Training Specialist 2
- Multiple-choice Test To Be Held
- May 9, 2026
You may be assigned to either Saturday or Sunday to take your test.
You cannot request or change your scheduled day. - Applications Must Be Submitted or Postmarked By
- March 25, 2026
| Exam Number | Exam Title | Open to Employees of | Salary | Salary Grade | Non−Refundable Processing Fee (Waivers available) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31-403020 | Training Specialist 2 | Multiple Agencies | * | G-23 | $0 |
| *Salary | |
|---|---|
| $86,681 | |
| $86,773 | |
| $84,549 | |
| $87,530 | |
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.
Interdepartmental promotion examination open to all qualified employees of New York State..
For Promotion in State Departments, Facilities, and Agencies
1. Within Promotion Units 2. Within Entire Departments 3. To Other Departments
Minimum Qualifications
On or before May 9, 2026, you must be a qualified employee of New York State 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.
Either A. a Training Specialist 1, Training Specialist Trainee 1, or Training Specialist Trainee 2;
Or B. a Local Government Specialist 1, Training Specialist 1 (Addictions), Training Specialist 1 (Child Protective Services), Training Specialist 1 (Child Welfare),Training Specialist 1 (Instructional Design), Training Specialist 1 (Juvenile Justice), Training Specialist Trainee 1 (Juvenile Justice), Training Specialist Trainee 2 (Juvenile Justice), Training Specialist 1 (Mental Hygiene), Training Specialist Trainee 1 (Mental Hygiene), Training Specialist Trainee 2 (Mental Hygiene), or Training Specialist 1 (Nursing).
Only the title or titles listed are qualifying.
If you were permanently appointed to a qualifying title on or before February 9, 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 February 9, 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 February 9, 2026, to qualify for this examination.
Qualifying Experience For Appointment From The Eligible List: After one year of service at the full performance level, successful candidates will be qualified for appointment from the eligible list.
Employees appointed to a non-competitive position 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.
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.
Eligibles who meet the “B” qualifications, and who are subsequently appointed to an “A” title, may request to have their name added to the “A” list, once they have completed the time in title year(s) of service in the full performance level “A” title. The request should be submitted in writing to the NYS Department of Civil Service, Albany, New York 12239; Attention: S1/JFG.
Order of Certification: The order of certification of this eligible list will be:
- Promotion Unit "A" eligibles 4. Department "All" eligibles
- Promotion Unit "All" eligibles 5. Interdepartmental "A" eligibles
- Department "A" eligibles 6. Interdepartmental "All" eligibles
Additional Requirements for Appointment:
- Background Investigation/Justice Center Review: In some agencies, the names of all prospective employees will:
- be checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL), maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Prospective employees whose names appear on the SEL as having been found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment and may have their names removed from the eligible list(s) for the title(s);
- be investigated through a Criminal Background Check (CBC). You must report all convictions. Conviction of a felony or misdemeanor or any falsified or omitted information may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment. Each case will be determined on its own merits, consistent with the applicable provisions of state and federal law; And may:
- be screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). Prospective employees whose names appear on the SCR may be barred from appointment.
- Medicaid and Medicare: To be eligible for appointment and maintain employment, you cannot be listed as an excluded individual or entity on any of the Federal and/or State Medicaid and Medicare exclusion lists (or excluded from any other Federal or Federally assisted program). You may be barred from appointment, or your employment may be terminated at any time if you are listed as an excluded individual or entity on any of these lists (or excluded from any other Federal or Federally assisted program).
- 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 multiple New York State agencies and are located Statewide.
Duties
As a Training Specialist 2, you would supervise Training Specialists 1, professional and paraprofessional training staff and/or support staff; lead the planning, organization, facilitation, and delivery of agency training; and oversee the development of curricula by lower-level staff. You would develop new training initiatives and modify existing programs based on assessment of program needs; evaluate training; act as an organization’s consultant to internal and external programs; and oversee administration of training contracts. In a small agency or facility, you may serve as the highest level training position, exercise responsibility for all training matters, and report to a program or administrative supervisor.
Note:
- 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.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Principles and practices of staff development and training - These questions test for the knowledge and abilities used to develop and deliver training. They address topics such as the assessment of training needs; instructional design; training methods and techniques; the use of training aids, materials, and technology; motivation; learning theory; classroom management; the evaluation of learning outcomes; and the usage of training-related data.
- Management of staff development and training programs - These questions test for the knowledge and abilities used to manage staff development and training programs. They address issues such as guiding and assessing the design, development, and implementation of training courses; selecting, supervising, and evaluating trainers and/or vendors; assessing the outcomes of training courses and programs; and understanding and optimizing the relationship between the staff development and training program and the organization as a whole.
- 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.
Test Guide: A General Guide to Multiple-Choice Tests is available 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.
How To Apply
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.
S1/TA1 JFG-dah
Issued: 2/20/26
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.