About Civil Service Exams

Step 1.Create an Account

Sign up for an account on the Ulster County Civil Service Portal.

If you don't have a computer or would like assistance with you application, visit the Ulster County Personnel Department during business hours. There are computers available for you to complete your application.

Step 2.Find an Exam

Browse the Civil Service Exams Portal to find exams you are interested in.

Step 3.Review Qualifications

Click on the name of the exam you are interested to view a PDF of the civil service exam announcement. Review the announcement closely to make sure you meet the requirements.

Step 4.Complete Application

Click the "Apply" button to begin your application. Answer all questions fully and carefully.

Allow plenty of time to complete your first application. The information will be saved in the system and pulled forward into your subsequent applications.

Step 5.Upload Documents

Gather copies any relevant school transcripts, diplomas, certifications. You may also share a resume and any other supporting documentation. You will be asked to upload all these files towards the end of the application.

Only PDF, JPG, PNG, GIF, TIF or BMP files are accepted.

Step 6.Submit Application

After you have completed all required fields and uploaded your documents, you will be able to submit your application. 

Step 7.Exam Admittance

You should receive an email confirming you have been admitted to the exam. This email will include the date, time, and place of your examination. It will also include information such as what you should bring and whether or not you are allowed to use a calculator.

Admittance emails are sent approximately two weeks prior to an examination. If you do not receive an admittance email within four days of the examination, contact the office at (845) 340-3550.

Step 8.Prepare for the Exam

The New York State Department of Civil Service provides test guides for some examinations. You can also purchase study guides for some subjects from the CSEA Work Institute at: 1-518-782-4427 or 1-866-478-5548, or by obtaining an order form from the Ulster County Personnel Department at 244 Fair Street, 5th Floor in Kingston.

Step 9.Take Exam

Good luck!

Step 10.Receive Scores

Test scores are available after about 90 days. You can look them up in the portal:

Lookup Exam Results

 If you pass the exam, you will be placed on an eligible list.

Step 1.Canvass Letter

If a competitive position opens up, the eligible list for that title will be canvassed.

If you are on the list, you should receive a canvass letter or email inquiring if you are interested in the position. The canvass letter will include details about the job location, agency, and hours, as well as a reply form. This is not a job offer.

Step 2.Reply to Canvass

To be considered for the position, you must submit the canvass reply form by the return date. 

If you are not interested in the specific position, you can indicate that on the form. There are different reasons you can list for declining a position, such as location or hours. Depending on the reason you declined, you may remain on the list for consideration of other positions.

If you fail to respond to the canvass you may be removed from the list permanently. 

Step 3.Certificate of Eligibles

A certificate of eligibles is created from the list of people who responded that they were interested in the position. To be considered for a position, you must be ranked among the top three.

To determine if you are in the current top three, count the top three names of those on the list. You are considered part of the top three if you have scored the same or higher as the third person on the list. This is know as the "Rule of Three."

A list is considered invalid if there are not least three people who passed the exam and are willing to accept the position. In this situation anyone who meets the qualifications may be hired for the position with provisional status. 

Step 4.Probationary Period

If you are offered a job and accept, you must serve a probationary term. This is typically a year, but you should confirm with the Personnal Department.

Step 5.Permanent Appointment

If you successfully complete your probationary term, your appointment becomes permanent. A permanent appointment can only be terminated, interrupted or discontinued in accordance with the laws, rules and regulations governing the classified service.

Learn more about Civil Service Appointments