Exam Information
Civil Service examinations are held on either an Open Competitive
or Promotional basis. Open competitive examinations are open to
anyone in the general public who meets the announced minimum qualifications.
Promotion examinations are open only to permanent employees of the
agency where the promotional title exists.
An examination may consist of one or more of the following types
of tests:
1.Written tests - usually multiple choice questions and sometimes
essay questions. Written tests are generally held on Saturdays at
local sites such as Onondaga Community College, Nottingham High
School or the OnCenter.
2.Oral tests - candidates appear before a panel of examiners,
or sometimes before a video camera to make a presentation.
3.Performance tests - candidates are evaluated on how well
they perform a sample of the work.
4.Training and Experience evaluations - each candidate's education
and work experience is rated against the job requirements. Training
and Experience evaluations do not require a candidate to appear.
Ratings are based on the information candidates submit on their
applications, or on special applications, or on special application
supplements.
5.Physical/Agility tests - for some positions candidates
may be required to pass a physical and/or agility test. Physical/agility
tests are currently held at the downtown YMCA.
The Job Opportunities page on the site.
Onondaga County Civil Service examination announcements are available
in the office of the Onondaga County Personnel Department on the
13th floor of the Civic Center and at the Self Service Examination
Information/Application center in the Banner Room of the Civic Center.
Examination announcements are also posted at local public buildings,
government offices, libraries and school district offices.
How to apply
You may download an applications located on the Document
Center page of this web site.
You may obtain an application for examinations at the Onondaga County
Department of Personnel between the hours of 8:00 am. and 4:30 pm.
or at the Self Service Examination Center located in the basement
of the Civic Center during and after business hours. You may also
request applications be mailed to you by submitting a written request
and a self addressed stamped envelope.
Candidates wishing to compete in announced examinations must submit
their completed applications to the Civic Center office of the Onondaga
County Department of Personnel no later than close of business at
4:30 p.m. on the last file date listed on the examination announcement.
Applications may also be deposited in the drop box at the Banner
Room Self Service Center during and after hours. Applications received
via U.S. Mail will be accepted only if post marked on or before
the announced last file date listed on the examination announcement. Faxed applications are not acceptable.
A non-refundable application fee may be paid by check or money order payable
to Chief Fiscal Officer, or by VISA or MasterCard (complete a credit card form
if by mail). Cash will be accepted only if paying in person.
$35.00 for examinations that are entry level police titles;
$25.00 for examinations that are uniformed protective service titles,
other than entry level police titles;
$15.00 for examinations in all other titles (not in a uniformed
protective service or entry level police title).
A waiver of application fee will be allowed for those applicants who can certify that they are either: unemployed and primarily responsible for support of a household; eligible for Medicaid, receiving Supplemental Security Income payments or Public Assistance, receiving Foster Care, are certified Workforce Investment Act eligible through a State or local service agency; or, are an Onondaga County resident and have or are now honorably serving in the Armed Forces, National Guard or Reserves. A completion of an Application for Fee Waiver is required. All claims are subject
to later verification.
Exam Preparation
To have some idea as to what to expect and how to take a written Civil Service examination the State has developed a manual titled “How to take a written test”, to view this manual use the following link: http://www.cs.ny.gov/pio/publications/howtotakeawrittentest.pdf
Test Guides
With regard to specific test guides, there are test guides published by the New York State Department of Civil Service and they are usually targeted to specific, entry-level titles. Test Guides are not provided for every examination. If a Test Guide is provided for an examination, information about the guide will appear on the examination announcement. Test Guides are designed to familiarize candidates with the format of the test. Test Guides provide a description of the subject areas that will be tested and present samples of the types of test material that will appear on the test. The sample test material is similar to what the candidates will see on the actual test. If sample questions are provided, the solution and correct answer will be provided after each sample question. Candidates should pay close attention to the "Subjects of Examination" listed on the examination announcement for information on the test type and content (subject areas) of the examination. Candidates should focus their examination preparation upon the information given in the examination announcement.
Study Guides for Local Government Civil Service Exams
To access study guides prepared by New York State Civil Service, for exams held by Local Civil Service agencies for positions with local government(s), use the following link: https://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/testguides.cfm
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