Conductor Exam – 2026

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.

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.

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

• ✓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

• !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

• ✓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.

• !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 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.

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.

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.

• !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.

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.

• 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.