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Civil Service Exams

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Civil Service Exams 101

Civil service exams assess your knowledge, skills, & abilities necessary for performing a job.
 

(Not all jobs require a civil service exam though - only the positions classified “competitive.”)

WHAT ARE CIVIL SERVICE EXAMS?

For many of our positions, the State Constitution requires that we hire from a list of candidates who have passed a civil service exam.

WHY SHOULD YOU TAKE ONE?

Apply online to take an exam so you can show that you meet the minimum qualifications of the position you're interested in. (Study guides and test exams are available online here!)

HOW CAN YOU TAKE AN EXAM?

After you apply, you'll be emailed an admittance letter that includes:

  • Test location

  • What you can bring

  • Max time allowed to take the exam

  • + any additional info

WHERE WILL YOU TAKE THE EXAM?

Civil service exams are either offered continuously or posted 21 days before the exam date depending on the position. (Be sure to sign up to be notified when new exams are posted!)

WHEN WILL YOU TAKE YOUR EXAM?

When a department is ready to hire, the City will email everyone who showed interest in the position & passed the exam in a “Canvass Letter” with the next steps in the process. 

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE EXAM?

When DON'T I have to take a Civil Service Exam? 

You might not need to take a Civil Service Exam if:

  • you are appointed to a position or

  • you are eligible for the 55-a Employment Program (the section of New York State Civil Service Law which allows local governments to bypass the examination process when employing people with disabilities in entry-level civil service jobs).

Open Exams

These exams are open to the public, but don't procrastinate! Applications won't be accepted after the deadline.

Continuous Exams

No deadlines on these! This means positions can be applied for at any time and the eligible list will be used to fill vacancies as they occur.

Quick Tips...

The City recommends applying for and taking the exams for all of the positions you’re interested in. (This increases your chances of being considered in the hiring process!)​

Need test prep? Why not check out a civil service exam study guide?

FAQs are no match for us - ask away!

Anything else? Contact the Human Resources department by phone at 518-434-5049 or email at HR@albanyny.gov.

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