How the NYPD 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.
When you pass the exam, you are ranked on an eligible list by score. Candidates are called to a background investigation and medical screening in rank order. Veterans receive additional points that can move them up the list. The list is valid for four years, and NYPD works through it as hiring classes form.
The starting salary for a Police Recruit is approximately $56,000, rising to $98,000+ after 5.5 years — before overtime, which routinely adds $20,000–$40,000 per year for active officers. NYPD also offers one of the most generous pension systems in the country.
Administered by
NYC DCAS
Duration
~3.5 hours
Passing score
70% (90%+ competitive)
Starting salary
$56,000+
What the NYPD 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 — critical for patrol work.
Problem Sensitivity
Identify issues or problems in a described scenario. Similar to situational judgment — tests professional judgment.
What Score Do You Need?
The official passing score is 70%. But with tens of thousands of candidates, passing with 70% puts you near the bottom of a very long list. Candidates who score in the 90th percentile are typically hired in early classes and begin their NYPD career within 1–2 years of the exam. Candidates in the 70–80% range may wait 3–4 years or see the list expire.
Veterans' preference can add 5–10 additional points to your score, significantly improving list rank. Even with preference points, a strong written exam score is essential — preference helps most when your base score is already high.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often does NYPD hold the written exam?
NYPD police officer exams are held periodically — not on a fixed annual schedule. When the department needs to refresh its eligible list, DCAS announces an exam. The gap between exams can be 2–5 years. When an exam is announced, you typically have a 30–60 day window to file. Missing the filing period means waiting for the next cycle.
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?
NYPD eligible lists are typically valid for four years. NYPD hires in groups called "classes" throughout the list's life. If you score high enough to be in an early class, you could be hired within months of the exam. Lower-ranked candidates may wait years — or see the list expire before they are reached.
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?
Extremely competitive. A single NYPD exam cycle can attract 30,000–50,000 applicants. Only a fraction will be hired before the list expires. Candidates who score in the 90s are hired in early classes; candidates who score in the 70s may never be reached. The written exam score is the primary determinant of when — and whether — you get hired.