NYC Police Officer Exam

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is hiring Police Officers through 12 rolling civil service exam cycles running from July 2026 through July 2027. Each cycle has its own application window, scheduling period, and test date — and every cycle is completely free to apply. If you miss one window, you can apply in the next one.

Police Officers start at $55,942 per year and reach $109,352 after five and a half years — plus uniform allowance, holiday pay, health insurance, and pension contributions. This is a competitive civil service exam position with strong promotion pathways to Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain. The 7314 application window has closed; the next window (Exam 7315) opens November 2, 2026.

The highlighted row shows the currently active or upcoming cycle. You must apply during the application window to be scheduled for that testing period.

In addition to base salary, Police Officers receive:

• Annual uniform allowance
• Holiday pay
• City-paid health insurance
• City contributions to Welfare and Annuity Funds
• 2.25% differential (of base salary) for neighborhood policing

Police Officers perform general police duties and community relations work across the five boroughs. Core duties include:

• Patrolling assigned areas on foot or by vehicle to prevent crime and apprehend suspects
• Intervening in crimes in progress, aided cases, emotionally disturbed persons, and complaints
• Responding to and investigating vehicular accidents and specific offenses
• Interviewing witnesses, victims, and complainants; issuing summonses
• Handling situations involving maltreated, abused, or missing children and interactions with juveniles
• Crowd control at demonstrations, rallies, and parades
• Preparing forms, reports, and testifying in court

Special Working Conditions: Officers work various shifts including nights, weekends, holidays, and rotating tours, and may be required to work overtime per the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The test is computer-based and administered at a terminal. You must score at least 70% to pass. Your score determines your place on the eligible list. The test assesses 9 abilities:

Note: No calculators, phones, smart watches, cameras, or electronic devices are permitted at the test site. Prohibited devices will be placed in a Yondr pouch. Violation may result in score nullification and a 5-year civil service testing ban.

If you qualify in any of the following areas, you may receive preferred consideration for positions requiring that experience. Indicate your interest on the day of the test. The requirements may be met at any time during the life of the list.

• Municipal Government Experience (MGE): 1+ year full-time in a city with over 1 million population
• Federal Government Experience (FGE): 1+ year full-time with the U.S. federal government
• AmeriCorps (AMC): 10+ months full-time as an NYC Service AmeriCorps member with 100+ hours of workforce preparedness training
• Civil Service Pathways Fellowship (FEL): 1+ year in the Fellowship program
• Foreign Language: Ability to speak a foreign language (requires a qualifying test)

Police Officers can be promoted through civil service exams and may also be designated Detective. Promotion education requirements:

Police Academy credits count toward college education requirements for promotion.

Apply online through OASys (Online Application System) at nyc.gov/examsforjobs. Select “No Fee” as your payment method. A valid email address is required. You can also apply in person at any DCAS Computer-based Testing & Application Center (Mon–Fri, 9 AM–5 PM):

Centers are closed on: Jul 3, Sep 7, Oct 12, Nov 3, Nov 11, Nov 26, and Dec 25, 2026. Bring one valid, non-expired photo ID to the test site. Name on ID must match your application. For disability accommodations, contact testingaccommodations@dcas.nyc.gov at least 30 days before your test.