Public Service Careers with NYC

Frequently Asked Questions

On this page you will find answers to many of your questions, grouped into the following categories:

General
NYC Job Search Portal
Basic Eligibility Requirements for Open Jobs
Civil Service Examinations

General

Who can answer questions about internship or seasonal opportunities?

If you have a question regarding a specific internship program, use the links provided to learn more about the program. If you want to ask general questions about internship opportunities, please contact us using the feedback form.

Where can I find information on job training and other assistance for job seekers?

Visit the Career Resources page to find links to free resources from City agencies, such as help with writing or upgrading your resume, preparing for interviews, and job training.

What if I have a question that is not in the FAQs?

If you cannot find the answer to your question on this page, please contact us using the feedback form. Be sure to include your name, contact information, the Job Opening ID number (if applicable), and a detailed description of your issue or question.

NYC Job Search Portal

What types of jobs are posted on the NYC Job Search Portal?

City agencies post open paid positions on the portal, many of which do not require applicants to take a civil service exam prior to being hired. Most jobs requiring a civil service exam and internships are not posted on the portal. Learn more about civil service exams and internship opportunities.

Can City employees use the NYC Job Search Portal to search and apply for jobs?

City employees can access the Job Search Portal and apply for jobs by using NYCAPS Employee Self-Service (ESS). Applications submitted through the public NYC Job Search Portal by current City employees will not be processed.

I am a terminated, retired, or former City employee. Can I apply for jobs through the NYC Job Search Portal site?

Yes. All former City employees can apply for positions through the public NYC Job Search Portal. Any individuals currently employed by the City must apply for jobs using NYCAPS Employee Self-Service (ESS).

Which City agencies use the NYC Job Search Portal to post job openings?

Over 40 City agencies post jobs on the NYC Job Search Portal. You can find the list of participating agencies on the Advanced Search page in the NYC Job Search Portal.

I noticed that some of the information posted on the NYC Job Search Portal has changed. Why did this happen?

All information posted on this site is subject to change without notice. If you have questions about changes made to a specific job posting, please contact the hiring agency.

Do I need to register and create an account to search for job postings?

No. You can search for job postings as a visitor and will only be required to register if you want to apply for a position online.

Do I need an email address to use the public NYC Job Search Portal?

You may browse job postings without providing an email address or creating an account. If you want to apply for a position through the NYC Job Search Portal, you will need to provide an email address in order to set up an account.

I do not have a computer at home. Where can I apply for jobs?

You can search for and apply for employment opportunities from any computer with an internet connection, including those at public libraries and Workforce1 Career Centers.

Are internships posted on the NYC Job Search Portal?

Select agency-specific internship opportunities are posted on the NYC Job Search Portal; all others are listed on the Internships and Seasonal Opportunities page. The internship application process varies by program. Please refer to specific postings for instructions on how to apply.

I have a specific question about using the NYC Job Search Portal. Where can I learn more?

Visit the “Help” page on the NYC Job Search Portal for information on registration and account information, searching for jobs, applying, and technical issues.

Why does a job posting say I must have passed a particular exam or be permanent in the title to be considered for appointment?

For titles where an exam has been administered and an eligible list exists, civil service law requires that candidates for these positions be hired off of the existing eligible list. Sometimes an agency will post a job opening in the NYC Job Search Portal for a job for which an eligible list has been established for the civil service title of the position. Individuals on that eligible list or City employees currently working permanently in the title may apply to be considered for the job.

Basic Eligibility Requirements for Open Jobs

Do I need to be a United States citizen to be considered for a position with the City?

For most positions, you do not need to be a citizen. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and will be required to submit proof of such eligibility. There are certain positions that require applicants to be U.S. citizens, and this will be specified in the job posting.

If I live outside the United States, can I apply for a job?

Yes, however, there are residency requirements for most positions. Please refer to the job posting for more information.

Do I need to be a resident of one of the five boroughs to work for the City of New York?

Residency requirements vary by position. For more information about the requirements that apply to you, refer to the job posting or ask an agency representative at the time of your interview. Any individual hired for a position with residency requirements will be asked to produce proof of residency upon being hired.

What happens after I submit my application?

The hiring agency will review each application and schedule qualified candidates for interviews. Only those applicants being considered for an interview will be contacted.

Will there be a background check?

If you are selected for employment with the City of New York, you will be investigated to confirm you are qualified for the position. You will be asked to provide a detailed history of your employment, education, residences, etc. Any false statements made during the investigation can disqualify you from employment or bar you from any future employment with the City. If you provide false information you will also be subject to criminal prosecution. Fingerprinting is required for all applicants selected for employment.

Are there any fees associated with the hiring process?

Yes. If you are selected for employment you will be responsible for paying fingerprinting fees, payroll processing fees, and/or the oath of office fee. These fees vary based on the position for which you are being hired. Your HR representative will provide you with more information on these fees at the time of hire.

Civil Service Examinations

For questions regarding the civil service examination application process, associated fees, fee waivers, etc., please visit the Online Application System (OASys) Frequently Asked Questions pages using the links below:

How often are exams offered?

This depends on which exam you are interested in taking. Some agencies, such as the NYPD and the Department of Correction, require a constant flow of candidates, and therefore, the Police Officer Exam and Correction Officer Exam are given continuously throughout the year. Other exams may only be offered every few years. An annual exam schedule is typically issued each July and lists all of the exams that are tentatively scheduled through the following June. For the current annual schedule, click here.

There is currently no exam scheduled for a position I am interested in. Where can I find more information about the title and the exam associated with it?

Notices of Examination (NOE), which provide general information about a title, qualification requirements, and details of the corresponding exam, are issued for most civil service titles. NOEs for previously-administered exams are archived on DCAS’ website. Click here for NOEs for open-competitive exams or here for NOEs for promotion exams. Please note that the archived NOEs are for general information purposes only. NOEs may be updated or changed when a new round of exams is scheduled.

Why do people need to take tests to work for the City?

Civil service law requires that candidates for competitive class jobs demonstrate their merit and fitness for the position by taking and passing a civil service exam before being hired. Candidates that pass this exam are placed on an eligible list and considered for appointment in rank order.

What is an eligible list?

Candidates who take and pass a civil service exam are placed on an eligible list, which is ranked by test score. Those that score the highest will be at the top of the list and will be the first candidates considered for any available positions.

If I passed an exam, how long will it take before I am hired?

The amount of time it takes to be hired varies by agency and will depend on an individual agency’s hiring needs. Eligible lists are generally created six months to a year after the exam period ends, and candidates cannot be hired until this list is established. Once a list has been established, it will typically remain active for four years. If you have not been contacted for a position by the time the eligible list expires, you will need to retake the exam.

How can I find information about an exam I have already taken?

For information about the status of an exam you have taken, you may call the DCAS Interactive Voice Response System (IVR) at 212-669-1357. Please have your exam number and social security number available when you call.

Can I be hired for a position with the City without taking a test?

Yes. Exams and eligible lists are not always available for all titles and positions. In instances where an agency must fill a vacancy in order to continue its operations, candidates are allowed to apply directly to the available position. You can find open jobs in the NYC Job Search Portal. The agency will then provisionally, or temporarily, appoint a qualified individual, who will be expected to take and pass the exam the next time it is administered.

Why does the application fee vary for each exam?

The application fee for each exam is based upon the minimum hiring salary of the corresponding title. Titles with higher salaries require a higher exam fee. To determine if you are eligible for an application fee waiver, please review the requirements and application instructions located on the OASys website.

Does the City offer any special testing accommodations for people with disabilities or for religious observance?

Yes. Candidates with disabilities and/or medical conditions may request special testing accommodations, and candidates who are scheduled to test on a date that conflicts with their religious beliefs may request an alternate test date. Candidates who request special testing accommodations will be required to provide documentation of their limitations and outline the accommodations they are requesting. Candidates who request an alternate test date due to their religious beliefs will be required to provide documentation which demonstrates they are a practicing member of a religious organization and such beliefs are in conflict the scheduled test date. Please visit the Special Circumstances Guide for additional information and instructions on how to apply.

What are the eligibility requirements for applying for an exam?

Some exams have specific eligibility requirements (e.g., citizenship, residency, etc.). Please refer to the Notice of Examination (NOE) for the exam you are interested in to find these requirements.