Governor Kathy Hochul announced today 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.”
The removal of exam application fees is a significant step towards making a career in public service more accessible for all New Yorkers. Previously, civil service exam fees could range from $25 to $100, which could be a significant financial burden for some individuals, particularly those from low-income households or marginalized communities. The waiver of these fees will remove a major barrier to entry into public service and make it easier for qualified candidates from all backgrounds to pursue a career in government.
The waiver of civil service exam fees is one of several actions taken by the Governor and the State Legislature to modernize New York’s public workforce. In addition to the fee waiver, the FY 2024 Budget also includes funding to expand the number of civil service testing centers across the state and to create new marketing campaigns to raise awareness of the many career opportunities available in public service.
The Governor and the State Legislature are committed to making government work better for New Yorkers, and the waiver of civil service exam fees is an important step in that direction. By removing this barrier to entry, the state is making it easier for qualified candidates from all backgrounds to pursue a rewarding career in public service.
In addition to the waiver of civil service exam fees, the FY 2024 Budget also includes a number of other provisions aimed at modernizing New York’s public workforce. These provisions include:
- Expanding the state’s 55-B hiring program to increase job opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
- Offering civil service exams on an ongoing basis at 12 state-operated testing centers to be established across the state.
- Creating 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 and the State Legislature are confident that these actions will help to make New York’s public workforce more diverse, more inclusive, and more responsive to the needs of all New Yorkers.
