Department of Civil Service Offers New Professional Career Opportunities Exam

The Department of Civil Service today announced the next holding of the Professional Career Opportunities (PCO) exam, a State exam that provides college graduates and job-seekers with access to a wide array of job opportunities across State government. The PCO exam will be held this year on April 6, 7, and 13 in locations throughout New York State.

The PCO exam is one civil service exam that is used by State agencies to fill more than 100 different entry-level professional job types across a wide range of disciplines - including health and human services, environmental conservation, human resources, administrative analysis, and transportation. Since the last holding of the PCO exam in 2017, approximately 1,000 job seekers have been hired to positions in various State agencies across New York.

“The Professional Career Opportunities Exam provides job-seekers, including soon-to-be college graduates, with the unique opportunity to gain access to a number of rewarding and meaningful careers with New York State,” said Department of Civil Service Acting Commissioner Lola W. Brabham. “I encourage all interested candidates to apply for this exam and learn more about joining New York’s diverse and dedicated workforce.”

In 2017, the PCO exam was expanded to college juniors and held at local universities and colleges for the first time, to complement the Department’s larger strategic efforts to expand testing venues and reach a diverse pool of candidates. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree and college juniors and seniors expecting to earn a bachelor’s degree by September 1, 2020 are eligible to apply for the PCO exam.

Qualified candidates must complete and submit an exam application by February 20, 2019. To view the exam announcement and apply online, visit: www.cs.ny.gov/pco.  

“New York State has many job opportunities, and the Department of Civil Service is a tremendous resource for our SUNY students interested in working in state government,” said SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson. “A SUNY degree coupled with the Department’s Professional Career Opportunities exam can be a successful first step in a long-term career.”

“Employment with New York State gives dedicated individuals the chance to pursue a valuable service career and the opportunity to make a real and positive difference in the lives of their fellow New Yorkers,” said Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “The PCO exam opens doors to many meaningful, well-paying career paths and expands the talent pool for state agencies.” 

The PCO exam is anticipated to be held in the following locations.

Albany: SUNY Albany, Hackett Middle School, Bryant and Stratton College, Colonie High School, Myers Middle School

Amsterdam: Lynch Middle School

Binghamton: Binghamton High School

Bronx: Bronx Community College

Brooklyn: Midwood High School

Buffalo: Southside Elementary School, Erie Community College

Fredonia: SUNY Fredonia

Hicksville: SUNY Old Westbury, Hicksville Middle School

Kingston: Kingston High School

Manhattan: Lower East Side Preparatory High School

Middletown: Orange County Community College

Nyack: Nyack High School

Port Jefferson: Comsewogue High School

Potsdam: SUNY Potsdam

Poughkeepsie: Poughkeepsie High School

Rochester: East High School

Saranac Lake: Saranac Lake High School

Saratoga: Saratoga Springs High School

Syracuse: Bryant and Stratton College

Troy: Hudson Valley Community College

Utica: Notre Dame High School

Watertown: Watertown High School 

The majority of positions filled through this exam require two-year traineeships during which individuals gain the necessary knowledge and experience to perform the full responsibilities of the position. An introductory video, questionnaire, and more details regarding exam eligibility can also be found at www.cs.ny.gov/pco.  

The New York State Department of Civil Service is the principal human resources provider for the Executive Branch of State Government, serving approximately 150,000 employees. The Department provides examination services and supports civil service administration to 70 State and 94 municipal agencies.

To receive notifications for announcements of upcoming State civil service exams, sign up for email notifications. 

Source: The New York State Department of Civil Service