Departments
Civil Service Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are study materials available?
Answer: In most cases, neither New York State nor Niagara County provides nor recommends any study materials. Some materials may be available through public libraries, public employee unions and private publishers. We can make no comment on the quality or usefulness of such materials. New York State does provide some study guides for a few specific exams. Some are available on this website while others can be accessed at www.cs.state.ny.us/msd/map.html
2. What Civil Service Exams are currently being offered?
Answer: You can find current exam announcements in the List of Exam Announcements.
3. What is Civil Service?
Answer: Most jobs in local government fall under the Civil Service System. A "Civil Service" employee can be anyone from a deputy sheriff, secretary, registered nurse, mechanic, a nurse's aide, attorney, accountant, laborer, food service worker, etc. Different jobs have different requirements.
4. Can I file for more than one test?
Answer: If you apply for more than one Civil Service Exam, you must complete one application for each exam you wish to take. Most exams require that you pay an application fee. Check the exam announcement to see if a fee is required. Only checks or money orders are acceptable for payment. Payment must accompany your application. In some cases, the fee is waived because of financial hardship. Check the exam announcement and the last page of the application for details. If you have applied for one or more examinations offered by Niagara County and the City of Lockport, City of Niagara Falls, New York State or another County Civil Service Commission on the same date, you must complete a crossfiler form, which is available at the link below. You do not need to fill out this form if you are taking multiple exams with one agency.
5. What happens after I apply for the test(s)?
Answer: Applications for examinations are reviewed approximately two (2) weeks after the application deadline. Applicants who do not submit sufficient information to make a decision will be sent a letter and given one (1) week to respond with additional information. Applicants who do not meet the qualifications are notified by mail and are given one (1) week to respond with additional information. Individuals that meet the minimum qualifications are notified by mail at least one (1) week prior to the test date of the test location and other instructions.
6. How do I waive a performance test?
Answer: If the exam you are taking requires a qualifying performance test and you have already completed the performance test, please submit a waiver in accordance with the examination announcement instructions. The exam announcement will inform you if a performance test is required.
7. How can I review my test?
Answer: Some exam questions are open to review on the Saturday after the test is held. You must request this review at the test site when you finish your exam. You will be able to see the questions and answers, but not your test paper. After you receive your grade, you can request a computational review. You will be able to review a copy of your answer paper and the answer key, but not the actual questions. This review is normally held about two (2) months after you receive your grade.
8. Where can I get an application and announcements?
Answer: Applications are available at Niagara County Human Resources (111 Main Street, Suite G2, Lockport 14094). They may also be available in public libraries, town and village halls, County office buildings, the New York State Employment Service and at some non-profit agencies. You can also download an application right here from the Niagara County website. If you don't already have it installed on your computer, you'll need to download free Acrobat Reader software from Adobe Systems to view and print the file. The titles of current exams are also available on the Civil Service Exam Line, a 24-hour taped message at 716-439-7281.
9. Will I get the job if I get the highest test score on a civil service exam?
Answer: If you obtain the highest score you may be considered for the position, but having the highest score does not guarantee that you will be hired. The canvass and the interview are equally important parts of the selection process. If you are interested, return your canvass letter promptly or within the specified time period, and if you are invited for an interview, do your best to make a good impression. The interview is also an opportunity for you to learn if this is the job for you.
10. What if my name or address changes?
Answer: Notify this office immediately of any change of name and/or address. It is your responsibility to keep this information current. List all exams and eligible lists that need to be updated.
11. Do I have to take a test?
Answer: Some positions require that you take a test to be considered for a permanent job. These are called competitive positions. For competitive positions when there is no list of tested applicants, a person may be appointed "provisionally" (temporarily) until the results of the next test are established. The provisional employee must score high enough to be permanently appointed or else be removed from the job
12. What is an eligible list?
Answer: An eligible list is a list of candidates who have passed an examination for a particular title ranked according to their test scores, from highest to lowest. The higher your score, the better your chances for getting a position. When an agency or department has an opening for a “competitive” position (one that requires passing an examination), they request a list of eligible candidates who have passed the appropriate examination for the position. We then send out canvass letters to those on the list to determine who is interested in the type of appointment available. Only those who reply within the specified time period, and say they are interested, and who are reachable (within the Rule of Three) may be appointed. As the list is used to hire, and as candidates on the list indicate they are not interested in a position, agencies/departments make their way down the list in score/rank order.
13. Is there ever a waiver of the application fee?
Answer: Yes. Fees willl be waived for candidates who certify that they are unemployed and primarily responsible for the support of a household, or are receiving public assistance. In order to request a fee waiver you must complete a “Request for Application Fee Waiver and Certification” form and submit it with your application by the close of business on the Application Deadline as listed on the Examination Announcement. You should read the Application Fee Waiver instructions to determine if you are eligible and what documentation you must submit to verify your eligibility. Forms are available in our office or on the Employment web page. All claims will be subject to verification and if not supported by appropriate documentation are grounds for the disapproval of the application.
14. What is the difference between an open competitive and promotional exam?
Answer: Open competitive exams are open to the public, while promotion exams are open only to employees of the specific agency/department indicated on the announcement. Promotion eligible lists are certified to fill vacancies in the agency/department before open competitive lists are certified.
15. How do I apply for additional veteran’s credit?
Answer: Veterans wishing to claim additional examination credits as a veteran or disabled veteran of a period of war or conflict as prescribed by the Veteran's Administration must file Form VC-1 and/or Form VC-4 along with a copy of their discharge papers (DD-214) prior to 30 days after the examination date.
16. Do you offer alternate test dates?
Answer: Alternate test dates may be arranged upon review of circumstances according to the alternate test date policy established by this department. You must submit a written request with supporting documentation to our office at least two (2) weeks prior to the date of the exam. NOTE: Saturday Sabbath observers, handicapped persons, active military members: If special arrangements for testing are required, indicate this on your application form.
17. How do I know what jobs are available?
Answer: You are welcome to apply for: 1 Any test that is currently announced. 2 Any untested position that has been posted. The titles and a description of the positions are posted. This information, as well as applications and examination announcements, is available from the Niagara County Department of Human Resources. It is recommended that you check the listing of current tests and/or vacancies every two (2) weeks so you do not miss the opportunity to apply for upcoming tests and/or vacancies. Positions that are posted and not subject to a test, are generally posted for ten (10) days.
18. Is there a residency requirement?
Answer: Most positions/tests have a one (1) month Niagara County residency requirement. Certain positions require that you be a resident of the municipality where the position is located. All residency requirements are noted on the examination announcement.
19. When will I get my test results?
Answer: Test results are received from the New York State Civil Service Commission approximately two (2) months after a test. You will be notified by mail of your score and placed on the eligible list. Only those with a score of seventy (70) or above are included on eligible lists. Jobs are filled from these lists by the employer. The employer may select a candidate who is one of the three highest scoring applicants willing to accept the job.
20. Where are the tests held?
Answer: Most exams are held at Niagara County Community College or the Niagara Falls High School. Smaller exams may be held in our office at 111 Main Street. Exams usually begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday.
21. How do I apply?
Answer: If you are interested in applying for employment with Niagara County, please print and complete each page of the application provided on this web site. For assistance in completing your application, you may also refer to the document "Application Completion Guidelines."
22. What's the "rule of three"?
Answer: Appointing authorities must select from the top three candidates willing to accept appointment. Click here for examples. If there are less than three (3) candidates, the appointing authority can make an appointment from the remaining names on the list or can make a provisional appointment and call for another exam.
23. How long will my name be on a civil service eligible list?
Answer: An eligible list will be in existence for a minimum of 1 year, and may last up to 4 years. However, most eligible lists will be superseded by the establishment of a new eligible list prior to the 4-year time period. It is your responsibility to keep in touch with the Niagara County Human Resources Department on a continuous basis to keep apprised of upcoming examinations. If your name currently appears on an eligible list and you have not received an appointment, and a new examination is offered, it is recommended you take the new examination to ensure continued eligibility.
24. What will be on the test(s)?
Answer: You can find out what areas each test will cover from the exam announcement under the heading "Scope of Examination." Announcements are distributed approximately four (4) weeks prior to the closing date for filing an application. Exam announcements are available in the Niagara County Department of Human Resources or on this web site.
25. What positions do not require a test?
Answer: There are three types of positions that have no test requirements. Exempt positions are those where the employer decides the qualifications of applicants and chooses the person s/he wants to hire. The process is similar to that found in private industry. Non-Competitive positions have specific education and experience requirements that you must meet. Employers choose from among the qualified people who apply. Included in the non-competitive class can be a competitive position that is reclassified for a disabled applicant. (Section 55a of Civil Service Law) Labor positions have no requirements. Employers may choose anyone for these jobs. However, they frequently select individuals with the best work record.
26. If I take an exam and am subsequently placed on a civil service eligible list, where are the eligible lists used?
Answer: Niagara County government departments, towns, villages, school districts and special districts (e.g. Niagara County Community College, Soil & Water District, North Tonawanda and Lewiston Public Libraries) use Niagara Civil Service lists to fill competitive class positions. Niagara County lists are not used by New York State, or the cities of Lockport or Niagara Falls. If you are interested in a job (untested) in a local government agency other than in Niagara County departments, apply directly to that town, village, school district, etc.
