NEW YORK STATE Department of Civil Service announces Continuous Recruitment Examination Open to All Qualified Individuals APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED CONTINUOUSLY TESTS HELD PERIODICALLY

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  There are no minimum education requirements for this examination.  You must be able to read, write, and speak English and must be able to follow both written and spoken instructions. In addition, you must be able to type at the rate of at least 35 words per minute, with at least 96% accuracy.

When you apply, apply only for examination number(s) for the area(s) where you are willing to work.  You may select more than one geographical area.

Notice to Candidates
Please note the changes to the scheduled test dates below.  Testing will be conducted for all areas on the scheduled test dates.

*Application deadline is the last date to file an application for the test date.  Applications received after the deadline will be scheduled for the next test date.

NOTES:

1. Waiver of Typing Performance Test:  The typing performance test may be waived if you provide documentation that, within the last five years; you have been successful on a five-minute typing performance test, typing at the rate of at least 35 words per minute with at least 96% accuracy.  The documentation of the test results must be on official letterhead or an official notice of the results of a typing test administered by a State agency or other recognized training program for typists, secretaries, or word processors.  A photocopy of your test results is acceptable.
2. When you apply, apply only for examination number(s) for the area(s) where you are willing to work.  You may select more than one geographical area.
3. Generally the names of qualified candidates will remain on the eligible list for one year.  In order to remain on the eligible list, you must re-apply for and take the test again before your list expiration date.  A new OC‑APP application and $20 processing fee is required for each re-test.

THE POSITION:Keyboard Specialist 1 is the entry-level position in the secretarial field, which can lead to promotion opportunities in a rewarding career with New York State government. Most departments and agencies of New York State employ Keyboard Specialists. These positions are located in many agencies at various locations throughout the state.

DUTIES:  As a Keyboard Specialist 1, you would spend the majority of your work time operating a standard keyboard, usually a computer. You would receive and organize work to be typed and determine document format. You would type correspondence, documents, records, and other written material from various sources in final or draft form using handwritten/marked copy, rough drafts, and recordings or data from various source material. You would review work to ensure compliance with accepted office practices including correct layout, spelling, punctuation and grammar, and discuss any problems and possible solutions with the author. You would set up equipment, margins, spacing, etc., and perform routine maintenance.  You may also operate office machines, such as copiers and fax machines; distribute incoming mail; maintain files; refer visitors, telephone calls, and messages to the appropriate staff member; assist and train other employees; and perform other office duties as required.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:

The position of Data Entry Machine Operator Trainee, equivalent to Grade 5 - $23,119, is also filled from this examination. There is a six-month on-the-job traineeship. After successful completion of the traineeship, you will be advanced to Grade 6 - $24,414, without further examination. The traineeship may be shortened if you already have data entry machine operator experience.

The position of Law Department Document Specialist Trainee 1, equivalent to Grade 6 - $24,414, is also filled from this examination.  These positions exist only in the Office of the Attorney General and are limited in number.   You would support the work of Department attorneys by selecting the proper format and typing legal documents, checking legal citations, and editing documents to ensure they conform to the format requirements and time frames required by a variety of courts. There is an eighteen-month traineeship that consists of on-the-job training and mandatory classroom training.  After successful completion of twelve months, you will advance to the Trainee 2 level, equivalent to a Grade 8 - $27,215. Upon successful completion of the remaining six months of the traineeship, you will advance to Law Department Document Specialist, Grade 9 - $28,733, without further examination.

Spanish Language Positions: If you are considered for appointment to a Spanish language position, you must demonstrate proficiency in the Spanish language at a level that will ensure your ability to properly perform the duties of the position. If other language parenthetics are established, these lists will also be used to fill those positions.  You will be required to demonstrate your language proficiency at an acceptable level at the time of interview.

 GENERAL INFORMATION:

A $20 processing fee MUST accompany your application. Only one fee is required, regardless of the number of examination numbers you select.  See HOW TO APPLY for more information.   A notice will be sent to you the week before the test telling you where to appear.  If you pass the multiple-choice test and you are considered for appointment, your typing performance test will be administered at the time of your FIRST JOB INTERVIEW.  For Examination No. 20-670, see "NOTE" below.

NOTE:  The typing performance test for No. 20-670 (Greater Albany Area) will continue to be administered at the Computer-Based Testing and Training (CBTT) facility at the Department of Civil Service in Albany.  Only enough candidates to fill current vacancies will be called to the typing performance test.  If you pass the written test for No. 20-670, instructions on how to schedule the typing performance test will be mailed to you.

SUBJECTS OF EXAMINATION: There will be a multiple-choice test and a typing performance test. If you pass the multiple-choice test you must also pass the typing performance test or provide documentation that you have taken a typing test and met the requirements of at least 35 words per minute, with at least 96% accuracy within the past five years.  You must pass both tests to be considered for appointment. (Documentation accepted - see "Waiver of Typing Performance Test" in Note No. 1). 

Scope of Multiple-Choice Test: The multiple-choice test tests for knowledge, skills and/or abilities in such areas as:

• Name and Number Checking - These questions test your ability to distinguish between sets of words, letters, and/or numbers which are almost exactly alike. Material is usually presented in two or three columns, and you will have to determine how the entry in the first column compares with the entry in the second column and possibly the third. You will be instructed to mark your answers according to a designated code provided in the directions.
• Spelling - These questions test for the ability to spell words that are used in written communication in an office setting.
• Usage - These questions test for the ability to recognize correct and incorrect English usage.
• Grammar, Punctuation, and Keyboarding Practices - The grammar questions test for the ability to apply the basic rules of English grammar. The punctuation questions test for a knowledge of the correct placement of punctuation marks in sentences. The keyboarding practices questions test for a knowledge of preferred practices in areas such as capitalization, hyphenation, plurals, possessives, word division, letter format, and proofreading.

Scope of Typing Performance Test: The Typing Performance Test uses a standard keyboard and is given on a personal computer (PC). No prior knowledge of software is required. The test is five minutes long and is preceded by a three-minute practice session. You are to enter as much of the passage as you can during the time available. You will be tested on keying speed and accuracy. To pass, you must enter the text at a rate of at least 35 words per minute, with at least 96% accuracy. For example, if you enter the text at 35 words per minute, the maximum allowable number of errors is 7. All in-between speeds are rounded in the candidate’s favor. You will have a maximum of four attempts to be successful on the typing performance test.

HOW TO APPLY:   Use form OC-APP, APPLICATION FOR NYS EXAMINATIONS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.  Forms are available (by mail or in person) at these offices of the New York State Department of Civil Service:  Alfred E. Smith State Office Building, Albany, NY, 12239; the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building, 163 West 125th Street, New York, NY, 10027; and the Edward A. Rath Building, 95 Franklin Street, Room 625, Buffalo, NY, 14202; or by e‑mailing us at examinfo@cs.state.ny.us.  State employees may obtain examination applications at their agency or facility personnel or business office.  DO NOT USE INTERAGENCY MAIL.

Mail your completed application to:

• New York State Department of Civil Service, Alfred E. Smith State Office Building, Albany, NY, 12239

The NYS Department of Civil Service reserves the right to reject for lateness or to accept applications filed after the advertised filing period.  All statements you make on your application are subject to investigation.
 

INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

NEW YORK STATE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:  It is the policy of the State of New York to provide for and promote equal opportunity in employment, compensation and other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, or arrest and/or criminal conviction record unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification or other exception.

Appointment to many positions in State government require candidates to undergo an investigative screening. This may include a thorough character investigation, a Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Record History Check, a Child Abuse Registry clearance, or other similar procedures. Candidates may be fingerprinted and may be required to pay any necessary fees for that procedure. Depending on the nature of the job, the criminal convictions discovered, or any falsified or omitted information revealed, the investigative findings may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment.

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION:  Most written tests are held on Saturdays.  If you cannot take the test on the announced test date, due to a conflict with a religious observance or practice, check the box under "Religious Accommodation."  We will make arrangements for you to take the test on a different date (usually the following day).

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS IN TESTING:  In addition, it is the policy of the Department of Civil Service, in accordance with the New York State Human Rights Law and the Americans with Disabilities Act, to provide qualified persons with disabilities equal employment opportunity and equal opportunity to participate in and receive the benefits, services, programs, and activities of the Department.  It is the policy of the Department to provide such persons reasonable accommodations and reasonable modifications as are necessary to enjoy equal opportunity.  Persons with disabilities who require an accommodation to participate in an examination must note this on their applications.  Further information is available from the Special Arrangements Unit of the Department of Civil Service at (518) 457-2487 [press 2, then press 2] in the Albany area, toll free at 1-877-697-5627 [press 2, then press 2], or via TDD (telecommunications device for the deaf) at (518) 457-8480.

NEW YORK STATE RESIDENCE IS NOT REQUIRED FOR MOST POSITIONS:  However, you must be eligible for employment in the United States.

ADMISSION TO EXAMINATION:  If you have not received your notice to appear for the written test three days before the date of the test, call (518) 474‑6470 in the Albany area or toll free at 1-877-697-5627 [press 2, then press 1].

MULTIPLE EXAMINATIONS SCHEDULED FOR THE SAME DAY:  With the exception of written tests announced by New York City, if you have applied to take a written test announced by a local jurisdiction (county, town, city) scheduled to be held on the same test date as this written test, you must call (518) 474-6470 in the Albany area or toll free at 1-877-697-5627 [press 2, then press 1], no later than two weeks before the test date, to make arrangements for taking all tests at one test site.  All tests will be held at the State examination center.

FINGERPRINTS AND FEES:  Fingerprinting is sometimes required at the time of appointment.  If so, you may be required to pay the processing fee.

CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT/ELIGIBLE LISTS:  Candidates who meet the qualifications and pass this examination will have their names placed on the eligible list in the order of final scores, regardless of the date on which they filed or took the test.  Generally, the names of qualified candidates will remain on the eligible list for one year.  Appeal of ratings will not be allowed as the opportunity for retest exists.  The Department of Civil Service reserves the right to terminate this special recruitment program.

S1/TA1 JFG-dmb                                                                                                                                                                                     Reissued:  6/07

BE SURE TO USE THE APPLICATION FORM OC-APP
WHEN APPLYING FOR THESE EXAMINATIONS