Read the Official Police Officer Exam Notice Visit the OASys Exam System

NYC Police Officer Exam Schedule

The examination notice provides several application and testing periods. Exam numbers have separate filing and testing windows, so applicants should use the schedule to identify the appropriate period and verify availability in the official system.

Dates above follow the official online examination notice. The examination schedule can change; always confirm the current dates and instructions with DCAS.

How Much Do NYC Police Officers Earn?

The official notice lists a minimum annual salary of $55,942. It states that salary increments can bring annual pay to $109,352 after five and one-half years of employment. These published figures are subject to change.

The notice also identifies additional compensation and benefits, including:

• An annual uniform allowance.
• Holiday pay.
• City contributions to Welfare and Annuity Funds.
• City-paid health insurance.
• A 2.25% neighborhood-policing differential based on base salary.

NYC Police Officer Exam Requirements

Applicants should read the complete Notice of Examination carefully. Meeting the basic education and experience requirements does not guarantee appointment. Candidates must also meet the age, licensing, medical, psychological, physical, background, and other applicable requirements.

Education and Experience

By the date of appointment, candidates must have a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and meet one of these alternatives:

1. Successfully complete 24 college semester credits at an accredited college or university, with at least a 2.0 cumulative index or equivalent; or
2. Complete two years of honorable full-time U.S. military service.

The notice contains additional rules about acceptable high school credentials, college accreditation, and evaluation of education completed outside the United States. Review the official notice for the complete requirements.

Age Requirements

• You must be at least 17 years old on the date you take the multiple-choice examination.
• You must be at least 20 years and 6 months old to be appointed as a Police Officer.
• The notice states that applicants must be younger than 43 on the date they file to be eligible for appointment.
• Qualifying military service may permit an age adjustment of up to six years, subject to applicable law and rules.

Because age requirements and exceptions can affect eligibility, read the age section of the official examination notice before submitting an application.

Driver’s License

By the date of appointment, candidates must possess a valid, unrestricted New York State driver’s license and maintain it throughout their employment.

Physical, Medical, and Psychological Assessments

Candidates must meet the applicable medical and psychological guidelines and pass the required qualifying physical test. The notice also describes physical demands associated with police work, including running, standing or walking for extended periods, responding to emergencies, and working outdoors in different weather conditions.

Background, Character, and Drug Screening

Good character and a satisfactory background are prerequisites to appointment. The notice lists factors that may result in disqualification and states that people convicted of a felony or domestic violence misdemeanor are not eligible for appointment to the Police Officer title.

Candidates must pass the required drug screening. The notice describes additional drug-testing requirements during Police Academy training, at the end of probation, and in certain later circumstances.

Citizenship and Residency

U.S. citizenship is required at the time of appointment. The notice also states that Police Officers employed by the NYPD must reside in New York City or one of these counties: Nassau, Westchester, Suffolk, Orange, Rockland, or Putnam.

How to Apply for the NYC Police Officer Exam

1. Read the official notice. Review all qualifications, conditions, deadlines, and application instructions.
2. Choose the correct examination period. Check the exam number and the application and scheduling dates that apply to you.
3. Use the official Online Application System. Sign in or create an account through NYC DCAS OASys.
4. Follow the payment instructions. The notice lists an examination application fee of $0.00 and instructs applicants to select “No Fee” as the payment method.
5. Keep your contact information current. Monitor your email and OASys account for receipts, notices, test information, and other updates.
6. Prepare for the next stage. Follow the official instructions for examination scheduling, testing, and any subsequent screening.

Official Notice of Examination Apply Through OASys

Official NYC Civil Service Resources

Use these official resources to verify the requirements and complete the application process.

• Police Officer Notice of Examination — Exam Nos. 7311–7322 — the full notice, qualifications, schedule, and application instructions.
• NYC DCAS Online Application System (OASys) — access the examination system and review available exams.
• DCAS: Applying for an Exam — official guidance on submitting civil service examination applications.
• DCAS: Open Competitive Exams — review the city’s open competitive examination schedule.
• DCAS: More About Civil Service — learn more about the NYC civil service system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Reminder for Applicants

The NYC Police Officer examination is a multi-stage process. Review the official notice in full, verify your eligibility, track the correct exam number and filing period, and keep your application information up to date.

Always rely on NYC DCAS for the final word on exam dates, eligibility, application instructions, and changes to the examination notice.

Check the Official Police Officer Exam Notice

This article is an informational summary, not an official government notice. Requirements and schedules may change. The official NYC DCAS Notice of Examination controls if any information in this summary differs from the official notice.