I just did my computer-based multiple choice test and got my score automatically. I also did the Education & Experience Exam. Is anyone able to tell me how the scoring works for both? Do they combine the scores? I’m trying to understand this whole process. Thank you for the help.

Hi everyone,

I sat for the NYC civil service exam for Associate Laboratory Microbiologist about a year ago. Honestly, I forgot all about it because it took so long to hear back.

In the meantime, I started working in the clinical research field at one of the city’s major hospitals. The pay isn’t great (~$52k) and I don’t love my job lol, but I’ve become really interested in clinical research, and there’s room to grow in this field.

A few days ago, I received an email inviting me to interview for the lab role with the Department of Environmental Protection. The starting salary is around $70k, which is definitely a step up from my current situation. The thing is, I don’t think I want to go back to working in the lab. But I’m trying to stay open-minded and optimistic 😓. I am also confused about the “incumbent salary” listed as ~$75k. Does that mean after two years, you’re only getting a $5k raise? Is there room for meaningful pay progression after that?

For those with experience in city jobs or similar situations:

•	What are the pros and cons of this role compared to staying in clinical research?

•	Is the pay bump worth the career shift?

•	Any advice for navigating the interview or deciding if this is the right path?

I know this subreddit tends to be pretty critical of city jobs, but I’d really appreciate some balanced perspectives or encouragement. Thanks in advance!

I will be working for NYC HHC in January (start date given). I received a conditional offer letter and am going through the HR, medical, pre-hire forms, background search (passed) etc. process right now. I'm kind of itching to quit my current role but am wary to do until I have something official in writing. Should I expect an "official" offer letter or is the fact that they gave me a start date good enough?

Excited to join the gang!

Do we get paid for days missed for jury duty? I work for ACS. (FYI I am emailing my timekeeping person but am curious if anyone knows off rip, thank you!)

Anyone familiar with how the program works from an employee or employer prospective?

I believe that I saw that there was a like from the city data website for the civil service titles and how many people were still on the list. I'm unable to find it. Does anyone have the link?

Well I got my notification. December 23rd. Two days before the biggest holiday of the year and during a week for which I was already scheduled off and to be visiting back home.

Why on Earth would they make the exam 12/23? I'm at a loss what to do.

Do you change your resume when your civil service title changes? What if you’re staying at your job doing the same tasks?

Hi all, I am taking the civil service exam tomorrow for Associate Contract Specialist. If anyone on here has this title, do you remember the level of difficulty the exam was and what to expect?

Do you like your agency?? If so why??

Hello,

I recently took the eligibility specialist exam online that's being offered. I received a score of 70. What's are the next steps? May someone please tell me more about the position

Does this mean that they are trying to even out the salaries that staff in similar positions working on similar tasks should be making equivalent salaries? And HR is trying to make that happen? I am making less than others in same positions working, and I’m hoping that they would do the ‘right thing’.

I am currently a teacher in the DOE. Unfortunately due to the lack of work life balance, the toxic work environment, and other issues that have ruined my mental health in this profession, I am trying to transition to other positions in the city.

I have some questions to ask you about these positions (Caseworker, Eligibility Specialist, Benefits Opportunity Specialist).

1. Do these 3 positions have similar responsibilities and workloads? I can't tell what the differences are between them.

2. The salary seems rather low for all of them. Eligibility specialist earns 40k. The other 2 earn around 47k. Will I be able to make more as the time passes?

3. What are they like in terms of work life balance?

Thank you.

This is my first time for filling out the form.. do I go to my HR for filling part 3 of the form? It says “agency authorization (to be completed by the agency unit supervisor/manager and returned to the employee)”.

And I going to an eye doctor just for the exam and order my contacts on 1800contacts. What should I do on the authorization form and provider information form?

When is last day for changing the health insurance?? I am switching back to HealthFirst since Emblem Health-GHI isn’t great. Do I need to contact my HR to get forms for canceling my insurance? Once I fill out the forms, then do I get the money refunded for the amount that I put into it each month?

Is it worth it? How did you do it? What was the aftermath?

I have a DCAS interview coming up and they're saying that the minimum requirement is a high school transcript and graduation letter. At the moment I do not have it but I do have my high school diploma. Would that suffice? I also have my associate degree as well proving that I further my education after high school. I'm just worried that they will disqualify me because I don't have the transcript or graduation letter.

I had an interview Monday and was told a decision should be reached by Friday. (I am not sure if the interviewer realized it’s a holiday week). If I don’t hear a yes or no , should I email? Or should I give them until Monday to follow-up, although they said Friday, given the holiday weekend? Opinion please… I don’t want to look disinterested.

Does doing so help your chances of getting hired or candidacy? It’s not required and only the resume, name, email, phone, etc. is but I’m curious.

I know people who have been filling out and uploading in hopes of upping their chances but if the hiring team doesn’t care, it’s definitely better to know now.

Thanks everyone!

This might be a stupid question but is there a specific insurance to join to get free spas or massage treatment. Thanks 🙏

For those who have won the Thanksgiving parade ticket lottery, what is the experience like? My understanding is that they are tickets for the bleachers.

Given that it's raining tomorrow, do you think there's a chance that there'll be empty seats and they'll let me bring an extra person?

Which one is it? What months do the most hiring take place?

Hello All great news!!

I contacted Mayor Adams about the coverage of weight loss drdrugs. I received a response today. See below...

Your email below to the Mayor’s Office was referred to the NYC Health Benefits Program under the Office of Labor Relations for response.

The City and its Unions, with NYS Department of Financial Services’ approval, have informed EmblemHealth that Wegovy (and other injectable weight loss drugs) are part of the PICA program that they administer independently from the EmblemHealth benefit plans.

As such, EmblemHealth is removing Wegovy (and other injectable weight loss drugs) from the formulary available through the optional prescription drugs riders effective January 1, 2025.

EmblemHealth has been informed by the NYS Department of Financial Services that for EmblemHealth optional rider members, EmblemHealth will review all appeals from the denial of these prescription drugs through PICA.

Should the denial be reversed under the appeal process, the member could receive these prescription drugs through their optional rider program.

Please note that this appeal process should exist through any carrier providing benefits through the NYC Health Benefits Program.

I hope this information was helpful.

When it asks for confirmation it calls the company number or text there. Have you guys ever added your commuter card to your Apple wallet

Did I miss the email for this years Thanksgiving parade lottery? I don't remember the last time there wasn't a lottery.

I'm scheduled to take the Associate Contract Specialist, Exam No. 5032. Where do I find review information for this test so I can prepare?

Anyone have an interview lately and was not asked to provide references either before or after the interview? It just doesn’t feel as if they are seriously considering you as a possibility with no further info, other than you’d interview. Am I wrong?

Hello everyone, I’m new here so please forgive any mistakes I make while writing this.

In 2022 I took two civil exams and passed. Then I decided at the time that I wanted to pursue other things. Now that that’s over, I want to get a city job but since it’s been a while I have no idea where to go from here. The exams say they’re “on list” but I have no idea what that means and the FAQs aren’t really answering my question. Can anybody point me in the right direction? :)