City Makes It Easier Than Ever to Apply for Civil Service Exams
January 28, 2019 — New User-Friendly Application System (OASys 2.0) Saves Time and Simplifies Process
NEW YORK – The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services today announced the launch of a new Online Application System (OASys 2.0) for the City’s Civil Service exams. There are currently over 500,000 users on the City’s OASys 1.0 system and it receives 100,000 exam applications each year. The new system, developed with user feedback, makes it easier and faster than ever to apply for Civil Service exams and provides a user-friendly experience. Users will now be able to, among other features, search for exams, apply for exams, complete all or part of certain exams, store education and experience information entered on past exams to use on future exams, and access test scores and their ranking on the list of test-takers.
"Careers in City government offer good, middle class jobs and an opportunity to serve others," said Lisette Camilo, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services. "We want to make it simpler and easier for New Yorkers to apply for Civil Service exams. This new application system will do just that by eliminating duplication and improving transparency."
Civil Service exams offer the first step to a rewarding career in City government. Exams offer a competitive and fair process for hiring employees. Exams measure a candidate’s merit and fitness for a position. Applicants who pass an exam are ranked in order from highest to lowest score and are placed on a Civil Service list. When a City agency has a hiring need, candidates are called from this list, interviewed, and considered for hiring based on the order of their test score. Scores usually remain active for four years.
The former application system, launched in 2007, lacked basic functions like resetting an account password. Under the old system, DCAS received over 48,000 requests each year to reset passwords. These requests were handled by DCAS personnel via phone calls and email instead of an automated system. Each year, 400,000 people call or email DCAS to check on test scores or their rank on the list of test-takers. Now, users will be able to easily access this information online.
"As the Civil Service and Labor Committee Chair, I’ve worked with the City to improve our community’s access to the Civil Service jobs that help grow our economy and provide individuals and families with a quality standard of living," said Council Member I. Daneek Miller. "The City Council’s partnership with the Department of Citywide Administrative Services to remove barriers to entry in Civil Service continues to yield positive results, which include today’s launch of the OASys 2.0 portal upgrade. I applaud Commissioner Camilo and her colleagues at DCAS for their leadership in working proactively to create ladders of opportunity for all who aspire to join our City’s workforce."
"The City’s new portal makes it easier than ever for people to sign up for Civil Service exams," said State Senator Andrew Gounardes. "Civil Service jobs are critical to the functionality of our City and State and responsible for effective delivery of government services. I encourage any and all with a passion for public service to visit the portal and learn more."
"I am happy to see DCAS is upgrading it services to make it more user friendly and provide for expedited Civil Service Exams," said Assemblyman Peter J. Abbate, Jr.
OASys 2.0 may be accessed by visiting nyc.gov/ExamsForJobs and more information about the City’s Civil Service system may be found by visiting nyc.gov/DCAS.
About DCAS
The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) ensures that all City agencies have the critical resources and support needed to provide the best possible services to the public. It does this by working with City agencies on recruiting, hiring, and training; providing facilities management for 55 public buildings; purchasing, selling, and leasing City property; purchasing annually more than $1 billion in supplies and equipment; and implementing conservation and safety programs throughout the City's facilities and vehicle fleet.
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