Most NYC government jobs are part of the competitive class, which requires permanent appointment through taking and passing a competitive civil service examination. For titles where eligible lists from civil service exams are not in existence, City agencies are permitted to consider and appoint qualified individuals who apply directly to vacant positions to ensure that essential agency functions are executed. Qualified individuals may be provisionally appointed to a competitive position while awaiting an exam for their title or for a similar title.

While most positions are classified in the competitive class, there are some positions for which competitive exams are not required. For these positions, qualified individuals may be considered and appointed without further examination.

• Learn more about the Civil Service System
• Firefighter exam information - FAQs 

For automated information about exams open for filing, and/or your exam or list status, call (212)-669-1357. For information about a specific exam you have taken please have your exam number and social security number available when you call.

The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Monthly Exam Schedule includes different types of examinations. Open competitive exams are open to members of the public, while promotion exams are only open to current City employees, who are in an eligible title. 

Some exams are offered regularly on a walk-in basis at the DCAS Computerized Testing Centers (CTCs), conveniently located in lower Manhattan (2 Lafayette Street, 17th floor) and in downtown Brooklyn (Brooklyn Municipal Building, 210 Joralemon Street, 4th floor). Candidates for these exams will apply at the CTC on the day of the test.

• Get travel directions to the DCAS Computerized Testing & Application Centers. 

Some important information about the CTCs:

• Electronic devices, including cell phones, are not permitted in the testing areas.
• Check the Notice of Examination to see if calculators are permitted. 
• If you are requesting an exam filing fee waiver, you must provide a copy of acceptable documentation. DCAS staff cannot make copies of your documentation. 
• Seating is limited. Once the CTC is filled to capacity, no more candidates will be admitted.
• You are encouraged to take a test earlier in the month since there is generally more seating available at these times. Be sure to note the specific days and times that the exam you are interested in taking is being offered before reporting to a CTC.
• The CTC and Application Centers are open 6 days a week; however, on some dates, such as holidays, the CTCs may be closed for walk-in testing. Any planned closures would be noted on the DCAS website, as well as in the CTC Monthly Exam Schedule. In the event of an unscheduled closure, an automated message can be heard by calling (212) 669-1357.

For non-walk-in exams, candidates are required to apply during a filing period a number of months in advance of the expected test date. Applicants will receive an admission notice for these exams by mail approximately one week before the test date, which will include the time and location of the test. To ensure timely processing, online applications are strongly encouraged.  If you do not own or have access to a computer with internet access, you may visit one of the Application Centers and use one of our computers dedicated for use by the public to submit applications online.

• Learn more about Civil Service Examinations

Ready to apply or search for specific information? Use the quick links below:

• View exams open for filing now, download a copy of the monthly application schedule and learn more about scheduled exams.   
• Learn more about how to apply for exams 
• Apply online now for a civil service exam
• View upcoming exams and Notices of Examination for previously offered open competitive and promotion exams

Use the links below to access additional information regarding examinations including information on: 

• NYC Exam Regulations
• Application fee waivers
• Foreign Education (how to receive credit for foreign education claimed in Education & Experience tests)
• Special Circumstances (for exams, including special accommodations, additional credit (Veterans’ Parent & Sibling Legacy Credit), requesting an alternate test date, changing your address, etc.)
• Key answers for exams you have already taken
• Protest Procedures

The Department of Buildings is now responsible for New York City’s construction trade Licensing Exams. Visit the NYC Department of Buildings Licensing Exams page to learn more.

Some City jobs do not require taking an examination. Most City agencies post their available job opportunities on NYC Jobs. To view postings for City jobs currently accepting applications, use one of the links below:

• Visit NYC Jobs  to learn more about working for the City, view frequently asked questions, view current job postings and apply online for positions you are interested in.
• Information Technology professionals may view IT postings for positions with City agencies on the City’s Information Technology Jobs Center site.

DCAS administers a number of internship programs for undergraduate and graduate students and recent college graduates. Learn more about DCAS administered internship programs or use the links below for information on specific programs:

• Urban Fellows Program
• NYC Service Fellowship
• Public Service Corps
• NYC Summer Internship Program

DCAS has submitted a five-year plan regarding provisional appointments.

• Learn more