Department of Civil Service

Investigative Specialist 2-4 (Labor Standards)

Download Announcement

Due to current testing space limitations, candidates may need to travel to a test site to take this examination. Candidates will be notified of their test site location on their admission notice.

Promotion examination open to all qualified employees of the New York State Department of Labor.

Back To Top

Minimum Qualifications

On or before April 18, 2026, you must be a qualified employee of the New York State Department of Labor and have had three months of permanent competitive, non-competitive NY HELPS*, or 55-b/55-c service as shown below. If you have received a permanent appointment to a qualifying title listed and served provisionally** in that title immediately preceding your permanent appointment, such provisional service may be counted towards meeting the time in title required for this examination.

For Exam Nos. 31-395020, 31-396020, and 31-397020: an Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Labor Standards), Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Labor Standards) (Chinese Language), Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Labor Standards) (Korean Language), Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Labor Standards) (Spanish Language), Investigative Specialist Trainee 2 (Labor Standards), Investigative Specialist Trainee 2 (Labor Standards) (Chinese Language), Investigative Specialist Trainee 2 (Labor Standards) (Korean Language), Investigative Specialist Trainee 2 (Labor Standards) (Spanish Language), Investigative Specialist 1 (Labor Standards), Investigative Specialist 1 (Labor Standards) (Chinese Language), Investigative Specialist 1 (Labor Standards) (Korean Language), or Investigative Specialist 1 (Labor Standards) (Spanish Language).

For Exam No. 31-398020: an Investigative Specialist 2 (Labor Standards), Investigative Specialist 2 (Labor Standards) (Spanish Language), or Investigative Specialist 2 (Labor Standards) (Chinese Language).

For Exam No. 31-399020: an Investigative Specialist 3 (Labor Standards).

Only the title or titles listed are qualifying.

If you were permanently appointed to a qualifying title on or before January 18, 2026, and have served continuously in this title since that date, you are eligible to file for this examination.

*If you were permanently appointed via the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide (NY HELPS) program to a qualifying title in the non-competitive class on or before January 18, 2026, and have served continuously in this title since that date, you may apply for this examination.

**If you were permanently appointed to a qualifying title and had provisional service in the same title immediately preceding the permanent appointment, such provisional service may be counted towards meeting the time in title required to apply for this examination. Your provisional appointment must have been on or before January 18, 2026, to qualify for this examination.

Qualifying Experience For Appointment From The Eligible List:
For Exam Nos. 31-395020, 31-396020, and 31-397020: After one year of service at the full performance level, successful candidates will be qualified for appointment from the eligible list.

For Exams Nos. 31-398020 and 31-399020: After one year of service described in the Minimum Qualifications, successful candidates will be qualified for appointment from the eligible list.

If you have received a permanent appointment to a qualifying title listed and served provisionally in that title immediately preceding your permanent appointment, such provisional service may be counted towards meeting the one year time in title required for appointment from the eligible list.

Employees appointed via the NY HELPS program to a qualifying title in the non-competitive class will have their names restricted from appointment from the eligible list until their position is covered-in to the competitive class by action of the New York State Civil Service Commission or otherwise obtain permanent competitive status in the position.

Additional Requirements for Appointment:

1. Language Proficiency: If you pass the examination and apply to a title which requires language proficiency, you must demonstrate your language proficiency at a level that will ensure your ability to perform the duties of the position properly. The proficiency test will only be given to enough candidates to fill current vacancies.
2. Fingerprints and Fees: You may be required to get fingerprinted at the time of appointment. You are responsible for payment of the processing fee.

The Positions: These positions exist in the New York State Department of Labor and are located statewide.

Back To Top

Duties

As an Investigative Specialist 2 (Labor Standards), Investigative Specialist 2 (Labor Standards) (Chinese Language) or an Investigative Specialist 2 (Labor Standards) (Spanish Language), under the supervision of an Investigative Specialist 3 (Labor Standards), you would oversee the activities of a team of Investigative Specialists 1 (Labor Standards) engaged in a wide variety of investigations relating to the administration and enforcement of New York State Labor Law. You would present cases at conferences; testify at hearings; handle complex investigations; and interact with the public and regulated community.

As an Investigative Specialist 3 (Labor Standards), under the supervision of an Investigative Specialist 4 (Labor Standards), you would oversee a District Office or special unit within the Division of Labor Standards. You would direct staff in the investigation of suspected Labor Law violations; establish and modify procedures to meet District Office or special unit goals and standards; prepare reports; direct complex investigations; approve collection and distribution of wages; and interact with the public and regulated community.

As an Investigative Specialist 4 (Labor Standards), you would manage the operations of a geographic region of District Offices and a statewide special unit within the Division of Labor Standards. You would review and evaluate unit operations and procedures; determine investigative priorities; evaluate work output, methods, and flow; recommend changes in investigative procedures, methods, and techniques; assist the Director and Assistant Director in the formulation and implementation of division policy; and conduct special studies and projects.

Notes:

1. Travel Requirements: Appointment to certain positions requires extensive travel within an area of assignment. Appointees may need to operate a motor vehicle or have other means to meet the transportation needs of the job. If the position requires that you operate a motor vehicle, you must continuously have a driver���s license valid in New York State to continue employment. Field work and travel expenses are reimbursed on a fixed schedule. Overnight travel may be required.
2. If you submit an application for an examination with a language parenthetic, an application will automatically be submitted for you for the non-language examination.

Back To Top

Subject of Examination

To be considered for appointment to this title, you must pass the multiple-choice test. The multiple-choice test evaluates your knowledge, skills, and/or abilities in the following areas:	For Examination Nos.
	31-395020 31-396020 31-397020	31-398020	31-399020
1. Preparing written material - These questions test for the ability to present information clearly and accurately, and to organize paragraphs logically and comprehensibly. For some questions, you will be given information in two or three sentences followed by four restatements of the information. You must then choose the best version. For other questions, you will be given paragraphs with their sentences out of order. You must then choose, from four suggestions, the best order for the sentences.	X	X	X
2. Evaluating information and evidence - These questions test the candidates' abilities to evaluate and draw conclusions from information and evidence. Each question consists of a set of facts and a conclusion based on the facts. The candidate must decide if a conclusion is warranted by the facts.	X	X	X
3. Advanced investigative techniques - These questions test for knowledge of the more complicated and technical aspects of field investigations. The questions will cover such areas as: interviewing principles and practices, investigative principles, sources of information and reporting methods commonly used in field investigations, securing statements, rules of evidence and evidence collection, preparing cases for court or legal hearings, and testifying in the courtroom or in hearings.	X	X	X
4. Supervision - These questions test for knowledge of the principles and practices employed in planning, organizing, and controlling the activities of a work unit toward predetermined objectives. The concepts covered, usually in a situational question format, include such topics as assigning and reviewing work; evaluating performance; maintaining work standards; motivating and developing subordinates; implementing procedural change; increasing efficiency; and dealing with problems of absenteeism, morale, and discipline.	X
5. Labor standards laws, rules, regulations and policies - These questions will test your knowledge of New York State Labor Law and related rules, regulations, policies and procedures in effect on January 1, 2026, in such areas as minimum wage, payment of wages and wage supplements, child labor, hours of work, farm labor, apparel industry registration, industrial homework and Employment Agency Law.	X	X
6. Administrative supervision - These questions test for knowledge of the principles and practices involved in directing the activities of a large subordinate staff, including subordinate supervisors. Questions relate to the personal interactions between an upper level supervisor and their subordinate supervisors in the accomplishment of objectives. These questions cover such areas as assigning work to and coordinating the activities of several units, establishing and guiding staff development programs, evaluating the performance of subordinate supervisors, and maintaining relationships with other organizational sections.		X	X
7. Administrative techniques and practices - These questions test for a knowledge of management techniques and practices used in directing or assisting in directing a program component or an organizational segment. Questions cover such areas as interpreting policies, making decisions based on the context of the position in the organization, coordinating programs or projects, communicating with employees or the public, planning employee training, and researching and evaluating areas of concern.			X

Test Guide: A Guide to the Written Test for the Investigator Series is available on the Department website at http://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/testguides.cfm.

If you pass, your seniority credit(s), if any, will be included in the computation of your final score. Your final score on the eligible list will be determined after adding any Veterans' credits.

Credit For Seniority: Seniority is credited at the rate of one credit for each five-year period (or fraction thereof), excluding the first year of service.

Admission To The Test: If approved for a multiple-choice test, you will receive an admission notice which will indicate your assigned test date and the way your test will be administered. Your test may be administered with paper and pencil or online at a state test site. You cannot request to change your scheduled day or request a specific type of test administration.

Applicants are required to have a Personal NY.gov account and keep their email address up to date. The Department of Civil Service and other state agencies will communicate with you through email correspondence. This may include notification of your application status, your test arrangements, examination results, and canvassing you for interest in appointment. It will be important for you to keep your email address, phone number, and mailing address current by logging into https://www.cs.ny.gov/home/myaccount.

Back To Top

How To Apply

Apply Online

You will need a personal NY.gov ID to apply for these examinations. If you do not have a personal NY.gov account, please create an account.

Select each examination you intend to apply for.

Investigative Specialist 2 (Labor Standards)

Investigative Specialist 2 (Labor Standards) (Chinese Language)

Investigative Specialist 2 (Labor Standards) (Spanish Language)

Investigative Specialist 3 (Labor Standards)

Investigative Specialist 4 (Labor Standards)

(You must select at least one exam to continue.)

You Can Also

• Download examination application NYS-APP form; or
• Email cs.sm.examinfo@cs.ny.gov to request NYS-APP forms; or
• Obtain an NYS-APP form from a State agency or facility personnel/business office; or
• Request NYS-APP form by calling the Department of Civil Service in the Albany area at 518-457-2487 or toll free at 1-877-697-5627.

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.

Additional Information

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 employment, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment without unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, veteran or military service member status, marital status, domestic violence victim status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, arrest and/or criminal conviction record, or any other category protected by law, unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification or other exception.

Religious Accommodation

Most multiple-choice 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

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 provide equal opportunity. Persons with disabilities who require an accommodation to participate in an examination must note this on their application. Further information is available from the Test Accommodation Unit of the Department of Civil Service at Testaccommodation@cs.ny.gov.

Admission to Examination

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 multiple-choice test three days before the date of the test, email us at AdmissionNotices@cs.ny.gov. Please provide your first and last name, address, and the last four digits of your social security number, and we will provide you with the information you need to attend your multiple-choice test. If you have an issue other than not receiving your admission notice, please contact our office at (518) 474-6470 in the Albany area or toll free at 1-877-697-5627. Please leave a clear concise message and provide your first and last name, last four digits of your social security number and a daytime phone number.

Taking State and Local Examinations Scheduled for the Same Day

If you have applied to take a multiple-choice test announced by either one or several local jurisdictions (county, town, city) scheduled to be held on the same test date as this multiple-choice test, you must notify each of the local jurisdictions 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. For your convenience, contact information for all local civil service agencies is available on our website at: https://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/local.cfm.

Eligibility for Examination

To be considered a qualified employee eligible to compete in this examination, you must be employed in, or on leave from, the specified department or agency on a permanent or contingent permanent basis in the competitive class, or in the non-competitive class or labor class if specifically noted on this announcement (or be on an appropriate preferred list), and have the specified time in the specified title or salary grade. You may not compete in a test for a title if you are permanently employed in that title (unless you are still on probation) or in a higher direct line of promotion.

Cell Phones or Electronic/Communication Devices at the Test Site

The use of cell phones, beepers, headphones, or any electronic or other communication devices at your personal testing site or in the test room, hallways, restrooms, building, grounds, or other areas, except as expressly authorized by the Department of Civil Service, could result in your disqualification.

S3/TC1 BME-gcm
Issued: 01/30/26

This announcement is subject to amendment or cancellation without notice. Do not copy it, or post it to any other site, but link to it instead.

• Go to Top
• Back to the list of exams