Administered by
NYC DCAS
Exam format
5 section types
Hiring process
Ranked eligible list
How the Exam Works
The NYPD Police Officer written exam is administered by the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), not by the NYPD itself. DCAS announces exam cycles, manages candidate applications, and produces the final eligible list. The NYPD then hires from that list as officer classes form.
Pay for NYPD recruits and officers changes over time under current contracts and city pay schedules. Use the current recruiting material or city posting for the most accurate starting-pay and step-rate figures tied to your hiring cycle.
What the Exam Tests
The NYPD exam uses five section types. Reading comprehension carries the most weight and is where most candidates lose points.
Reading Comprehension
The heaviest section. Passages from NYPD Patrol Guide, legal documents, incident reports. Tests speed and accuracy under time pressure.
Written Expression
Grammar, spelling, sentence completion, and identifying errors. Directly maps to police report writing skills.
Memorization & Visualization
Study a photograph or passage for a set time, then answer questions from memory. The section candidates most underestimate.
Spatial Orientation
Map reading, directional reasoning, and navigating a described route, which is critical for patrol work.
Problem Sensitivity
Identify issues or problems in a described scenario. Similar to situational judgment; tests professional judgment.
Everything You Need to Prepare
Practice the tested skills, review your mistakes, and follow a structured study plan before exam day.
200 Practice Questions
Exam-style questions covering every major tested category, plus a full-length timed mock exam.
Detailed Explanations
Understand why each correct answer is right — and why each wrong answer is wrong.
30-Day Study Plan
A structured day-by-day schedule, with a condensed option for candidates testing sooner.
Role-Specific Prep
A full study guide built around this exam's tested categories, not generic test-prep material.
What Score Do You Need?
NYPD hiring can generate very large eligible lists, so barely clearing the minimum is not the same as being well positioned for an early academy class. A stronger written-exam score usually improves your place on the list and can matter even more when many candidates file for the same exam cycle.
Veterans’ preference can add additional credit under the applicable rules, significantly improving list rank. Even with preference points, a strong written exam score is essential.
Passing is not the same as being competitive. Preference points help most when your base score is already high.
Complete prep bundle
NYPD Police Officer — Police Officer Exam Prep Bundle
Covers all five NYPD exam section types with 200 practice questions, worked examples, and a 30-day study plan.
- 200 Practice Questions
- Detailed Explanations
- 30-Day Study Plan
- Role-Specific Prep
Want ongoing practice instead of a one-time guide?
Pro includes ongoing timed practice, a readiness score, weak-area insights, an adaptive daily study plan, saved progress, and detailed explanations for $14.99/month.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does NYPD hold the written exam?
NYPD police officer exams are held periodically rather than on a fixed annual schedule. DCAS announces the filing period and exam details for each cycle, so the safest approach is to monitor the official notice and apply as soon as a new exam opens.
What is the NYPD exam number?
Each NYPD exam cycle has a unique number assigned by DCAS (e.g., Exam #2000, Exam #5019). The number is assigned when the exam is announced and is used to track candidates throughout the hiring process. Check the DCAS website (nyc.gov/dcas) for the current open exam number.
How long is the NYPD eligible list valid?
Eligible-list duration depends on the exam notice and the rules applied to that hiring cycle. NYPD hires in academy classes from the list that DCAS certifies, so use the official notice and related agency guidance for the exact list term and hiring sequence tied to your exam.
Does NYPD give veterans’ preference?
Yes. New York State law grants qualifying veterans additional points on their civil service exam score. Veterans with a service-connected disability typically receive more points than non-disabled veterans. This can meaningfully change your list rank. Ensure your military documents are on file with DCAS when you apply.
How competitive is the NYPD written exam?
NYPD hiring is highly competitive because large candidate pools can feed the same eligible list. A stronger written-exam score usually improves your place on the list, but veterans preference, later hiring screens, and academy needs can all affect how quickly individual candidates move forward.