Show All Answers

1. What is the usual amount of time to get exam results back?

The amount of time between taking a test and getting results varies, but in general you should count on at least several weeks and sometimes as long as three or four months for exam results. Why does it take so long? The reasons vary: many examinations come from New York State Civil Service in Albany, and they process, rate and analyze exams from across the state at the same time. If the examination was decentralized, the rating and administrative processing may be done immediately or may take several weeks.

If you don’t hear from us right away, sit tight. Every exam candidate always receives a written report of results.

2. Do I get extra points on an exam if I am a veteran?

New York State (NYS) Civil Service Law provides that veterans who have served in time of war and meet certain other conditions may be eligible to have "veteran’s credits" added to their score on a Civil Service exam:

• Veteran’s credits are added only to the scores of passing candidates, and they may be used only once for appointment
• Non-disabled veterans may receive 5 additional credits on open competitive exams, and 2.5 credits on promotional exams
• Disabled veterans may receive 10 additional credits on open competitive exams, and 5 credits on promotional exams

Applications for veterans credits and copies of the section of NYS Civil Service Law dealing with veterans credits may be obtained in City Hall Room 301.

3. Can I review my exam results?

In most cases, the letter notifying you of your exam results will contain instructions for requesting a "computational review" of your exam score. In this process, you will attend a review meeting where you will receive copies of the documents used to figure out your score, and you will be able to check to make sure your score was computer correctly. However, you will not be able to review questions and answers in this type of review.

4. What is an “eligible list?”

Every candidate who passes a Civil Service exam is placed on a list of people eligible to be hired for positions in that job category. It is called a "list of eligibles," or "eligible list." Candidates are listed in the order of their rank on the list, which is determined by their "final score." Final scores reflect scores on the exam, plus any points added for veteran’s credits (or for "seniority points" on promotional exams).

5. How long is an eligible list used for hiring?

Civil Service eligible lists are initially established for one year, in accordance with New York State Civil Service Law. They may be extended yearly, to a total maximum length of four years.

6. Can the public see eligible lists?

Eligible lists are public documents. A copy of any eligible list established by the City can be viewed during working hours (8:30 am to 5 pm) at City Hall in Room 301. Ask for the eligible list for the title in which you are interested.

7. Must I take a test again when the list expires?

Civil Service eligible lists are valid for at least one year, and up to four years, in accordance with state law. When the list expires, candidates must reapply and take the exam again in order to continue eligibility. A new list will be established as a result of the new test.