DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL SERVICE ANNOUNCES APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR EXAMS TO PURSUE CAREERS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT
Approximately 150 Entry-Level Law Enforcement Positions at DEC, State Parks, SUNY Anticipated Statewide Over Next Year
Applicants Can Apply Online to Take the Exam At No Cost Through Sept. 17
Reflecting Changing Demographics, Park and University Police Officer Candidates Up to Age 43 May Take the Exam
Candidates from Diverse Backgrounds Encouraged to Apply
The New York State Department of Civil Service today announced that the application period is now open for New York State’s entry-level law enforcement civil service exam. The exam is for interested, qualified applicants seeking a position throughout New York at the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Office of State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the State University of New York. Qualified candidates can apply online until 11:59 p.m. EST on Sept. 17, 2025, to take the exam. There is no cost to take the exam as all state exam application fees are waived through December 2027. The exam is scheduled to be held in November.
“Public safety is Governor Hochul’s top priority, and under her leadership, we’re looking to bolster the ranks of law enforcement officers and park rangers at the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Office of State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and SUNY, who bravely protect and serve our residents, students and visitors each and every day,” Department of Civil Service Commissioner and Civil Service President Timothy Hogues said. “If you like helping people and making a difference in others’ lives, a career in law enforcement may be the right fit for you. I encourage you to apply for the entry-level law enforcement exam and take the first steps toward a job that protects New York’s special resources, institutions and, most importantly, people.”
Those interested in being considered for entry-level law enforcement positions within state government must first meet the minimum qualifications for the title or titles of interest and register for the civil service exam by submitting all the required information by Sept. 17 at this link, which also includes information about the examination process. The exam, a multiple-choice test, will be offered in November. All candidates who are qualified to take the New York State entry-level law-enforcement exam will receive an admission notice via mail approximately two weeks prior to the date of the written test. The admission notice will provide the candidate with details about the date, time and location they are scheduled to appear, along with other pertinent information.
The entry-level law enforcement exam is used to fill the following titles within each agency:
- DEC - Environmental Conservation Police Officer Trainee 1 & Forest Ranger 1
- Parks - Park Police Officer Trainee
- SUNY - University Police Officer 1
As part of the FY 2026 Enacted Budget, prospective Park Police Officer and University Police Officer candidates cannot have passed their 43rd birthday on the date of the written test, up from their 35th birthday, to reflect changing demographics, broaden opportunities and increase the potential candidate pool. There is no maximum age requirement for Environmental Conservation Police Officer and Forest Ranger candidates. All prospective candidates must meet additional requirements before appointment as outlined on the Career Opportunities in New York State Law Enforcement webpages.
I want to underscore that NY HELPS has been a huge success in allowing state agencies and municipal governments to hire new employees more efficiently. And that is why we recently sought approval from the Civil Service Commission to extend NY HELPS for an additional year through June of 2026 as we continue our merit system hiring transformation.
The exam will also be used to hire Park Police Officers and University Police Officers with proficiency in Spanish, and Environmental Conservation Police Officers with proficiencies in Spanish or Chinese. While the online exam is in English, those with proficiency in another language will be required to pass a language proficiency exam at the time of hire.
DCS estimates that approximately 150 entry-level law enforcement positions statewide will be filled over the next year.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “Safety is paramount on SUNY campuses, and SUNY prepares students for a wide range of careers in law enforcement. We encourage all interested New Yorkers to take this opportunity and sign up for the exam. We look forward to welcoming successful candidates to help protect and serve our students, faculty, staff, and all who visit our campuses each day.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “DEC Forest Rangers and Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) are elite, well-trained, and dedicated law enforcement professionals. They specialize in protecting our environment, natural resources, and public safety and DEC is committed to helping ensure both units continue to reflect the communities they serve. The first step towards joining the ranks of either of these prestigious forces is to apply for the entry-level law enforcement exam and I encourage anyone interested in pursuing a lucrative and fulfilling career to apply for the exam today.”
New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, "We are entrusted with the protection of some of New York’s most treasured landscapes, and we invite you to be part of that mission by helping grow our State Park Police force. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership, we’ve invested in additional resources that reflect our strong commitment to safety. Our highly trained and dedicated officers play a vital role in ensuring that millions of visitors each year experience a safe and welcoming environment at our parks and historic sites.”
As part of the launch of the entry-level law enforcement exam, New York State will be promoting the exam across social media, and has developed videos and a dedicated webpage to help attract candidates to apply for the exam.
Campaign content and additional information, including a test guide to prepare applicants for the exam, is available at https://www.cs.ny.gov/police/.
Since taking office, Governor Hochul has implemented several initiatives to strengthen New York's public workforce. In February 2025, Governor Hochul launched the “You’re Hired” initiative to recruit talented displaced federal public sector workers into State service. In 2024, the state launched the NY HELPS program, temporarily waiving civil service exam requirements for many job vacancies, resulting in more than 30,000 appointments in state government, on top of 9,000 appointments in local governments. In 2023, Governor Hochul extended 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave to the entire state workforce for the first time in state history.
Additionally, the state created 10 Centers for Careers in Government, offering job seekers guidance on civil service systems and career opportunities. The Governor has also lifted the state employment hiring freeze, expanded opportunities for individuals and veterans with disabilities, and funded new testing centers to further support the public workforce.
To learn more about working for the State of New York and how to take the next step in pursuing a rewarding career in public service, please visit the Department of Civil Service website and follow the Department on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.