February 3, 2025

In partnership with New York’s oldest credit union, Municipal Credit Union (MCU), its 600,000+ members can be reimbursed for civil service exam fees on exams administered by DCAS.

New York – Today, the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and Municipal Credit Union (MCU) announced the successful launch of a new partnership: a reimbursement program for credit union members providing a $40 refund for civil service exam fees. This new program will serve to promote city employment and bolster the city’s workforce for those who are just starting their careers in public service and those who are looking to advance through promotional exams.

“‘Jobs Week’ advances our administration’s day one commitments to make our city more affordable; to ensure opportunity reaches every borough, block, and neighborhood; and to give working-class New Yorkers access to good-paying, fulfilling jobs,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Through this innovative partnership between DCAS and Municipal Credit Union, we're breaking down financial barriers and promoting pathways to meaningful careers in civil service. By making it easier to join and advance in city government, we’re not just connecting people to good jobs — we’re strengthening the workforce that powers our city, and building a future that reflects the diversity and drive of our communities.”

“This administration has not only created the most jobs in New York City but has also strengthened our municipal workforce like never before,” said Camille Joseph Varlack, Chief of Staff and Deputy Mayor for Administration. “This partnership between DCAS and MCU is one more step we’re taking towards our commitment to supporting City employees. By making it easier and more affordable for both new and experienced public servants to grow in their careers, we will be better suited to continue our work of building a better, stronger New York for all.”

“We are dedicated to keeping the City of New York as the employer of choice for New Yorkers, and this latest program is another great step in our efforts to remove barriers to entry,” said DCAS Commissioner Louis A. Molina. “Exam fees can add up, and this new program will go a long way to making the hiring process more affordable and accessible. Minimizing financial burdens creates pathways to employment and encourages more talented and passionate individuals to join and strengthen our workforce.”

“As a credit union founded by New Yorkers, for New Yorkers, we are dedicated to supporting our members every step of the way in their careers,” said MCU Chief Executive Officer Kyle Markland. “Civil service employees form the backbone of our city, and together with DCAS, we’re ensuring every New Yorker, regardless of background or financial status, is empowered with the resources they need to create a better future for themselves and their families while serving our community.”

To qualify for reimbursement, exam takers must be MCU members at the time of the exam. Members can use their MCU debit card when registering and will receive a statement credit of up to $40 for the exam fee. The credit will typically appear in their next billing cycle. Only exams scheduled for a date after the reimbursement submission are eligible. Please follow the link to register with MCU and learn more: MCU Civil Service Exam Reimbursement.

This collaborative partnership with DCAS and MCNY builds on DCAS’ efforts to promote municipal employment to New Yorkers. In June 2023, DCAS began reducing barriers to employment within city government by reforming the city’s Minimum Qualification Requirements for entry level civil service titles. To date, DCAS has completed review on 17 entry-level titles with the potential to impact 20,000 jobs and expand eligibility for civil service positions that were previously restrictive and posed difficult for many applicants to meet minimum qualifications. Previous requirements for these positions mandated a college degree or credits, but with this updated review, the city is now more inclusive and equitable, focusing on relevant work experience and practical skills rather than formal education.

This announcement also furthers the Adams administration’s success in creating equitable pipelines to enter the city’s workforce, which have historically been a vehicle for economic mobility for millions of New Yorkers. In Spring 2024, Mayor Adams launched “Run This Town,” a $1 million multi-media advertising campaign to engage diverse New Yorkers and help them apply for thousands of available city government jobs. The “Run This Town” campaign was preceded by the launch of “Jobs NYC,” a multi-pronged citywide effort to reduce barriers to economic opportunities and deliver workforce development services directly to communities across the five boroughs that are experiencing high unemployment. In September 2024, the administration announced that as part of Jobs NYC, 8,500 New Yorkers had been connected to jobs and free training resources at 26 hiring halls over six months in neighborhoods with the highest unemployment rates.

About the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services

The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) makes city government work for all New Yorkers. Our commitment to equity, effectiveness, and sustainability guides our work providing City agencies with the resources and support needed to succeed, including:

• Recruiting, hiring, and training City employees.
• Managing 55 public buildings.
• Acquiring, selling, and leasing City property.
• Purchasing over $1 billion in goods and services for City agencies.
• Overseeing the greenest municipal vehicle fleet in the country.
• Leading the City’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions from government operations.

Learn more about DCAS by visiting nyc.gov/dcas and by following us on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and listening to the Inside Citywide podcast.

About Municipal Credit Union

Established in 1916 in New York City, Municipal Credit Union is the oldest credit union in New York. By providing a full range of financial services to municipal employees, police officers, firefighters, teachers, health care workers and others, MCU has grown to $4.35 billion in assets and to over 600,000 members. Today, MCU membership is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in New York City. MCU is an equal opportunity lender and deposits are insured to at least $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration. To learn more, visit www.nymcu.org.

Contact:
Dan Kastanis
Director of Media Relations, DCAS
communications@dcas.nyc.gov