New York Civil Service Test Guides & PDFs

New York civil service test guides

Official Department of Civil Service test guides and PDF booklets for state and local New York civil service exams.

New York publishes test guides for many entry-level titles. Guides explain format, subjects, and often include sample questions with answers. Availability is noted on each examination announcement.

Below are direct links to frequently used PDFs hosted by the Department of Civil Service. For the complete, up-to-date list—including every series and any new releases—use the official test guides index.

General

PDFs open in a new tab on the government website.

General Guide to Multiple-Choice TestsDownload PDF →
How to Take a Multiple Choice TestDownload PDF →

State examination booklets

PDFs open in a new tab on the government website.

Law Enforcement Officer, Entry LevelDownload PDF →
Investigator SeriesDownload PDF →
Safety and Security SeriesDownload PDF →
Police Supervisors / Investigators SeriesDownload PDF →

Local government booklets

PDFs open in a new tab on the government website.

Firefighter SeriesDownload PDF →
Clerical Series, Entry-LevelDownload PDF →
Caseworker SeriesDownload PDF →
Account Clerical Series, Higher LevelDownload PDF →
Social Welfare Examiner SeriesDownload PDF →

Good to know

Test guides for local government examinations are typically posted about 60 days before the written test date. Paper copies may also be available from your municipal civil service agency.
Professional Career Opportunities (PCO) and other statewide programs sometimes have dedicated booklets; check the announcement and the official test guides index for the exact PDF.

Supplemental prep on this site

Our title-based guides explain merit-system hiring, what many exams emphasize, and study checklists. They do not replace your announcement or official state booklets.

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