Complete Guide to NYC DCAS Civil Service Exams 2025-2026

What is NYC DCAS?

The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) is the primary agency responsible for managing the civil service examination process for New York City government positions. DCAS works closely with city agencies to recruit, test, and certify qualified candidates for thousands of civil service jobs ranging from entry-level positions to specialized professional careers.

DCAS operates Computer-based Testing & Application Centers (CTACs) in all five boroughs, making it convenient for New Yorkers to apply for exams and access resources. The department ensures fair, competitive hiring processes that identify the most qualified candidates for city service.

Most Popular NYC DCAS Exams

Upcoming DCAS Exam Dates (November 2025 - June 2026)

Police Officer Exams - Monthly Testing Schedule

Correction Officer Exams

Additional Upcoming Exams (November 2025)

DCAS Exam Fee Structure

DCAS exam fees are determined based on the minimum starting salary for each position. The fee structure was last updated around 2010 and remains consistent across similar salary ranges.

Fee Waiver Eligibility

DCAS offers fee waivers for eligible candidates. If you qualify, you can apply for exams without paying the application fee.

Eligibility Requirements by Position

General Requirements for Most DCAS Exams

1. Age Requirements: Varies by position (typically 17-21 years minimum to take exam)
2. Education: High school diploma or equivalent (minimum for most positions)
3. Residency: Some positions require NYC or surrounding county residency
4. English Proficiency: Must be able to understand and be understood in English
5. Good Character: Clean background check and satisfactory character review
6. Citizenship: U.S. citizenship required for law enforcement and security positions

Position-Specific Requirements

DCAS Exam Scoring System

Score Calculation Methods

Open Competitive Exams (Written Multiple-Choice Tests)

For most entry-level positions open to the general public:

Example Calculation:

• 100 questions on exam (each worth 1 point)
• You answer 75 correctly
• Your score: 75% (PASSING)

Promotional Exams (For Current City Employees)

For employees seeking promotion within their career track:

Example Calculation #1:

• Written test score: 80 points
• Years of service: 10 years
• Seniority score: 70 + (10 × 2) = 90
• Final score: (80 × 0.85) + (90 × 0.15) = 68.0 + 13.5 = 81.5%

Example Calculation #2:

• Written test score: 83 points
• Years of service: 20 years (capped at 15 for calculation)
• Seniority score: 70 + (15 × 2) = 100 (maximum)
• Final score: (83 × 0.85) + (100 × 0.15) = 70.55 + 15.0 = 85.55%

Education & Experience Exams (E&E)

For certain professional and technical positions:

Veterans Credits - Additional Points

Eligible veterans can receive additional points added to their passing scores only. These credits are applied after the base score is calculated and can significantly improve your position on the eligible list.

How Scores Determine Your Position

After all scores are calculated and veterans credits applied:

1. Eligible List Creation: All passing candidates ranked by final score (highest to lowest)
2. List Number Assignment: Each candidate receives a unique list number based on ranking
3. Hiring Process: City agencies hire from the top of the list in score order
4. List Duration: Eligible lists typically remain active for 4 years (varies by exam)

Score Notification Timeline

• Immediate Results: Education & Experience exams (scored upon submission)
• 6-12 Months: Written multiple-choice exams (average timeline)
• Email Notification: Score results sent to email address on file
• OASys Dashboard: View all exam results in your online account

How to Apply for NYC DCAS Exams

Applying for a DCAS civil service exam is a straightforward process that can be completed entirely online or in-person at any of the five testing centers. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a successful application.

Step 1: Create Your OASys Account

The Online Application System (OASys) is your central hub for all DCAS exam applications, score tracking, and communications.

Step 2: Research and Select Your Exam

1. Browse Current Exam Schedule: Check the monthly and annual exam schedules on the DCAS website
2. Review Notice of Examination (NOE): Each exam has a detailed NOE containing:
   • Job description and duties
   • Eligibility requirements (age, education, experience)
   • Application period start and end dates
   • Exam format and test date information
   • Application fee amount
   • Special requirements or certifications needed
3. Verify Eligibility: Ensure you meet ALL requirements before applying (fees are non-refundable)
4. Check Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted by midnight Eastern Time on the last day of the filing period

Step 3: Complete Your Application

Online Application Process

1. Log into OASys: Access your account at www.nyc.gov/examsforjobs
2. Search for Exam: Use the exam number or title to locate your exam
3. Click "Apply": Begin the application process
4. Complete All Required Sections:
   • Personal information (pre-filled from your profile)
   • Contact information
   • Education history (schools, degrees, dates)
   • Work experience (job titles, duties, dates)
   • Special circumstances (veteran status, disability accommodations)
5. Answer All Questions Accurately: For Education & Experience exams, provide detailed descriptions
6. Review Your Application: Check all information for accuracy before submitting

Education & Experience Exam Section

For exams requiring an E&E component:

• Describe your education in detail (majors, coursework, GPA)
• List all relevant work experience with specific duties
• Include volunteer work and certifications
• Be specific about dates (month and year)
• Provide as much detail as possible - this determines your score
• You have until midnight on the last application day to complete and Final Submit

Step 4: Pay Application Fee

Fee Waiver Process

If you qualify for a fee waiver:

1. Veterans: Select "veteran fee waiver" option during application and provide DD214 or discharge documentation
2. Spouse of Veteran: Select "spouse of veteran fee waiver" and provide veteran's discharge papers and marriage certificate
3. Public Assistance Recipients: Upload legible copy of current Benefit Card showing full benefits eligibility

Step 5: Final Submit and Confirmation

1. Review All Information: Double-check every section before final submission
2. Click "Final Submit": This completes your application
3. Receive Confirmation Email: Check your email (and spam folder) for confirmation
4. Save Confirmation Number: Keep this for your records
5. Save Payment Receipt: Proof of filing if any issues arise

In-Person Application Option

If you prefer to apply in person or need assistance, visit any DCAS Computer-based Testing & Application Center (CTAC):

What to Bring for In-Person Application:

• Valid government-issued photo ID
• Social Security card or number
• Money order for application fee (made out to "DCAS (EXAMS)")
• Documentation for fee waiver (if applicable)
• Education documents (diplomas, transcripts)
• Employment verification documents (if required by NOE)

DCAS Exam Preparation Guide

Official DCAS Study Resources

Understanding Test Content

Most DCAS multiple-choice exams assess the following abilities:

Written Comprehension

• What it tests: Reading passages and drawing logical conclusions
• Format: Read text excerpts, answer questions based on information provided
• Key skills: Reading comprehension, critical thinking, inference
• Study tip: Practice reading complex passages and summarizing main ideas

Written Expression

• What it tests: Grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure
• Format: Identify errors, complete sentences, arrange paragraphs logically
• Key skills: English grammar rules, proper punctuation, clear communication
• Study tip: Review grammar rules and practice identifying common errors

Mathematical Reasoning

• What it tests: Basic math and solving word problems
• Format: Arithmetic, algebra, percentages, ratios, basic geometry
• Key skills: Numerical calculations, problem-solving, logical thinking
• Study tip: Practice word problems and review fundamental math operations

Information Ordering

• What it tests: Following written directions and arranging information correctly
• Format: Alphabetize lists, arrange procedures in correct order, follow multi-step instructions
• Key skills: Attention to detail, sequential thinking, rule application
• Study tip: Practice arranging information according to specific rules

Deductive Reasoning

• What it tests: Applying general rules to specific problems
• Format: Given a rule, determine how it applies to various situations
• Key skills: Logical thinking, rule application, problem-solving
• Study tip: Practice applying rules to different scenarios

Inductive Reasoning

• What it tests: Finding patterns and drawing conclusions from examples
• Format: Identify patterns in sequences, make predictions based on data
• Key skills: Pattern recognition, analytical thinking, generalization
• Study tip: Practice identifying patterns in numbers, words, and scenarios

Effective Study Strategies

Test Day Preparation

What to Bring to the Exam

What to Leave at Home

• Cell phones and electronic devices (must be turned off and stored)
• Study materials and notes
• Books, bags, backpacks
• Food and beverages (unless for medical reasons with documentation)
• Calculators (unless specifically allowed by NOE)

Test Day Tips

1. Arrive Early: Plan to arrive 30-45 minutes before start time
2. Get Good Sleep: Sleep 7-8 hours the night before
3. Eat a Healthy Meal: Eat breakfast/lunch before the exam
4. Dress Comfortably: Wear layers for varying room temperatures
5. Stay Calm: Take deep breaths and manage test anxiety
6. Read Carefully: Read each question thoroughly before answering
7. Pace Yourself: Keep track of time and don't spend too long on any question
8. Answer All Questions: There's no penalty for guessing

After Taking the DCAS Exam

Score Notification Process

The timeline for receiving your exam results varies by exam type:

Understanding Your Score Results

Your score notification will include:

• Raw Score: Your actual performance on the test
• Adjusted Score: After veterans credits or other adjustments
• Pass/Fail Status: Whether you achieved the 70% minimum
• List Number: Your rank on the eligible list (if you passed)
• List Establishment Date: When the eligible list becomes active

The Eligible List

If you pass the exam with 70% or higher, you are placed on an eligible list ranked by final score.

How the Eligible List Works

1. Score Ranking: Candidates ranked from highest to lowest final score
2. List Number Assignment: Each candidate receives unique list number
3. Hiring Process: Agencies hire from top of list in score order
4. Rule of Three: Agencies typically choose from top 3 candidates for each vacancy
5. List Duration: Most lists remain active for approximately 4 years
6. Certification: When there's a vacancy, DCAS "certifies" top candidates to the hiring agency

Exam Appeal Process

If you believe your exam was scored incorrectly, you have the right to appeal.

Grounds for Appeal

• Rescoring: You believe your Education & Experience exam was scored incorrectly
• Foreign Education: Your foreign education credentials were not properly evaluated
• Administrative Error: There was an error in processing your application or test
• Manifest Error: Clear mistake in exam content or scoring

How to Submit an Appeal

1. Log into OASys: Access your account at www.nyc.gov/examsforjobs
2. Navigate to Appeals Tab: Go to your dashboard and click "Appeals"
3. Click "New Appeal": Start the appeal process
4. Select Exam and Reason: Choose exam number and reason for appeal
5. Provide Detailed Explanation: Explain specifically why your score should be higher
6. Upload Supporting Documents: Attach up to 5 documents (PDF or Word)
7. Final Submit: Submit appeal before deadline

Appeal Review Process

• Committee on Manifest Errors (CME): Three-person panel reviews all appeals
• Review Timeline: Typically 4-8 weeks for decision
• Possible Outcomes: Score raised, score lowered, score unchanged
• Final Decision: CME decision is final and cannot be appealed further
• Notification: You receive email notification of appeal decision

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Contact NYC DCAS

Official Government Sources & Resources