Empire State Today

Fees for State Civil Service Exams Waived to Promote Equitable Access to Careers in State Government 

One of Many Efforts Enacted in Historic FY 2024 Budget to Modernize New York’s Public Workforce 

Governor Kathy Hochul June 30 announced that civil service exam application fees are now waived for all New York State civil service exams, beginning on July 1, 2023 through December 2025. The removal of fees for all State exams was one of several actions included in the FY 2024 Budget to help modernize New York’s public workforce.

“As our state continues to grapple with an affordability crisis, civil service exam fees place yet another burden on New Yorkers – particularly the passionate New Yorkers seeking meaningful careers in state service,” Governor Hochul said. “By waiving these fees, my administration is standing by its commitment to modernizing New York’s workforce and lowering barriers to ensure that our civil servants reflect the rich diversity of our state.”

Department of Civil Service Commissioner Timothy R. Hogues said, “Removing exam application fees for all state civil service exams is one of the many proactive steps that New York State is taking to help make a career in public service more accessible for all. At the Department of Civil Service, we are making improvements to eliminate barriers to entry for civil service jobs and transforming the State’s approach to meeting our workforce needs to help recruit and retain a diverse and talented workforce that will serve all New Yorkers. I encourage all individuals to consider applying for exams that you qualify for to start the pathway to a rewarding career that offers many benefits with New York State.”

Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “Our state service workers keep New York running and bring a wide array of talents to serve the people of our state. It’s imperative we continue recruiting and maintaining talented individuals to continue building a better New York. This waiver will remove barriers, promote opportunities, and recruit the next generation of state leaders. We will always invest in the best, and I’m proud we secured this measure in this year’s state budget.”

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said, “The removal of civil service exam fees is a step in the right direction for New York. This action, which was part of the Assembly Majority's budget proposal, ensures economic standing has no impact on a desire for a public service career and is another barrier removed for marginalized communities across the state. The Assembly Majority is committed to supporting the work of the next generation of civil servants and is excited to see the work they’ll do to make New York a better place.”

Civil service exam fees can serve as a substantial barrier to entering public service, particularly for candidates from traditionally marginalized communities. While fee waivers previously existed for veterans, as well as individuals that are unemployed or receiving public assistance, the majority of test-takers were required to pay an exam fee.

The removal of exam application fees for state civil service exams is one of several actions taken as part of the FY 2024 Budget to modernize New York's public workforce and streamline government operations. Additional actions include offering civil service exams on an ongoing basis at 12 state-operated testing centers to be established across the state and expanding the state's existing 55-B hiring program to increase job opportunities for individuals 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 in Governor Hochul's 2023 State of the State address to strengthen the public workforce and government operations. The Governor previously announced the creation of Civil Service Specialist positions at Department of Labor Career Centers to serve as liaisons between jobseekers and the Department of Civil Service, as well as other state agencies, to help candidates better navigate the Civil Service Merit System and provide them with greater support in navigating available job opportunities across state government. The Governor also announced a multi-faceted marketing campaign to raise awareness of the many diverse career paths available across public service and the unique benefits of employment with New York State.

The Governor also recently announced thousands of state jobs are open and available for immediate hiring in the health and human services fields across ten state agencies as part of the Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Program to help address the statewide workforce shortage in critical health and safety titles across state government.

To learn more about working for the State of New York and how to take the next step in pursuing a rewarding career in public service, please visit the Department of Civil Service website and follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Original source can be found here.