{
 "about": "Step-by-step guides to entry-level NYC government jobs.",
 "license": "Compiled by togetajob.com from New York City public data (NYC Open Data, DCAS, OASys), which is published under the NYC Open Data terms of use. Free to reuse with a link to togetajob.com. Not affiliated with the City of New York.",
 "guides": [
  {
   "id": "nyc-911-operator",
   "title": "911 Operator",
   "officialTitle": "Police Communications Technician",
   "agency": "NYPD Communications Section",
   "summary": "Answer 911 calls. Dispatch help. No college needed.",
   "startingPay": "$51,790/yr",
   "startingPayAnnual": 51790,
   "payNote": "Current minimum salary $51,790 a year, per the Notice of Examination for Exam 7307 (checked September 22, 2026). The notice says the rate is subject to change.",
   "paySource": {
    "kind": "noe",
    "date": "2026-09-02",
    "ref": "7307"
   },
   "examRequired": true,
   "nextFiling": {
    "exam": "7307",
    "opens": null,
    "closes": "2026-10-13"
   },
   "timeToHired": "Months. Civil service lists move slowly. That's normal, not a rejection.",
   "steps": [
    {
     "title": "Create your OASys account",
     "text": "OASys is the city's exam system, and one account covers every exam you file for from now on. Use an email you can open: OASys sends a confirmation to verify it."
    },
    {
     "title": "File for Exam 7307",
     "text": "File for Exam 7307 in OASys before the window closes on October 13, 2026. The fee is $68, and the notice says it can be waived for NYC high school students, first-time test takers, veterans, unemployed people, and people receiving public assistance or SSI. One warning from the notice: if DCAS later finds you don't meet the requirements, the fee is not refunded."
    },
    {
     "title": "Take the civil service exam",
     "text": "A multiple-choice test, expected to begin November 16, 2026. Your admission notice, with your assigned test site, appears in OASys 14 days before testing starts. Bring one valid photo ID with your signature, matching the name on your application. Phones and smartwatches get sealed in a pouch until you finish."
    },
    {
     "title": "Clear the investigation",
     "text": "Before you're appointed, there's an investigation: a $75 fingerprint screening fee, a drug screening, and originals or certified copies of your documents. Be exact on every form."
    },
    {
     "title": "Get on the eligible list and wait",
     "text": "Pass the exam and you land on a ranked eligible list. Hiring goes down the list as openings come up. This part takes months. It's not a rejection. It's how civil service works. Set a monthly phone reminder to check your OASys status."
    },
    {
     "title": "Pass training, start the job",
     "text": "18-month probation. You'll complete the 911 emergency calltaker course and the radio dispatcher training course. Take it seriously. Failing training ends the appointment. Pass it and you're in: full-time city job, benefits, pension."
    }
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "NYPD. Police Communications Technicians (official)",
     "url": "https://www.nyc.gov/site/nypd/careers/civilians/police-communications-technicians.page"
    },
    {
     "label": "Notice of Examination No. 7307 (official)",
     "url": "https://a856-exams.nyc.gov/OASysWeb/noe?examId=9661"
    }
   ],
   "page": "https://togetajob.com/guides/nyc-911-operator"
  },
  {
   "id": "nyc-assistant-school-safety-agent",
   "title": "Assistant School Safety Agent",
   "officialTitle": "Assistant School Safety Agent",
   "agency": "NYPD School Safety Division",
   "summary": "Help keep NYC schools safe. No exam: you apply with a resume, then go through screenings. It's a way in before 21, the age you can be appointed a School Safety Agent.",
   "startingPay": "$37,339/yr",
   "startingPayAnnual": 37339,
   "payNote": "$37,339 a year on the posting dated September 21, 2026 (Job ID 787859). Postings change, so check the current one before you rely on the figure.",
   "paySource": {
    "kind": "posting",
    "date": "2026-09-21",
    "ref": "787859"
   },
   "examRequired": false,
   "nextFiling": null,
   "timeToHired": "No exam to wait for. The posting doesn't say how long screenings take.",
   "steps": [
    {
     "title": "Put your diploma date on your resume",
     "text": "Name, contact, work history, and your high school diploma or equivalent with the date you got it. The posting says it in bold: your resume must clearly show that date."
    },
    {
     "title": "Apply on the city's jobs portal",
     "text": "Apply on cityjobs.nyc.gov. The posting says to search for Job ID 787859. There's no civil service exam for this title; you apply with your resume."
    },
    {
     "title": "Pass the screenings",
     "text": "Medical, physical, psychological, and character requirements, the same ones a School Safety Agent must meet. Be honest and exact on every form."
    },
    {
     "title": "Start the job",
     "text": "You work alongside an experienced School Safety Agent: greeting students and visitors, checking doors, windows and gates, preventing trespass, answering phones, and calling for help when it's needed. 40 hours a week. The posting lists health insurance, paid leave, holidays and a pension."
    },
    {
     "title": "At 21, take the School Safety Agent exam",
     "text": "The posting says applicants over the age of 21 are eligible to apply for the School Safety exam. That's the full School Safety Agent title, with its own exam and pay scale."
    }
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "Assistant School Safety Agent, official listing (cityjobs.nyc.gov)",
     "url": "https://cityjobs.nyc.gov/job/assistant-school-safety-agent-in-nyc-all-boros-jid-45687"
    }
   ],
   "page": "https://togetajob.com/guides/nyc-assistant-school-safety-agent"
  },
  {
   "id": "nyc-traffic-enforcement-agent",
   "title": "Traffic Enforcement Agent",
   "officialTitle": "Traffic Enforcement Agent",
   "agency": "NYPD",
   "summary": "Keep NYC's streets moving. Diploma required, no experience needed.",
   "startingPay": "$48,719/yr",
   "startingPayAnnual": 48719,
   "payNote": "Minimum salary $48,719 a year at Assignment Level II, per the Notice of Examination for Exam 7331 (read September 24, 2026). The notice for the next exam may list a different rate.",
   "paySource": {
    "kind": "noe",
    "date": "2026-07-01",
    "ref": "7331"
   },
   "examRequired": true,
   "nextFiling": {
    "exam": "7332",
    "opens": "2026-11-05",
    "closes": "2026-12-22"
   },
   "timeToHired": "Months. Filing, the test and the list all take time. That's normal, not a rejection.",
   "steps": [
    {
     "title": "Create your OASys account",
     "text": "OASys is the city's exam system, and one account covers every exam you file for from now on. Use an email you can open: OASys sends a confirmation to verify it."
    },
    {
     "title": "File for the exam",
     "text": "OASys, where you file, lists the next exam: Exam 7332, filing November 5 to December 22, 2026, with a $68 fee. Its Notice of Examination isn't posted yet, so read it the day it goes up. The last exam, 7331, had no fee. Fee waivers exist for some applicants; the notice lists who qualifies."
    },
    {
     "title": "Take the multiple-choice test",
     "text": "A multiple-choice test taken at a computer. You need 70% to pass. The notice says it tests deductive reasoning, information ordering, memorization, problem sensitivity, spatial orientation, written comprehension and written expression. Your admission notice appears in OASys 14 days before testing. Bring one photo ID with your signature. Your phone goes in a sealed pouch until you finish."
    },
    {
     "title": "Get on the eligible list and wait",
     "text": "Pass and you land on a ranked eligible list, which usually lasts 4 years. Hiring goes down the list as openings come up. This takes months. It's not a rejection. It's how civil service works."
    },
    {
     "title": "Clear the screenings",
     "text": "Before you're appointed: medical, psychological and drug screening, proof of identity, and an investigation with a $75 fingerprint fee. Be exact on every form."
    },
    {
     "title": "Pass probation, start the job",
     "text": "12-month probation, including a training course. You buy your uniforms at the start; the notice says a uniform allowance comes after 6 months. Expect rotating shifts, weekends, holidays and overtime, outdoors in all weather, mostly on foot."
    }
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "Notice of Examination No. 7331, Traffic Enforcement Agent (PDF, official)",
     "url": "https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dcas/downloads/pdf/noes/20277331000.pdf"
    },
    {
     "label": "Civil Service Exam Schedule (NYC Open Data)",
     "url": "https://data.cityofnewyork.us/City-Government/Civil-Service-Exam-Schedule/4ptz-hmtc"
    }
   ],
   "page": "https://togetajob.com/guides/nyc-traffic-enforcement-agent"
  },
  {
   "id": "nyc-school-safety-agent",
   "title": "School Safety Agent",
   "officialTitle": "School Safety Agent",
   "agency": "NYPD",
   "summary": "Keep NYC's public schools safe. Multiple-choice exam, diploma required, 21 by appointment.",
   "startingPay": "$40,480/yr",
   "startingPayAnnual": 40480,
   "payNote": "Minimum salary $40,480 a year, reaching $58,345 after five years, per the Notice of Examination for Exam 7323 (read September 25, 2026). Both rates are subject to change, and the next exam's notice may list a different rate.",
   "paySource": {
    "kind": "noe",
    "date": "2026-07-01",
    "ref": "7323"
   },
   "examRequired": true,
   "nextFiling": {
    "exam": "7324",
    "opens": "2026-10-07",
    "closes": "2026-11-25"
   },
   "timeToHired": "Months. Filing, the test, the list and the background check all take time. That's normal, not a rejection.",
   "steps": [
    {
     "title": "Create your OASys account",
     "text": "OASys is the city's exam system, and one account covers every exam you file for from now on. Use an email you can open: OASys sends a confirmation to verify it."
    },
    {
     "title": "File for the exam",
     "text": "OASys, where you file, lists the next exam: Exam 7324, filing October 7 to November 25, 2026, with a $68 fee. Its Notice of Examination isn't posted yet, so read it the day it goes up. On the last exam, 7323, veterans, unemployed people, NYC high school students, first-time test takers, and people receiving public assistance or SSI could get the fee waived."
    },
    {
     "title": "Take the multiple-choice test",
     "text": "A multiple-choice test taken at a computer. You need 70% to pass, and your score sets your place on the list. The notice says it tests deductive and inductive reasoning, information ordering, memorization, problem sensitivity, spatial orientation, visualization, written comprehension and written expression. Your admission notice appears in OASys 14 days before testing. Bring one photo ID with your signature. No calculators. Your phone goes in a sealed pouch until you finish."
    },
    {
     "title": "Get on the eligible list and wait",
     "text": "Pass and you land on a ranked eligible list, which usually lasts 4 years. Hiring goes down the list as openings come up. This takes months. It's not a rejection. It's how civil service works. If you've worked at least 6 months full-time as an Assistant School Safety Agent, the notice says you can ask for Selective Certification, which may get you preferred consideration."
    },
    {
     "title": "Clear the screenings",
     "text": "Before you're appointed: a qualifying physical test, a drug screening, a medical and psychological exam, proof of identity and your right to work in the U.S., and an NYPD background check. The investigation includes a $75.00 fingerprint fee. Bring originals or certified copies of your documents. Be exact on every form."
    },
    {
     "title": "Pass probation, start the job",
     "text": "One-year probation. You patrol school buildings, scan for prohibited items, check visitors, help people who are sick or hurt, and step in when students fight. Shifts can include nights, weekends and holidays. You don't need a driver license for the title, but some assignments require one."
    }
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "Notice of Examination No. 7323, School Safety Agent (PDF, official)",
     "url": "https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dcas/downloads/pdf/noes/20277323000.pdf"
    },
    {
     "label": "Civil Service Exam Schedule (NYC Open Data)",
     "url": "https://data.cityofnewyork.us/City-Government/Civil-Service-Exam-Schedule/4ptz-hmtc"
    }
   ],
   "page": "https://togetajob.com/guides/nyc-school-safety-agent"
  },
  {
   "id": "nyc-ems-trainee",
   "title": "EMS Trainee",
   "officialTitle": "Emergency Medical Specialist Trainee",
   "agency": "FDNY",
   "summary": "FDNY trains you as an EMT, on salary. No written test: you're scored on your education and experience.",
   "startingPay": "$36,330/yr",
   "startingPayAnnual": 36330,
   "payNote": "Minimum salary $36,330 a year, per the Notice of Examination for Exam 6054 (read September 25, 2026). The rate is subject to change, and the next exam's notice may list a different rate.",
   "paySource": {
    "kind": "noe",
    "date": "2025-10-01",
    "ref": "6054"
   },
   "examRequired": true,
   "nextFiling": {
    "exam": "7032",
    "opens": "2026-10-07",
    "closes": "2026-11-18"
   },
   "timeToHired": "Months. Filing, scoring, the list, screenings and a 4-month training program all come before you work as an EMT.",
   "steps": [
    {
     "title": "Create your OASys account",
     "text": "OASys is the city's exam system, and one account covers every exam you file for from now on. Use an email you can open: OASys sends a confirmation to verify it."
    },
    {
     "title": "File for the exam",
     "text": "OASys, where you file, lists the next exam: Exam 7032, filing October 7 to November 18, 2026, with a $30 fee. Its Notice of Examination isn't posted yet, so read it the day it goes up. On the last exam, 6054, veterans, unemployed people, and people receiving public assistance or SSI could get the fee waived."
    },
    {
     "title": "Fill out the Education and Experience Exam",
     "text": "There's no written test. Your score comes from an Education and Experience Exam you fill out in OASys. Meeting the minimums gets you 70 points. Extra points, up to 100, come from hands-on patient care work, certain college credits, and certifications like Basic Cardiac Life Support. Final Submit it by midnight on the last filing day. If you don't, you get no score and no refund."
    },
    {
     "title": "Get on the eligible list and wait",
     "text": "Pass and you land on a ranked eligible list, which typically lasts 4 years. Hiring goes down the list as openings come up. This takes months. It's not a rejection. It's how civil service works."
    },
    {
     "title": "Clear the screenings",
     "text": "Before you start: a qualifying physical test, a medical and psychological exam, a drug screening, proof of identity and your right to work in the U.S., and an investigation with a $102.50 fingerprint fee. You must be able to wear a respirator, so no facial hair that breaks its seal. If you have a misdemeanor or felony conviction, you need a clearance letter from the New York State Department of Health."
    },
    {
     "title": "Train, get certified, start the job",
     "text": "A 4-month FDNY training program, then an EMT certification exam and a New York State EMT certificate. Pass those and you move up to Emergency Medical Specialist - EMT without another exam. Probation is 16 months. You sign a Forgivable Loan Agreement: leave before 3 years (156 weeks) as an EMT and you owe part of your training cost. Expect nights, weekends, holidays and all kinds of weather."
    }
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "Notice of Examination No. 6054, Emergency Medical Specialist Trainee (PDF, official)",
     "url": "https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dcas/downloads/pdf/noes/20266054000.pdf"
    },
    {
     "label": "Civil Service Exam Schedule (NYC Open Data)",
     "url": "https://data.cityofnewyork.us/City-Government/Civil-Service-Exam-Schedule/4ptz-hmtc"
    }
   ],
   "page": "https://togetajob.com/guides/nyc-ems-trainee"
  },
  {
   "id": "nyc-community-assistant",
   "title": "Community Assistant",
   "officialTitle": "Community Assistant",
   "agency": "Several NYC agencies",
   "summary": "Entry-level city work at many agencies. No exam, and no education or experience requirement.",
   "startingPay": "$45,675/yr",
   "startingPayAnnual": 45675,
   "payNote": "$45,675 a year on the District Attorney Kings County posting dated September 23, 2026 (Job ID 802158), the city's newest listing for this title. Postings change, so check the one you apply to.",
   "paySource": {
    "kind": "posting",
    "date": "2026-09-23",
    "ref": "802158"
   },
   "examRequired": false,
   "nextFiling": null,
   "timeToHired": "No exam to wait for. The postings don't say how long hiring takes.",
   "steps": [
    {
     "title": "Write a simple resume",
     "text": "Name, contact info, any work, school or volunteer history. The title has no education or experience requirement, so a short resume is fine. Some postings list preferred skills, like writing, communication and computer skills. Show those if you have them."
    },
    {
     "title": "Apply on the city's jobs portal",
     "text": "Search cityjobs.nyc.gov for \"Community Assistant\". Homeless Services, Probation and the District Attorneys' offices have all posted this title, often under a different job name. Read each posting: the work, pay and hours are very different. Postings come and go, so check what's open today."
    },
    {
     "title": "Interview with the agency",
     "text": "There's no civil service exam. The agency picks who to interview. The posting says to ask about the residency rule at your interview."
    },
    {
     "title": "Start the job",
     "text": "At Probation, the posting lists clerical work: sorting, filing and scanning records, logging cases, photographing clients, and covering the front desk. At Homeless Services, postings list shelter housekeeping, stocking supplies and client services, some on overnight shifts. Full-time for most postings."
    }
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "NYC Jobs postings, Job ID 797255, Community Assistant, Department of Probation (NYC Open Data)",
     "url": "https://data.cityofnewyork.us/City-Government/Jobs-NYC-Postings/kpav-sd4t"
    },
    {
     "label": "cityjobs.nyc.gov, the official city jobs portal",
     "url": "https://cityjobs.nyc.gov/"
    }
   ],
   "page": "https://togetajob.com/guides/nyc-community-assistant"
  },
  {
   "id": "nyc-correction-officer",
   "title": "Correction Officer",
   "officialTitle": "Correction Officer",
   "agency": "Department of Correction",
   "summary": "Security and custody work in NYC jails. $0 to apply, 21 to be appointed.",
   "startingPay": "$56,838/yr",
   "startingPayAnnual": 56838,
   "payNote": "Minimum salary $56,838 a year, reaching $109,352 after five and a half years, plus a $1,100 yearly uniform allowance, per the Notice of Examination for Exam 7302 (read September 25, 2026). All rates are subject to change.",
   "paySource": {
    "kind": "noe",
    "date": "2026-09-02",
    "ref": "7302"
   },
   "examRequired": true,
   "nextFiling": {
    "exam": "7302",
    "opens": "2026-09-02",
    "closes": "2026-10-27"
   },
   "timeToHired": "Months. The test, the list, screenings and the Academy all come first.",
   "steps": [
    {
     "title": "Create your OASys account",
     "text": "OASys is the city's exam system, and one account covers every exam you file for from now on. Use an email you can open: OASys sends a confirmation to verify it."
    },
    {
     "title": "File for Exam 7302",
     "text": "File in OASys between September 2 and October 27, 2026. There's no fee: select “No Fee” as your payment method. DCAS's annual schedule lists two more windows: Exam 7303 from January 6 to March 2, 2027, and Exam 7304 from April 7 to June 1, 2027."
    },
    {
     "title": "Take the multiple-choice test",
     "text": "Testing is expected to start December 15, 2026, at a computer. You need 70% to pass, and your score sets your place on the list. The notice says it tests reasoning, information ordering, math, memorization, problem sensitivity, spatial orientation, visualization, reading and writing. A basic calculator is allowed. Your admission notice appears in OASys 14 days before testing. Bring one photo ID with your signature. Your phone goes in a sealed pouch."
    },
    {
     "title": "Get on the eligible list and wait",
     "text": "Pass and you land on a ranked eligible list, which usually lasts 4 years. Hiring goes down the list as openings come up. This takes months. It's not a rejection. It's how civil service works."
    },
    {
     "title": "Clear the screenings",
     "text": "Before you're appointed: a qualifying physical test, medical and psychological exams, a drug screening and a character and background check. The investigation includes a $75.00 fingerprint fee. The department has a zero tolerance drug policy, and the notice says to follow it well before you apply. Federal Prison Rape Elimination Act rules also apply to hiring."
    },
    {
     "title": "Finish the Academy and probation",
     "text": "Probation is 24 months and includes Academy training. Fail the training and you're let go. You supervise people held in city jails, search for contraband, escort people in custody and write reports. You have to pass a firearms qualification every year. Expect nights, weekends and holidays, and standing for 8½ to 17 hours at a stretch."
    }
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "Notice of Examination No. 7302, Correction Officer (PDF, official)",
     "url": "https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dcas/downloads/pdf/noes/20277302000.pdf"
    },
    {
     "label": "DCAS annual exam schedule, through June 30, 2027 (PDF, official)",
     "url": "https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dcas/downloads/pdf/exam-schedules/dcas-annual-exam-schedule-alpha-order.pdf"
    },
    {
     "label": "Civil Service Exam Schedule (NYC Open Data)",
     "url": "https://data.cityofnewyork.us/City-Government/Civil-Service-Exam-Schedule/4ptz-hmtc"
    }
   ],
   "page": "https://togetajob.com/guides/nyc-correction-officer"
  },
  {
   "id": "nyc-police-officer",
   "title": "Police Officer",
   "officialTitle": "Police Officer",
   "agency": "NYPD",
   "summary": "Patrol NYC for the NYPD. $0 to apply, with a filing window almost every month.",
   "startingPay": "$55,942/yr",
   "startingPayAnnual": 55942,
   "payNote": "Minimum salary $55,942 a year, rising to $109,352 after five and a half years, per the Notice of Examination for Exams 7311 to 7322 (read September 25, 2026). The notice says the rate is subject to change.",
   "paySource": {
    "kind": "noe",
    "date": "2026-07-01",
    "ref": "7313"
   },
   "examRequired": true,
   "nextFiling": {
    "exam": "7314",
    "opens": "2026-10-01",
    "closes": "2026-10-14"
   },
   "timeToHired": "Months. The test, the list, screenings and the academy all take time. That's normal, not a rejection.",
   "steps": [
    {
     "title": "Create your OASys account",
     "text": "OASys is the city's exam system, and one account covers every exam you file for from now on. Use an email you can open: OASys sends a confirmation to verify it."
    },
    {
     "title": "File for a monthly exam",
     "text": "One notice covers 12 Police Officer exams, one for almost every month from July 2026 to June 2027. Each has a short window, about two weeks, when you apply and pick your test slot, and the test happens the next month. Exam 7314 takes applications October 1 to 14, 2026, with testing November 2 to 7. The fee is $0: select “No Fee” when you file. Miss a window? The next one opens about a month later."
    },
    {
     "title": "Take the multiple-choice test",
     "text": "A multiple-choice test at a computer. You need 70% to pass. The notice says it can test deductive and inductive reasoning, information ordering, memorization, problem sensitivity, spatial orientation, visualization, written comprehension and written expression. No calculators. Bring one valid photo ID with your signature, in the same name you applied under. Your phone goes in a sealed pouch until you finish. Live in NYC? Follow the test-day instructions to request the 10-point NYC residency credit. An NYC address on your application doesn't count as a request."
    },
    {
     "title": "Get on the eligible list and wait",
     "text": "Pass and you land on a ranked eligible list, usually active for four years. You get your results by email. Hiring goes down the list as openings come up. This takes months. It's not a rejection. It's how civil service works."
    },
    {
     "title": "Clear the screenings",
     "text": "Before you're appointed: a qualifying physical test, medical and psychological exams, a drug screening, a character and background investigation with a $75 fingerprint fee, and proof of identity and your right to work in the U.S. Bring originals or certified copies of every document they ask for. False or exaggerated answers can get you disqualified."
    },
    {
     "title": "Police Academy and probation",
     "text": "Probation is 24 months. You have to pass the Police Academy's firearms, academic, physical and driving tests. The notice says the academy physical test may include a 1.5-mile run. Firearms qualification repeats twice a year for your whole career. Expect nights, weekends, holidays, rotating tours and overtime when ordered, outdoors in all weather."
    }
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "Notice of Examination Nos. 7311 to 7322, Police Officer (PDF, official)",
     "url": "https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dcas/downloads/pdf/noes/20277313000.pdf"
    },
    {
     "label": "DCAS annual exam schedule (PDF, official)",
     "url": "https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dcas/downloads/pdf/exam-schedules/dcas-annual-exam-schedule-alpha-order.pdf"
    },
    {
     "label": "Civil Service Exam Schedule (NYC Open Data)",
     "url": "https://data.cityofnewyork.us/City-Government/Civil-Service-Exam-Schedule/4ptz-hmtc"
    }
   ],
   "page": "https://togetajob.com/guides/nyc-police-officer"
  },
  {
   "id": "nyc-police-cadet",
   "title": "NYPD Cadet",
   "officialTitle": "Police Cadet",
   "agency": "NYPD",
   "summary": "Get paid $19.51 an hour at the NYPD while you're in college, with up to $20,000 in tuition help.",
   "startingPay": "$19.51/hr",
   "startingPayAnnual": null,
   "payNote": "$19.51 an hour, per the Cadet page on NYPD Recruit (read September 30, 2026). Part time while school is in session, full time in summer.",
   "paySource": {
    "kind": "agency",
    "date": "2026-09-30",
    "ref": "nypdrecruit.com/pages/cadet"
   },
   "examRequired": false,
   "nextFiling": null,
   "timeToHired": "The Cadet page doesn't say how long processing takes.",
   "steps": [
    {
     "title": "Go to a Cadet orientation",
     "text": "NYPD Recruit lists upcoming Cadet orientations on its Cadet page, with the date, time and place. Wear business attire. Questions: 212-RECRUIT, or the Cadet Corps at 718-670-9722."
    },
    {
     "title": "Apply",
     "text": "Apply through NYPD Recruit. There's no civil service exam to become a Cadet."
    },
    {
     "title": "Pass the screenings",
     "text": "A character and background investigation, a drug screening, and the Job Standard Test, a timed obstacle course you finish in 4 minutes 28 seconds without stopping. You must be free of any felony convictions. Be honest and complete on every form."
    },
    {
     "title": "Train at the Police Academy",
     "text": "3 to 4 weeks at the Police Academy before your job assignment. After that, monthly training on the third Saturday of each month."
    },
    {
     "title": "Work around your classes",
     "text": "$19.51 an hour. At least 21 hours a month and no more than 34 a week while school is in session, usually 4 to 8 hours a day. Full time in summer. Keep a 2.0 GPA and at least 12 credits a semester. Tuition help: up to $20,000 ($2,500 to $5,000 a semester, for up to four semesters). It comes as a check paid to you, not to your school (Police sources, on background), and you don't pay it back after two years as a New York City Police Officer."
    },
    {
     "title": "Take the Police Officer exam as a Cadet",
     "text": "Take the first Police Officer exam available while you're a Cadet. For you it counts as a promotional exam, and 70 passes. To be appointed a Police Officer you still need to meet that title's requirements, including age 20 and a half and 24 college credits with a 2.0 GPA."
    }
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "Police Cadet Corps, NYPD Recruit (official)",
     "url": "https://nypdrecruit.com/pages/cadet"
    },
    {
     "label": "Police Officer FAQ, NYPD Recruit (official)",
     "url": "https://nypdrecruit.com/pages/police-officer-faq"
    }
   ],
   "page": "https://togetajob.com/guides/nyc-police-cadet"
  }
 ]
}