Test set for aspiring NYS managers
For release: Immediate, Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Registration is now open for the Civil Service examinations that traditionally have provided the gateway to professional and managerial careers in New York State government. The Professional Careers (PCT) and Professional Careers (Diversity Management) tests will be administered March 7, 2009, and registrations will be accepted through January 5, 2009.
"Working for New York State offers a diversity of responsibilities and work settings that few other employers can match," said Civil Service Commissioner Nancy G. Groenwegen. "And it's work that matters."
While serious financial problems confront New York and other states, certain positions that are critical to government functioning will always need to be filled when they become vacant, she said. The right opportunity will not occur as quickly as before, but it's important for aspiring managers is to be ready when that opportunity does come along, she said. In most instances, that involves passing the Professional Careers Test (PCT).
The test, last given in 2005, is open to anyone holding a bachelor's degree or higher or who will earn a bachelor's degree by August 31, 2009. It will be held at sites throughout the state and takes about three and one-half hours. Eligible lists resulting from the PCT are used to fill a variety of entry-level positions in various state agencies. Initial appointments are made to one- and two-year traineeships in areas such as budget analysis, contract management, underwriting, personnel administration and purchasing as vacancies occur. Most traineeships will carry a starting salary in 2009 of $37,437 to $39,354. Positions whose essential duties and responsibilities require trainees to demonstrate an understanding of diversity management and equal employment opportunity principles are filled through a separate PCT eligible list.
"Candidates will have the benefit of the most detailed test guide we've ever published," Commissioner Groenwegen said. "For the first time, actual sample test questions are included for all four main areas of the PCT-preparing written material, quantitative analysis, understanding and interpreting written material related to government and social issues and verbal analysis."
The examination announcement and access to the application and the test guide are available at http://www.cs.state.ny.us/examannouncements/announcements/oc/25-145.cfm
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