Promote fair opportunity for state government careers by waiving state civil service exam fees.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that beginning July 1, 2023 through December 2025, all New York State Civil Service Exam application fees will be waived. Eliminating fees for all state tests is one of several actions included in the fiscal year 2024 budget to help modernize New York’s public workforce.
“As our state continues to grapple with an affordability crisis, the cost of the civil service exam is yet another burden on New Yorkers, especially passionate New Yorkers seeking meaningful careers in national service,” Governor Hocher said. “By waiving these fees, my administration is delivering on its commitment to modernizing New York’s workforce and lowering barriers to ensuring our public servants reflect the rich diversity of our state. “
Timothy R. Hogues, Commissioner of the Civil Service, said, “Removing test application fees for all state civil service exams is one of many positive steps New York State is taking to help make public service careers more accessible to all. In the Civil Service, we are making improvements to remove barriers to entry for civil service positions , and changing the way New York State meets its workforce needs to help recruit and retain a diverse, talented workforce that serves all New Yorkers. I encourage all individuals to consider applying for the exams for which you qualify to begin passing Towards a rewarding career path that brings many benefits to New York State.”
Civil service exam fees can be a significant barrier to entry into public service, especially for candidates from traditionally marginalized communities. Most test takers are required to pay the test fee, although fee waivers have previously been available for veterans and individuals who are unemployed or receiving public assistance.
Removing the test application fee for the state civil service exam is one of several actions in the FY 2024 Budget to modernize New York’s public workforce and streamline government operations. Other actions include continued delivery of civil service exams at 12 state-run testing centers across the state and expansion of the state’s existing 55-B recruiting program to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Together, these actions reaffirm the Governor’s commitment to making government work better for New Yorkers.
The FY 2024 Budget builds on several initiatives announced by Governor Hochul in his 2023 State of the Union Address to strengthen the public workforce and government operations. The Governor previously announced the creation of a Civil Service Specialist position at the Department of Labor’s Career Center to serve as a liaison between job seekers and the Department of Civil Service and other state agencies, helping candidates better understand and assist them with the civil service performance system. Greater support in finding employment opportunities offered by the State Government. The Governor also announced a multifaceted marketing campaign to raise awareness of the diverse career paths in public service and the unique benefits of employment in New York State.
Governor also recently announced Ten state agencies have thousands of state job openings in health and human services available for immediate hiring as part of the Emergency Limited Placement Program to help address statewide labor shortages in key state government health and safety titles.
To learn more about working for New York State and how to take the next steps to pursue a rewarding career in public service, visit Civil Service Department website and follow the department Facebook, Twitterand LinkedIn.
