Examinations, Tests, Applications and Fees
What are on-line Training and Experience (T&E) examinations?
Please visit our T&E Frequently Asked Questions page.
What if I need to take the examination in another location?
The Department may make special arrangements for individuals who would prefer to take examinations in locations other than the location they would be assigned based on their home zip codes. Please phone the Arrangements Unit of the State Department of Civil Service.
What if I need special accommodations to take an examination, or I am a religious observer?
The Department makes accommodations for individuals who are disabled or who need an alternate test date. Please phone the Arrangements Unit of the State Department of Civil Service. Most multiple-choice tests are held on Saturdays. If you are a religious observer and you cannot take the test on the announced test date, check the box, "I am a religious observer and cannot be tested on the scheduled test date." We will make arrangements for you to take the test on a different date (usually the following day).
Will I be notified if my application is approved?
If your application has been approved to take a multiple-choice test, you will receive an admission notice to the test several days before the multiple-choice test date telling you where and when to report. Be sure to bring it with you to the test site. If you have not received this Notice to Appear at least three days before the multiple-choice test date, please phone the Arrangements Unit of the State Department of Civil Service. You will be notified by mail well before the exam date if your application has been disapproved.
Are there any fees to take an exam?
The FY 2024 Enacted Budget supported the waiving of exam fees for individuals taking state civil service exams to help remove a barrier for entering public service. Beginning with exams announced on May 19, 2023, civil service exam application fees for all state civil service exams are now waived for exams taking place through December 2025.
Will my application processing fee be refunded if my examination application is disapproved?
Beginning with exams announced on May 19, 2023, civil service exam application fees for all state civil service exams are now waived for exams taking place through December 2025.
If I already applied to a Civil Service exam in the past, and provided such information as my transcript, degree information, certifications or other required material, do I need to submit this information every time I apply to take a Civil Service exam?
Yes, an applicant needs to demonstrate how they meet minimum qualifications by submitting the required information such as transcripts, degree equivalencies, certifications, or other required material, each time they apply for an exam.
What are the examinations like?
State civil service exams may consist of a written, oral and/or performance test, an evaluation of education, training and experience, or a combination of these. The exam announcement will indicate which type of test(s) will be given. The majority of written tests use multiple choice questions; and they are usually held on Saturdays in locations throughout the State. A booklet How to Take a Multiple-Choice Test is available here for individuals applying for entry level jobs.
Are there study guides for New York State examinations?
Generally, we do not recommend study material or provide study guides for most examinations. However if a study guide is available this information will appear on the examination announcement. In some cases these may remain available here to candidates up to, or even after, the date of the test.
I filed for an examination, but I haven't heard about the status of my application?
Notices to appear for a written test are typically received in the mail at least three days before the Saturday on which the test is being held. If you have not received your notice to appear by then, please phone the Arrangements Unit of the State Department of Civil Service.
I filed for an examination, but I haven't heard where to appear to take the exam?
Notice to appear for the test may be conditional as review of applications may not be made until after the test. If you have not received your notice to appear for the written test three days before the date of the test, please phone the Arrangements Unit of the State Department of Civil Service.