other hand, will measure your abilities in writing and comprehension of written text, the ability for spatial orientation and visualization, as well as your ability to understand and remember information.
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Nyc Civil Service Exam: These Applications Are Open In August
New York City’s uniformed civil servants
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services has released its August application schedule for civil service exams.
Open, competitive, computer-based tests are administered throughout each month for various positions.
The DCAS Computer-Based Testing and Application Centers , where exams are taken, have reopened to the public. However, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, walk-ins are no longer accepted, and appointments must be scheduled online at Online Application System .
This months application period opens Aug. 10 for the following positions: call center representative correction officer marine engineer marine oiler police administrative aide police officer.
New York City employs hundreds of thousands of people in its 80 agencies. Taking a test is the way to get started in the hiring process for most of these positions. Application fees range from $40 to $101.
For more information about registering for these and other tests, log onto the DCAS website. To apply for a civil service exam open during this application period, go online via the OASys at www.nyc.gov/examsforjobs.
To receive monthly exam updates, sign up for the DCAS newsletter at nyc.gov/examsforjobs and click the Exams tab.
Former Mayor Bill de Blasio announced at the start of August 2021 that all newly hired city workers will need to be vaccinated against the coronavirus.
Contact The Dcas Exams Bureau And Ctacs
For exam related customer service or to check the status of an exam or list you can:
- log into your account online in the Online Application System
- e-mail DCAS at:
Our testing centers are located in every borough, you can find a testing center near you. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, walk-ins are no longer accepted. Appointments must be scheduled online through OASys.
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About The Nyc Civil Service System
Being one of the most populated cities in the world requires an expansive civil service system, so its no wonder why New York City employs 325,000 civil service employees throughout 80 government agencies. A staggering number considering that NYC alone employs more government employees than most states hire in total. Learn more below about how to prepare for your NYC civil service exam.
How To Prepare For Nycs Civil Service Tests
It is important to not just pass the civil service tests you want to pass with a high score, so you will be at the top of the candidate pool. The minimum requirements listed in the job posting will give you an idea of the areas you need to focus on. You will be aware of the type of test you will be required to take because that is also included in the job listing. When answering questions about job experience, be honest, there will be background checks, and they will ask for references and verification. Any skills that you may need to take a practical exam to measure, you will want to practice, you want things to feel natural while testing, so you stay confident. Any areas that you are qualified in, but feel could use some work, are important to practice. Make sure you are prepared on the day of the test and bring all the requested materials. Try to arrive half an hour early so you are not rushed, and know which test you are there to take to make sure you have received the correct test packet. Do not arrive late. Not only is this unprofessional, but the tests begin promptly when they are scheduled and after a certain amount of time you will not be allowed to take it. The process of getting a civil service job is tough, and it can last a few months. If you are patient and practice for the civil service exam, you will feel like it was time well spent when you finally get the job offer.
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Common Nyc Civil Service Exam Test Types
There is no singular civil service exam for New York City, instead exam content is determined by the skills, knowledge, and experience required for the position. Generally speaking, there are four types of Civil Service Exams administered within New York City.
Multiple-Choice Tests: This type of a test usually consists of 60 to 100 multiple-choice questions which offer a number of response options. The multiple-choice tests are timed and are administered either on a computer or by hand with a No. 2 pencil and Scantron.
Education and Experience Tests: This type of a test may be used to rank or to determine if you meet the minimum requirements to be qualified for a particular title. Education & experience tests are used to fill positions in which specific experience and education are needed to perform a specific job.
Online Education and Experience Test : This test allows you to apply for an education and experience test online, take the test, and receive immediate feedback about your test results. The OLEE tests have also resulted in establishing civil service lists from these exams more quickly.
Practical/Physical Tests: This test requires you to demonstrate skill or fitness in performing specific a task. Examples include typing tests for clerical positions and physical ability tests for Firefighters and Sanitation Workers. An expert examiner will rate your ability to perform the tasks.
New York Civil Service Exams by County |
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Nyc Civil Service Exam: These Applications Are Open In September
New York City’s uniformed civil servants
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services has released its September application schedule for civil service exams.
Open, competitive, computer-based tests are administered throughout each month for various positions.
The DCAS Computer-Based Testing and Application Centers , where exams are taken, have reopened to the public. However, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, walk-ins are no longer accepted, and appointments must be scheduled online at Online Application System .
This months application period opened Sept. 7 for the following positions: chief marine engineer child protective specialist correction officer inspector inspector police officer program evaluator public health sanitarium public records aide school safety agent transportation specialist and youth development specialist.
The application period closes on Sept. 27, except for police officer, which closes Sept. 30.
New York City employs hundreds of thousands of people in its 80 agencies. Taking a test is the way to get started in the hiring process for most of these positions. Application fees range from $40 to $101.
For more information about registering for these and other tests, log onto the DCAS website. To apply for a civil service exam open during this application period, go online via the OASys at www.nyc.gov/examsforjobs.
FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON AND .
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Tips For Passing The Civil Service Exam
If you plan on taking the civil service exam, its important to make sure that you do everything you can beforehand to get ready for it. After all, most of the tests have a non-refundable entry fee. Furthermore, some exams are not given regularly, so your next chance to get in the top applicants might happen only after several years.
Follow these tips and make sure that you get on top of that list:
- Familiarize yourself with the requirements: If you dont have the right academic degree or the minimum practical experience, your time, effort, and money will be lost for nothing
- Keep yourself updated: Subscribe to the New York State Civil Service Commission and regularly check when they have open applications
- Practice: Get the help of Job Test Prep and practice the right material
- Leave enough prep time: Start practicing on time and familiarize yourself with the testing material and the format of the questions
- Research the position: Acquire and practice the personal qualities they value and need for certain positions. For example, if you want to join Law Enforcement and they need a person who knows how to manage stressful situations, you wont be a good fit until you really know how to manage those kinds of situations
Civil Service Exam & Vacancy Announcements Notifications

To be notified when new Civil Service Exams or job vacancy announcements are posted, visit the City’s E-Alerts page. Enter your email address, select the box next to Civil Service in the News and Announcements section, and select Subscribe Me. All future announcements will be sent directly to your inbox. You can opt-out at any time
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Is The Nyc Civil Service Exam Difficult
The difficulty and complexity of the civil service exam depends on the position youre applying for. Some positions will naturally have more complex questions and will require more capabilities, work experience, and higher test scores.
Other entry-level jobs might only measure some basic math, reading, and writing capabilities.
Nys Civil Service Exams Passing Score
After you have completed and passed the test, your exam score will be added to a list with other candidates. The list will be organized from highest to lowest and candidates will be contacted according to the ranking of their scores. Thats why it is so important for you to achieve a high score if you want to be seriously considered for a job role.
After you take your exam, you will be notified via email once the scores are published online. This is generally within 90 12- days of the exam date.
Note that having the highest score on a particular exam doesnt guarantee you the job. Rather, it just increases your chances of landing the job position you are after. Recruits also take other factors into consideration when hiring.
Scores generally stay active for a period of 4 years.
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What Is The Nys Civil Service Exam
Civil Service law demands that applicants for the majority of New York City jobs complete and pass a competitive civil service exam, prior to becoming a permanent employee. These tests measure an applicants suitability and qualifications for a specific Civil Service position. The exams are created to make sure that the recruitment process is fair and challenging. Every exam has a filing time frame, during which candidates may on board. Prior to applying for a test, it is recommended that you do a thorough read-through of the official Notice of Examination , which outlines the tasks of the position and the qualification requirement, as well as the filing period, test description, and exam dates.
There are three sorts of examinations:
- Open Competitive: Open to everyone who meets the minimum requirements.
- Promotion: Open solely to current permanent and 55-a employees within an eligible title.
- Qualified Incumbent Examinations : Open solely to non-permanent city employees who have served more than two years in particular titles.
All these exams may be given in various forms, such as multiple-choice, practical/physical, and Education and Experience . Read the NOE to see the sort of exam that you will be administered.
About The New York State Civil Service System
The majority of civil service jobs in New York demand that you take one of the New York State civil service tests to qualify as a candidate. You should look at the job listing to discover if you are required to take one of the NYS civil service exams.
The NYS civil service exams are created to ensure that job candidates have the skills and know-how to succeed in their job. If you pass your NYS civil service exam, your name will be put on an eligibility list for the job that relates to the exam you passed. Thus, its imperative that you prepare for your civil service exam if you want to be a competitive candidate, and work as a civil servant in New York.
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What If You Are A Person With A Disability
The City of New York is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to employing qualified individuals with certified disabilities. Our citywide 55-a Program allows qualified candidates with certified mental or physical disabilities to be hired for competitive class positions without taking a civil service exam.
If you are a person with a disability, you can apply directly to open positions in the competitive class by requesting 55-a Program consideration on your resume and cover letter. Candidates are also encouraged to contact the Mayor’s Office for People With Disabilities for employment assistance.
We also offer special testing accommodations, such as a large print format, audio versions, or additional time, to those who need it. Testing accommodations information can be found in our special circumstances guide.
Special Circumstances Guide |