NYC - Civil Service Exam Civil Service General Information 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In NYC civil service, how many additional points are typically added to a passing exam score for a disabled veteran?
- 5 points
- 10 points (Correct answer)
- 15 points
- No additional points are given
Correct answer: 10 points
Disabled veterans who pass a civil service examination receive 10 additional points added to their score under New York State Military Law. Non-disabled veterans receive 5 points. This preference applies only to open-competitive exams, not promotional exams.
Question 2: What is the key difference between an 'open-competitive' and a 'promotional' civil service exam in NYC?
- Open-competitive exams are free; promotional exams require a fee
- Open-competitive exams are open to any qualified applicant; promotional exams are restricted to current city employees in eligible titles (Correct answer)
- Open-competitive exams are written; promotional exams are oral only
- Open-competitive exams are administered by the state; promotional exams are administered by the city
Correct answer: Open-competitive exams are open to any qualified applicant; promotional exams are restricted to current city employees in eligible titles
Open-competitive exams allow any member of the public who meets the minimum qualifications to apply, while promotional exams are limited to current NYC employees who hold a specified civil service title and meet seniority requirements.
Question 3: What is the typical length of a probationary period for a new NYC civil service competitive class appointee?
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 1 year (Correct answer)
- 2 years
Correct answer: 1 year
Most NYC civil service competitive class positions carry a one-year probationary period. During this time, the appointing agency evaluates the employee's performance; the employee can be dismissed without a formal hearing if found unsuitable.
Question 4: Which class of NYC civil service positions includes roles where the appointee serves entirely at the pleasure of the appointing authority and can be removed without cause?
- Competitive class
- Non-competitive class
- Labor class
- Exempt class (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Exempt class
The exempt class covers positions designated by law where tenure is 'at the pleasure' of the appointing officer, meaning no exam is required and the employee has no civil service removal protections. Examples include high-level mayoral appointees and certain confidential staff.
Question 5: Under NYC civil service rules, which document primarily governs the procedures for examinations, eligible lists, and appointments for city employees?
- The NYC Administrative Code
- The Personnel Rules and Regulations of the City of New York (Correct answer)
- The New York State Constitution
- The NYC Charter's Title 6 Appendix
Correct answer: The Personnel Rules and Regulations of the City of New York
The Personnel Rules and Regulations of the City of New York (PR&R), promulgated by the Mayor and administered by DCAS, set forth the detailed procedures governing civil service examinations, eligible lists, appointments, transfers, and other personnel actions for NYC employees.
Question 6: What is the minimum age requirement to file for most NYC civil service examinations?
- 16 years old
- 17 years old
- 18 years old (Correct answer)
- 21 years old
Correct answer: 18 years old
Candidates must generally be at least 18 years of age by the date of appointment (and in many cases by the filing deadline) to be eligible for NYC civil service positions. Some specific titles may have higher age requirements based on job duties.
In NYC civil service, how many additional points are typically added to a passing exam score for a disabled veteran?