May 31, 2021

NEW YORK – The New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and NYC Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) today announced that United States Armed Services Veterans are no longer required to pay application fees for the City of New York's civil service examinations. Fee waivers may be used an unlimited number of times and on all exams. Previously, Veterans could receive a single application fee waiver for one exam. The move announced today makes it easier for Veterans to work for the City.

“Those who have served our country are people we want to encourage to serve our City,” said Dawn Pinnock, DCAS Executive Deputy Commissioner. “Veterans have valuable skillsets and the fee waivers announced today will encourage more Veterans to work for the City and shows our gratitude for their service.”

“Veterans have served our country with honor, and we want to make it as easy as possible for them to serve our City, too,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Laura Anglin. “Waiving the exam fee will help more Veterans become New York City public servants. Thank you DCAS for spearheading this important initiative.”

“Veterans not only have dutifully served our country to protect our freedoms and way of life, they also tend to be the most engaged among their communities when they return to the civilian sector,” said James Hendon, Commissioner for the NYC Department of Veterans’ Services. “Veterans bring with them invaluable insights and skills that any employer would be lucky to have. Making the fee waiver for NYC civil service exams something that Veterans can remit perpetually, not just one time, will strengthen the city’s workforce and keep us competitive as we recover after a challenging year.”

There are currently nearly 8,000 Veterans who are part of the City’s workforce, and DCAS has received over 10,000 civil service exam applications from applicants claiming a Veterans credit between 2017 and 2019. Veterans hold unique skillsets and are encouraged to pursue careers in city government. In addition to attracting a talented workforce, waiving civil service application fees for Veterans offers a small way to thank them for their service.

To qualify for the Veterans exam fee waiver, when applying, applicants must have received an honorable discharge or have been released under honorable conditions from the Armed Forces of the United States. This includes service in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard, including all components thereof, and the National Guard if called to active duty; and have served on full-time active duty other than for training. The Veterans exam fee waiver can be used to waive the application fee for any examination for appointment to or a promotion to a position with the City of New York.

U.S. Armed Forces Veterans who have taken a City civil service exam can also apply to receive Veterans’ or disabled Veterans’ credits, which can raise the score of a test taker on competitive education and experience-based tests. For more information, please refer to the Special Circumstances Guide.

Those who are interested can register for the City of New York's civil service examinations through its Online Application System (OASys). Exams can be taken online or in-person at one of the City’s Computer-based Testing and Application Centers (CTACs) that are available in each borough. CTACs are currently open in a limited capacity due to COVID-19. To learn more about careers in City government and upcoming civil service exams, visit nyc.gov/dcas.

Veterans who would like to know more about DVS and its services can contact (212) 416-5250 or visit www.nyc.gov/vets.

About DCAS

The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) provides effective shared services to support the operations of New York City government. Its commitment to equity, effectiveness, and sustainability guides its work with city agencies on recruiting, hiring, and training employees; providing facilities management for 56 public buildings; acquiring, selling, and leasing city property; purchasing more than $1 billion in supplies and equipment each year; and implementing conservation and safety programs throughout the city's facilities and vehicle fleet. More information about DCAS can be found at nyc.gov/dcas or by following us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and listening to the Inside Citywide podcast.

About the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services

The NYC Department of Veterans’ Services’ mission is to connect, mobilize, and empower New York City’s Veteran community to foster purpose-driven lives for US Military Service Members—past and present—in addition to their caregivers, survivors, and families. We assist NYC Veteran community members on issues that include, but are not limited to: employment, housing, food security, wellbeing, benefits, culture, and targeted advocacy. For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/vets, call (212) 416-5250, email connect@veterans.nyc.gov, or follow us on social media @nycveterans.