Conductor Exam – 2026

🚇 MTA New York City Transit ✏ Written Exam Required ⚠ Amended July 1, 2026
Exam No.: 6626 Agency: MTA New York City Transit Amended Deadline: July 10, 2026 Written Test: October 11, 2026
Starting Pay
$26.70
per hour
Year 6 Pay
$38.15
per hour
Application Deadline
Jul 10, 2026
amended from Jun 30
Written Test
Oct 11, 2026
Sunday
App. Fee
$68
waivers available
Residency
Not Required
open to all

MTA New York City Transit is accepting applications for Conductor, Exam No. 6626. Conductors are responsible for the safe, timely, and proper operation of NYC Transit trains in customer, yard, and work train service. This is a unionized civil service title — names placed on the eligible list following the exam will be considered for appointment as vacancies arise, with any existing promotion list considered first.

No prior transit experience is required — you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent, and the ability to pass a competitive multiple-choice test. A medical exam and drug screening are required before appointment. No NYC residency requirement.

Apply by July 10, 2026 — a856-mtaexams.nyc.gov

Deadline extended to July 10, 2026 (amended July 1, 2026). Written test Sunday, October 11, 2026. $68 fee — waivers available for veterans and public assistance recipients. Exam No. 6626.

Apply on MTA OASys ↗

Questions? examsunit@nyct.com | MTA NYC Transit Examinations Unit | Exam No. 6626

Key Dates
MilestoneDate
Application Period OpensJune 1, 2026
Application Deadline (Amended)July 10, 2026 — by midnight Eastern Time
Fee Waiver Documentation DeadlineJuly 14, 2026 — by mail to Brooklyn address
Admission Letter Available~September 27, 2026 (14 days before test)
Multiple-Choice Test DateSunday, October 11, 2026
⚠ Notice was amended July 1, 2026. The original application deadline was June 30, 2026. It has been extended to July 10, 2026. If you missed the original deadline, you still have time to apply. Note that the fee waiver documentation has a deadline.
Salary & Pay Scale

Pay is hourly for a 40-hour work week, with step increases over six years of service. Additional differentials apply for night and weekend shifts.

Starting Pay
$26.70/hr
~$55,536/yr
Year Six
$38.15/hr
~$79,352/yr
✓ Benefits include: Night and weekend salary differentials, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, a comprehensive medical plan, and a pension plan. All rates are subject to change per collective bargaining.
What the Job Involves

Conductors, under supervision, are responsible for the safe, timely, and proper operation of NYC Transit trains across three types of service:

Customer Service
  • Open and close train doors and make proper announcements to customers
  • Set up the automatic announcement system
  • Interact with the Train Operator, Supervision, and Control Center as needed while in road service
  • Work as a platform conductor — patrol platforms and assist customers safely boarding and exiting trains
  • Assist in the timely dispatch of trains from key stations
Yard & Safety Operations
  • Operate hand-thrown switches in the yards
  • Provide flagging protection — set up flags and light signals to protect workers performing work on or near trainways
  • Take required measures for the protection of workers on or near the right-of-way
  • Make reports of unusual occurrences
Physical activities & working conditions
  • !Walking along subway tracks; stepping over rails including live third rails
  • !Ascending and descending from trains and catwalks to roadbeds
  • !Responding to audible signals (alarm bells, train whistles, horns, radio) and visual signals including colored lights
  • !Remaining in a standing position for extended periods; lifting heavy equipment
  • !Working outdoors in all weather conditions; various shifts including nights, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
Minimum Qualifications
  • Education: A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent, required by the date of appointment (not the application deadline). The high school must be approved by a State’s Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization.
  • English: Must be able to understand and be understood in English to perform the duties of the position.
  • Proof of identity: Must be able to prove identity and employment authorization in the United States prior to employment.
  • !Foreign education: If you were educated outside the United States, a “document-by-document” (general) evaluation is required and must be submitted directly to MTA NYC Transit’s Examinations Unit by the evaluating service — not from the applicant directly. See the Foreign Education Fact Sheet at mta.info/nyct/hr/forms_instructions.htm.
ℹ️ No NYC residency required. This position is open to qualified candidates regardless of where they currently reside. No residency requirement applies at the time of application or appointment.
Requirements to Be Appointed
  • !Medical examination: Medical guidelines have been established. You will be examined to determine whether you can perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations provided for qualifying disabilities.
  • !Drug screening: You must pass a drug screening before appointment and will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing for the duration of employment. If you have previously tested positive on a DOT-regulated drug or alcohol test, you must have completed the required Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) evaluation and treatment process before you can be appointed to this safety-sensitive position.
  • !Training: A formalized training course may be required during the probationary period. Failure to complete it successfully may result in termination.
  • !Probationary period: You must complete a probationary period. Failure to successfully complete the probationary period may result in termination.
  • +Promotion list note: A promotion exam for Conductor is being held for eligible NYC Transit employees. Names appearing on the promotion list will be considered first when filling vacancies — open competitive candidates follow.
The Multiple-Choice Test

The competitive multiple-choice test may be given at a computer terminal or using paper and pencil/pen. A score of at least 70% is required to pass. Your score determines your place on the eligible list. You’ll be assigned a test date and location — you cannot request a change unless you qualify for a special accommodation or make-up test.

Abilities Tested
Written Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs — e.g., understanding written bulletins released by MTA NYC Transit.
Written Expression
Using English words and sentences clearly in writing — e.g., writing incident reports regarding unusual occurrences.
Problem Sensitivity
Identifying when something is wrong or likely to go wrong — e.g., recognizing that a radio system issue may interfere with normal operations.
Deductive Reasoning
Applying general rules to specific problems to develop logical solutions — e.g., applying MTA rules to situations to determine the correct action.
Inductive Reasoning
Combining separate pieces of information to form conclusions — e.g., determining the correct action based on personal observations combined with radio communications from the Rail Control Center.
Information Ordering
Following a given rule or set of rules to correctly sequence actions — e.g., following a step-by-step procedure to open and close train doors.
Number Facility
Speed and accuracy in basic math — e.g., performing time-based calculations to determine if a train is running on schedule.
Short-Term Memorization
Remembering information immediately after hearing it — e.g., recalling information transmitted over a two-way radio.
Customer Service
Providing information to passengers professionally and courteously — e.g., giving a passenger directions to a location.
How to Apply & Application Fee

All applications must be submitted through the MTA Online Application System (OASys) at a856-mtaexams.nyc.gov. Note this is a different OASys portal from the NYC DCAS system — the MTA runs its own. A unique, valid email address is required. All new accounts require verification before you can apply; most are verified instantly, but allow up to 5 business days if your account needs manual review.

1
Create / log in to your MTA OASys accountGo to a856-mtaexams.nyc.gov. New accounts require email verification — allow up to 5 business days if yours needs manual review, and factor that into your timeline before the July 10 deadline.
2
Complete and submit your application by July 10, 2026Follow the on-screen instructions. Pay the $68 fee by major credit card, bank card, or prepaid debit card. A 2.95% service fee applies to card payments — this is non-refundable. The full application must be submitted by midnight Eastern Time on July 10, 2026.
3
Request a fee waiver by deadline (if eligible)Fee waiver requests require mailed documentation .
4
Download your Admission Letter ~September 27, 2026Your letter will be available on your MTA OASys Dashboard 14 days before testing begins. Bring a printed copy — it’s your ticket to the test site.
5
Take the written test — Sunday, October 11, 2026Bring your printed Admission Letter and one valid photo ID with signature. No phones, smart watches, or electronic devices. Calculators permitted (basic numeric, hand-held only — no alphabetic keyboard or word processing functions).
Fee Waiver — Who Qualifies & How to Request

The $68 fee may be waived for candidates receiving or participating in certain forms of public assistance, benefits, or programs, or veterans. Unlike most DCAS exams, the MTA fee waiver requires a mailed request with supporting documentation — not an online form.

Mail fee waiver :
Download the Fee Waiver Request Guide at mta.info/nyct/hr/forms_instructions.htm.
Test Site Requirements
  • !Prohibited devices: No cellular phones, smart watches, beepers, pagers, cameras, portable media players, or other electronic devices. No devices with alphabetic keyboards or word processing/data recording capabilities.
  • Calculators allowed — hand-held, battery or solar powered, numeric only (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division). No financial, scientific, or programmable functions.
  • !Medical assistive devices that send notifications, alerts, or vibrate require prior written authorization — email examsmakeups@nyct.com in advance.
  • !ID required: One valid, non-expired photo ID with signature. Name must match your application exactly. Acceptable forms: state driver’s license, state ID card, US passport, military ID, Alien Registration Card, IDNYC, employer photo ID, or student photo ID.
  • !No companions: You cannot bring anyone with you while being processed or taking the test. No one may wait for you inside the test site.
  • !No re-entry: Once you leave after being fingerprinted, you cannot re-enter. Attempting to re-enter may result in score nullification and forfeiture of your application fee.
Special Arrangements & Make-Up Tests
Religious Observance & Disability Accommodations

Requests for an alternate test date due to religious observance must be submitted at least 15 days before the test date. Disability accommodation requests must be submitted at least 30 days before the test date. Both require following the Special Circumstances Guide at mta.info/nyct/hr/forms_instructions.htm.

Make-Up Test Eligibility
  • 1Compulsory attendance before a public body
  • 2On-the-job injury or illness caused by municipal employment (City officers/employees)
  • 3Death of a spouse, domestic partner, parent, parent-in-law, sibling, or child within one week of the test (City officers/employees)
  • 4Absence due to ordered military duty
  • 5A clear error by the Examinations Unit
  • 6A temporary disability
  • 7Pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition

To request a make-up, email examsmakeups@nyct.com with supporting documentation as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the application deadline changed?
This Notice of Examination was amended on July 1, 2026 to extend the application deadline from June 30, 2026 to July 10, 2026. If you missed the original deadline, you still have time to apply through July 10.
What is the starting salary for a NYC Transit Conductor?
The current minimum starting rate is $26.70 per hour for a 40-hour work week, approximately $55,536 annually. This rises to $38.15 per hour (~$79,352/yr) in the sixth year of service. Night and weekend differentials, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, medical, and pension benefits are also included.
Do I need prior transit or railroad experience?
No. The only minimum requirement is a high school diploma or its educational equivalent by the date of appointment. You’ll train during your probationary period. However, note that any existing Conductor promotion list will be used to fill vacancies first — open competitive candidates follow.
Do I need to live in New York City?
No. NYC residency is not required for this position.
Is this a DCAS exam or an MTA exam?
This is an MTA New York City Transit exam, not a DCAS exam. You apply through a separate MTA OASys portal at a856-mtaexams.nyc.gov — not the NYC DCAS system at nyc.gov/examsforjobs. The DCAS General Exam Regulations apply to this exam, but the MTA administers its own hiring process.
What score do I need to pass?
A minimum score of 70% is required to pass the competitive multiple-choice test. Your score — plus veterans’ credits if applicable — determines your rank on the eligible list.
Can I request veterans’ credit?
Yes. Veterans’ or Disabled Veterans’ Credit must be requested at the time of application, and in all cases before the eligible list is established. Claims cannot be made after the list is established.
What happens after I pass the test?
If you meet the education requirement and pass the test, your name is placed on the eligible list in final score order. You’ll be notified by email. As vacancies open, candidates are considered in list order — after the promotion list is exhausted. You must then pass a medical exam and drug screening before appointment.
Apply by July 10, 2026 — Test Date October 11, 2026

Starting pay $26.70/hr, rising to $38.15/hr in year six. High school diploma required by date of appointment. No NYC residency requirement. $68 application fee — waivers available. Apply through MTA OASys. Exam No. 6626.

Apply on MTA OASys ↗ MTA Forms & Instructions ↗

MTA NYC Transit Examinations Unit | examsunit@nyct.com | 149 Pierrepont St., Brooklyn, NY 11201 | Exam No. 6626

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