How to get an NYC job without taking civil service exam

NEW YORK (PIX11) — New York City is hiring, but many positions require a civil service exam. However, according to the Jobs NYC website, there is a program that lets you “work for the city without taking a civil service exam.”

It’s called the 55-a Program and it’s based on Section 55-a of the New York State Civil Service Law. This law allows a qualified individual with a certified mental or physical disability to be hired without requiring a civil service exam, according to the city’s website.

The New York State Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Service or the New York State Commission for the Blind are the departments that would determine if someone is eligible for the program, depending on the disability.

The requirements to be eligible for the program are:

• Have a certified mental or physical disability
• Be qualified to perform satisfactorily the duties of the position sought, with or without a reasonable accommodation
• Meet the education and/or experience for the position

If you’d like to apply for the 55-a Program, the city’s website says you are required to be offered a position before being placed in the program.

You can visit nyc.gov/jobs to apply for positions in the competitive class and request 55-a Program consideration on your resume and cover letter. Your cover letter should not include references or documents relating to your disabilities and/or medical conditions.

City agencies then select qualified candidates that they wish to interview for their position. Once a candidate has been interviewed and hired, the agency’s 55-a coordinator works with DCAS to complete the internal 55-a Program application process.

Note: NYC does not have a central database for 55-a applicants.

NYC 55-a Program FAQ

You can learn more about the program here and view the full FAQ here.