NYC Correction Officer Exam 7302 

The NYC Department of Correction (DOC) is hiring Correction Officers through civil service Exam No. 7302. Correction Officers are uniformed peace officers who maintain security and are responsible for the care, custody, and control of sentenced and detained inmates at New York City correctional facilities. With no application fee, a strong starting salary, automatic annual increases to over $109,000 by year 5.5, longevity pay, and a clear path to Captain and Warden, this is one of the most accessible and well-compensated civil service positions open in New York City right now.

NYC Correction Officers receive annual automatic salary increases and longevity pay on top of their base salary — making the total compensation package significantly higher than the starting rate suggests.

Correction Officers maintain security within NYC correctional facilities and are responsible for the care, custody, and control of sentenced and detained inmates. Key duties include:

• ✓Maintain security; supervise inmate meals, visits, recreational programs, and congregate activities
• ✓Inspect assigned areas for conditions threatening safety and security; conduct searches to detect contraband
• ✓Issue verbal orders, announcements, and explanations to inmates; verify inmate identification and count
• ✓Escort inmates within and outside the facility, including transportation in Departmental vehicles
• ✓Respond to unusual incidents and disturbances; enforce security procedures per Department guidelines
• ✓Observe inmates; make recommendations for medical and/or psychiatric referrals; request medical assistance
• ✓Complete forms, reports, and maintain log books; communicate with other officers to exchange pertinent information
• ✓Supervise inmates of either sex; safeguard Department supplies and equipment; operate a motor vehicle

You must meet one of the following four pathways by the time of appointment — not necessarily when you apply for or take the exam. You can take the test at age 17 and meet the qualifications before you are called for appointment.

• ✓Age to test: Must be at least 17 years old by the date of the multiple-choice test (December 15, 2026).
• ✓Age to appoint: Must have reached your 21st birthday by the time of appointment. Candidates too young when the eligible list expires have no further opportunity for appointment.
• ✓Driver license: Must possess a NYS learner’s permit at the time of appointment. Must obtain a valid NYS driver license before graduating from the DOC Academy. Must maintain a NYS driver license for the duration of employment.
• !Existing license holders: May be disqualified for moving violations, license suspensions, or an accident record. Disclose your driving history accurately during the investigation.
• ✓Citizenship: US citizenship required at the time of appointment.
• ✓Residency: At appointment, must be a resident of NYC or Nassau, Westchester, Suffolk, Orange, Rockland, or Putnam counties.
• ✓English: Must be able to understand and be understood in English.

• !Good character required. Disqualifying factors include: arrest record or conviction indicating lack of good moral character or disposition toward violence; repeated arrests showing disrespect for the law; discharge from employment indicating inability to adjust to discipline; dishonorable military discharge; and conviction of petit larceny.
• ✗Absolute bars: Persons convicted of a felony or a domestic violence misdemeanor are not eligible for appointment.
• !PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act): DOC will not hire anyone who has engaged in sexual abuse in any correctional or institutional setting, or who has been convicted or adjudicated of coercive sexual activity.
• ✓Investigation fee: A $75 fingerprint screening fee is required at the time of investigation (not at the application stage). You must also present originals or certified copies of all required documents — high school diploma, birth certificate, naturalization papers if applicable, and proof of military service if used as a qualification.
• ✓Peace Officer status: Must satisfy and maintain NYS Peace Officer requirements for the duration of employment.
• ✓Firearms: Must qualify and remain annually qualified for firearms usage as a condition of employment.

• ✓Medical & psychological examination required before appointment; periodic re-examinations may be required throughout your career.
• ✓Physical fitness test required before appointment; may be subject to periodic physical testing throughout career.
• !Drug screening: Required before appointment. Random drug testing during Academy training (probationary period). Random testing may continue after probation or as a prerequisite for assignment or promotion.
• ✗Zero tolerance drug policy: Any DOC employee found in possession of or using illegal drugs, or who fails, refuses, or attempts to evade a drug test, will be terminated. Applicants should conform behavior to this policy well before beginning the application process.

• 1Go to a856-exams.nyc.gov/OASysWeb/exams. A valid email address is required. New accounts need email verification.
• 2Search for Exam No. 7302 (Correction Officer) and begin your application.
• 3When prompted for payment, select “No Fee.” There is no application fee for this exam. Do not enter payment information.
• !Submit before the October 27, 2026 deadline. Late applications are not accepted.
• ✓Walk-in option: Apply at any DCAS CTAC Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM. Note: CTACs were closed September 7 (Labor Day). Confirm current closures before visiting.