City Jobs Exams: NYC Civil Service Guide for August 2026

City jobs exams are your gateway to a stable, rewarding career with New York City government. As of August 2026, the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) has multiple civil service exams open for application, including Police Officer, Traffic Enforcement Agent, School Safety Agent, and Caseworker. This guide explains which exams are accepting applications right now, how to apply through the DCAS OASys portal, who qualifies for the new Local Law 57 fee waivers, and the key differences between open competitive, promotional, and provisional exams.

Which City Jobs Exams Are Open in August 2026?

DCAS regularly publishes a schedule of upcoming and open exams. As of mid-August 2026, the following city jobs exams are accepting applications. Deadlines vary, so check the official DCAS website for the most current status.

These are just a few of the many city jobs exams on the DCAS schedule. New exams open throughout the year, so check the official DCAS exam schedule regularly if your target title is not listed.

How to Apply for City Jobs Exams via the DCAS OASys Portal

All city jobs exams are applied for online through the DCAS OASys (Online Application System) portal. You must create an account, complete the application, and pay any required fee (or claim a waiver) before the closing date. Here is the step-by-step process:

1. Visit the official DCAS OASys portal at a856-cityshare.nyc.gov/OASys/.
2. Create a new account or log in with your existing NYC ID.
3. Search for the exam by title or exam number.
4. Complete the online application form, including your education and work history.
5. Pay the application fee with a credit card, or select the fee waiver option if you qualify.
6. Submit your application and save the confirmation number.

After the application period closes, DCAS will notify you about the exam date and location. Most exams are computer-based and held at DCAS testing centers across the five boroughs. You can also check your exam status and results through OASys.

Local Law 57 Fee Waivers: Free City Jobs Exams for First-Time Applicants and NYC Students

Local Law 57 of 2023 eliminated application fees for many first-time city jobs exam applicants and for current NYC public high school students. This is a major change that makes city jobs exams more accessible. Under the law, you may be eligible for a fee waiver if:

• You are a first-time applicant for the specific exam title (you have never taken that exam before).
• You are currently enrolled in a New York City public high school.
• You are receiving public assistance or meet certain income guidelines.

When applying through OASys, you will be prompted to indicate if you qualify for a fee waiver. The system will verify your eligibility automatically in most cases. If you are unsure, contact DCAS directly before paying the fee. The Police Officer exam (7312) and Traffic Enforcement Agent exam (7331) are already free for everyone, so no waiver is needed.

Open Competitive vs. Promotional vs. Provisional City Jobs Exams

Understanding the three main types of city jobs exams helps you plan your career path. Each type has different eligibility rules and purposes.

Open Competitive Exams

Open competitive exams are open to the general public, as long as you meet the minimum qualifications (education, experience, age, residency). Most entry-level city jobs exams, like Police Officer and Caseworker, are open competitive. You compete with all other applicants based on your exam score and any additional credits (e.g., veteran's preference).

Promotional Exams

Promotional exams are only open to current city employees who have served in a specific title for a minimum period. These exams allow workers to advance to higher-paying positions. For example, a Police Officer can take a promotional exam for Sergeant. Promotional exams often have fewer applicants and higher pass rates.

Provisional Exams

Provisional appointments are made when no eligible list exists for a title. A provisional employee is hired without taking an exam, but they must take the next open competitive exam and score well to keep the job permanently. Provisional positions are temporary and can be terminated if the employee fails the exam.

When you apply for a city jobs exam, the announcement will clearly state which type it is. Always read the