New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani has announced that civil service exams will now be free for New York City high school students and first-time applicants. The initiative is expected to make city government careers more accessible to hundreds of thousands of students and millions of New Yorkers.
The announcement was made on Wednesday alongside Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Yume Kitasei.
Each year, DCAS administers approximately 175 civil service exams, attracting more than 110,000 candidates. The exams are required for a wide range of positions, including scientists, forest rangers, bridge operators, caseworkers, blacksmiths, and physical therapists. Currently, about 80 percent of New York City government jobs require applicants to pass a civil service examination.
Mayor Mamdani said serving New York City is one of the greatest honors and emphasized that the people who live, study, and work in the city are best equipped to help build a stronger and more effective government. By eliminating exam fees for high school students and first-time applicants, he said, the city is opening the door to public service for many more residents.
Commissioner Kitasei said the goal is to ensure equal access to public sector careers for all New Yorkers. In addition to waiving exam fees, DCAS will now provide civil service exam information in more than 190 languages to help remove barriers for qualified candidates.
Expanded Fee Waiver Program
The new benefit, introduced under Local Law 57 of 2025, expands the city’s existing fee waiver program. Previously, fee waivers were available only to military veterans, unemployed individuals, and people receiving public assistance. Under the new law, first-time test takers and New York City high school students are also eligible.
Eligible applicants can request a fee waiver through the city’s OASys 2.0 (Online Application System). First-time applicants will have their eligibility verified automatically, while high school students must provide proof of current enrollment.
FY2027 Civil Service Exam Schedule Released
The city has also published the full civil service exam schedule for Fiscal Year 2027, which includes 149 examinations covering positions in public safety, administration, engineering, healthcare, and other essential government services.
According to the schedule, 72 percent of the exams will be open to all qualified New Yorkers, while the remaining 28 percent will be reserved for promotions of current city employees.
Although exam notices and eligibility information will now be available in more than 190 languages, the examinations themselves will continue to be conducted in English.
Positive Response
The initiative has received broad support from education and city officials.
Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels said connecting students with career opportunities is essential for economic mobility and that the new policy will make stable and rewarding public sector jobs more accessible.
Sandra Escamilla-Davis, Commissioner of the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), said removing financial barriers would encourage more talented young people to pursue careers in public service and help build a stronger future workforce.
City Council Member Carmen De La Rosa, who sponsored the legislation, said the law removes a significant barrier for young people and working families while helping create a more diverse and representative municipal workforce.
Council Members Gale A. Brewer and Eric Dinowitz also welcomed the initiative, saying that eliminating exam fees would encourage more young people to pursue careers in city government and strengthen New York City’s workforce.
