NYC Civil Service Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Read the following passage: 'City agencies must comply with Local Law 11, which requires periodic inspection of building facades for signs of deterioration. Inspections must be completed by a licensed professional engineer or registered architect.' Who is authorized to conduct the facade inspections described in this passage?

The building owner or their designated representative
A licensed professional engineer or registered architect (Correct answer)
Any city agency employee
A licensed contractor with five years of experience

Correct answer: A licensed professional engineer or registered architect

The passage specifically states that inspections must be completed by a licensed professional engineer or registered architect.

Question 2: A civil service clerk must sort mail according to a specific set of rules: All documents from the Department of Finance (DOF) go into the RED bin. All documents from the Department of Transportation (DOT) go into the BLUE bin. However, if a DOT document is marked 'URGENT,' it goes into the RED bin instead. All other documents go into the GREEN bin. The clerk receives a document from the DOT that is marked 'URGENT.' What should the clerk do?

Place it in the RED bin. (Correct answer)
Place it in the GREEN bin.
Place it in the BLUE bin.
Ask a supervisor for clarification.

Correct answer: Place it in the RED bin.

The rules state that documents from the DOT normally go into the BLUE bin. However, there is a specific exception: 'if a DOT document is marked 'URGENT,' it goes into the RED bin instead.' Since the document is from the DOT and is marked 'URGENT,' it must be placed in the RED bin.

Question 3: A policy directive states: 'Confidential personnel records may only be released to the employee named in the record, to that employee's designated legal representative, or pursuant to a valid court order. No other parties may access these records without written authorization from the Commissioner.' A records clerk receives a phone request from a manager asking to review a subordinate's personnel file for a performance review. What should the clerk do?

Ask the employee for verbal permission before releasing the file to the manager.
Release the file immediately, since the manager has supervisory authority over the employee.
Release the file only if the manager agrees to keep it confidential.
Deny the request, because managers are not among the parties authorized to access the records under this policy. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Deny the request, because managers are not among the parties authorized to access the records under this policy.

The policy lists only three authorized parties: the employee, their legal representative, or a court order. It further states that no other party may access records without written Commissioner authorization. A manager making a phone request does not fall into any authorized category.

Question 4: Read the following passage and answer the question. "Under the NYC Civil Service Law, a probationary period is required for most newly appointed employees. This period typically lasts one year, during which the employee may be dismissed without a formal hearing. Once the probationary period is successfully completed, the employee gains permanent status and is entitled to certain due process protections before any dismissal can occur." What protection does an employee gain after successfully completing the probationary period?

Automatic promotion to the next civil service grade.
The right to negotiate their salary directly with the agency commissioner.
Entitlement to due process protections before dismissal. (Correct answer)
A guaranteed minimum of five years of continued employment.

Correct answer: Entitlement to due process protections before dismissal.

The passage states that after completing the probationary period, the employee 'gains permanent status and is entitled to certain due process protections before any dismissal can occur,' which is option C.

Question 5: A city employee's pension is calculated as 2% of average salary multiplied by years of service. If an employee retires after 25 years with an average salary of $58,000, what is the annual pension?

$29,000 (Correct answer)
$27,500
$25,000
$31,000

Correct answer: $29,000

Pension = 0.02 × $58,000 × 25 = $29,000 per year.

Question 6: What does 'lateral transfer' mean in NYC civil service employment?

A move to a different position at the same grade level, within or between agencies (Correct answer)
A promotion to a higher-grade title in the same agency
A demotion resulting from disciplinary action
A temporary reassignment during an investigation

Correct answer: A move to a different position at the same grade level, within or between agencies

A lateral transfer moves an employee to a different position at the same civil service grade without a change in pay grade.

Question 7: A city sanitation worker collects refuse from 48 buildings on a route. If 3/8 of the buildings have recycling, how many buildings have recycling?

20
18 (Correct answer)
16
24

Correct answer: 18

3/8 × 48 = 18 buildings have recycling.

Question 8: An agency instruction reads: 'Requests submitted after the 15th of the month will be processed in the following month's cycle.' An employee submits a request on the 15th. When will it be processed?

It depends on the type of request
In the current month's cycle (Correct answer)
The instruction does not cover this situation
In the following month's cycle

Correct answer: In the current month's cycle

The rule specifies 'after the 15th,' so a request submitted on the 15th itself falls within the current cycle.

Question 9: Which NYC agency is responsible for investigating complaints of employment discrimination against city employees?

Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS)
NYC Civil Service Commission
Office of Labor Relations
NYC Commission on Human Rights (Correct answer)

Correct answer: NYC Commission on Human Rights

The NYC Commission on Human Rights enforces the NYC Human Rights Law, which prohibits employment discrimination by city agencies.

Question 10: A batch of 50 forms must be processed. A clerk completes 12 forms in the first hour and 15 forms in the second hour. What percentage of the total batch has been completed?

54% (Correct answer)
24%
30%
60%

Correct answer: 54%

12 + 15 = 27 forms completed out of 50 total; 27 ÷ 50 × 100 = 54%.

Question 11: A 'supporting detail' in a passage is:

The author's opinion only
The title of the passage
Specific information that backs up the main idea (Correct answer)
The main idea restated

Correct answer: Specific information that backs up the main idea

Supporting details are facts, examples, or evidence that back up the main idea.

Question 12: Which of the following best describes the purpose of adding a data label directly onto a bar in a bar chart?

To replace the need for an x-axis title
To allow the reader to read the exact value without consulting the y-axis scale (Correct answer)
To indicate that the bar represents a forecast rather than actual data
To show the percentage each bar contributes to the total

Correct answer: To allow the reader to read the exact value without consulting the y-axis scale

Data labels display the precise numeric value on or near a bar, eliminating the need to estimate from the y-axis gridlines.

Question 13: If 'no supervisor may approve their own expense report,' what happens when Supervisor Lee submits an expense report?

Another supervisor must approve it (Correct answer)
The report is automatically denied
Lee approves it herself
Lee's manager automatically approves it

Correct answer: Another supervisor must approve it

Since Lee cannot approve her own report, a different supervisor must handle the approval.

Question 14: An inspector notes these code violations in an apartment: unit 3B has a broken smoke detector, unit 5A has a faulty outlet, unit 3B has a cracked window. How many distinct units have violations?

1
2 (Correct answer)
3
4

Correct answer: 2

Only two distinct units appear: 3B (with two violations) and 5A (with one violation).

Question 15: Examine the sequence: 3, 6, 11, 18, 27, ___. What comes next?

38 (Correct answer)
39
36
40

Correct answer: 38

The differences between terms are 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 — increasing odd numbers — so 27 + 11 = 38.

Question 16: A directive reads: 'Supervisors must conduct annual performance reviews for each subordinate. Reviews must be completed and signed by both the supervisor and subordinate before the end of the fiscal year.' A supervisor completes a review on time, but the subordinate refuses to sign it. Which is the best conclusion?

The review does not fully comply because both signatures are required (Correct answer)
The review is complete because the supervisor signed it
The subordinate's refusal cancels the review entirely
The review is valid after a 30-day waiting period

Correct answer: The review does not fully comply because both signatures are required

The directive requires both the supervisor's and subordinate's signatures; without the subordinate's signature, the requirement is not fully met.

Question 17: A pie chart shows that 60% of complaints are noise-related, 25% are parking violations, and the remainder are other issues. What percentage of the chart represents other issues?

10%
25%
20%
15% (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 15%

All percentages must total 100%: 100 − 60 − 25 = 15% for other issues.

Question 18: Statement: 'Some civil service positions require a written exam. All positions requiring a written exam require a background check.' Which is definitely true?

Some civil service positions require a background check (Correct answer)
No civil service positions skip background checks
All civil service positions require a background check
Written exams always lead to background checks for all positions

Correct answer: Some civil service positions require a background check

Some positions require a written exam, and all of those also require a background check, so some positions require a background check.

Question 19: A building's main entrance faces east. A person exits through the main entrance and turns left. What direction are they now walking?

East
North (Correct answer)
South
West

Correct answer: North

Exiting east and turning left (counterclockwise) means walking north.

Question 20: Which sentence uses commas correctly?

The officer submitted the report before noon, but, did not notify the sergeant.
The officer filed the report, and, submitted it to the sergeant before noon.
The officer, submitted the report, and notified the sergeant, before noon.
The officer, who had been on duty since midnight, submitted the report before noon. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The officer, who had been on duty since midnight, submitted the report before noon.

Option B correctly uses commas to set off the nonessential relative clause 'who had been on duty since midnight.' The other options insert commas incorrectly between a subject and verb or between a conjunction and its clause.

Question 21: Study the pattern: 3, 6, 12, 24, ___. What is the next number?

30
36
42
48 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 48

Each number in the sequence is doubled to produce the next: 3×2=6, 6×2=12, 12×2=24, 24×2=48. Recognizing this consistent multiplication rule allows you to extend the pattern with certainty.

Question 22: A clerk must arrange case files by date of last action, most recent first. The dates are: Feb 14, Jan 30, Mar 2, Feb 28. What is the correct order?

Feb 14, Jan 30, Mar 2, Feb 28
Mar 2, Feb 28, Feb 14, Jan 30 (Correct answer)
Jan 30, Feb 14, Feb 28, Mar 2
Feb 28, Mar 2, Jan 30, Feb 14

Correct answer: Mar 2, Feb 28, Feb 14, Jan 30

Most recent first (descending): March 2, February 28, February 14, January 30.

Question 23: A city project is budgeted at $2,400,000. After the first phase, $875,000 has been spent. If the second phase costs 1.5 times the first phase, how much of the budget remains after both phases?

$212,500 (Correct answer)
$350,000
$187,500
$250,000

Correct answer: $212,500

Phase 2 = 1.5 × $875,000 = $1,312,500; total spent = $875,000 + $1,312,500 = $2,187,500; remaining = $2,400,000 – $2,187,500 = $212,500.

Question 24: You are interviewing applicants for a city position and one candidate mentions they have a disability. How should this affect your evaluation?

Disqualify them if any accommodation might be needed
Focus solely on whether they meet the job qualifications with or without reasonable accommodation (Correct answer)
Consider it when assessing whether they can handle job demands
Ask them detailed questions about their medical condition

Correct answer: Focus solely on whether they meet the job qualifications with or without reasonable accommodation

Under the ADA and NYC Human Rights Law, hiring decisions must be based on qualifications, with reasonable accommodations considered.

Question 25: A team of 5 clerks — Adams, Bell, Chen, Davis, and Evans — must be split into Group 1 (3 clerks) and Group 2 (2 clerks). Adams and Davis cannot be in the same group. Chen must be in Group 1. If Bell is placed in Group 2, which of the following must be true?

Evans is in Group 1 (Correct answer)
Evans is in Group 2
Davis is in Group 1
Adams is in Group 1

Correct answer: Evans is in Group 1

Group 2 has only 2 slots: Bell plus one more. Since Adams and Davis cannot share a group, exactly one of them fills that second Group 2 slot. That leaves no room for Evans in Group 2, so Evans must be in Group 1 regardless of which of Adams or Davis joins Bell.

Question 26: A court officer notices the following on a Monday morning: a cracked courtroom bench, a malfunctioning metal detector, a burned-out hallway light, and a missing fire extinguisher sign. Which should be reported as the top priority?

The cracked courtroom bench for visitor comfort
The missing fire extinguisher sign for compliance
The malfunctioning metal detector as a security risk (Correct answer)
The burned-out hallway light as a trip hazard

Correct answer: The malfunctioning metal detector as a security risk

A malfunctioning metal detector directly compromises the security of everyone in the courthouse and is the most critical operational safety failure.

Question 27: What does 'canvassing' mean in the context of NYC civil service hiring?

Conducting door-to-door surveys for a city agency
Contacting eligible candidates on an established list to determine interest in appointment (Correct answer)
Posting a job vacancy on a public job board
Reviewing applications for minimum qualifications

Correct answer: Contacting eligible candidates on an established list to determine interest in appointment

Canvassing is the process by which a hiring agency contacts candidates ranked on an eligible list to determine their availability and interest in a position.

Question 28: A city's water consumption was 2.5 million gallons in May. In June, consumption increased to 3.2 million gallons due to a heatwave. What was the percentage increase in water consumption from May to June?

78%
22%
28% (Correct answer)
70%

Correct answer: 28%

To find the percentage increase, use the formula: [(New Value - Original Value) / Original Value] * 100. First, find the difference in consumption: 3.2 million - 2.5 million = 0.7 million gallons. Next, divide the difference by the original consumption: 0.7 / 2.5 = 0.28. Finally, convert this decimal to a percentage by multiplying by 100: 0.28 * 100 = 28%.

Question 29: In an NYC agency, supervisors at Grade 18 or above may approve budget transfers. An employee at Grade 15 requests to approve a budget transfer. What is the logical conclusion?

The Grade 15 employee may approve small transfers only
The rule does not apply to this employee
The Grade 15 employee cannot approve the budget transfer (Correct answer)
The Grade 15 employee needs special training to approve transfers

Correct answer: The Grade 15 employee cannot approve the budget transfer

The rule restricts budget transfer approval to Grade 18 and above, so a Grade 15 employee does not qualify.

Question 30: Study this sequence for 30 seconds: DELTA, FOXTROT, ALPHA, CHARLIE, BRAVO. What is the third item in the sequence?

FOXTROT
ALPHA (Correct answer)
BRAVO
CHARLIE

Correct answer: ALPHA

The sequence is DELTA, FOXTROT, ALPHA, CHARLIE, BRAVO — ALPHA is third.

Question 31: Agency rule: 'Overtime must be offered first to the most senior eligible employee. If declined, it is offered to the next most senior, and so on.' The seniority ranking is: Chen (1st), Okafor (2nd), Patel (3rd), Torres (4th). Chen and Okafor both decline. Who is offered overtime next?

The supervisor decides
Patel (Correct answer)
Torres
Chen again

Correct answer: Patel

After Chen (1st) and Okafor (2nd) decline, the offer moves to the next most senior employee, Patel (3rd).

Question 32: Which sentence is written MOST clearly and concisely for an official government report?

Inclement weather, being the reason, caused the event to be postponed by officials.
The event was postponed because of inclement weather. (Correct answer)
Due to the fact that there was inclement weather, the situation was one in which a postponement became necessary.
Weather that was inclement in nature did result in a postponement of the event.

Correct answer: The event was postponed because of inclement weather.

Option B conveys the same information in the fewest words with the clearest subject-verb-object structure.

Question 33: A vehicle travels north for 6 miles, turns right and drives 8 miles, then stops. How far is the vehicle from its starting point?

8 miles
6 miles
10 miles (Correct answer)
14 miles

Correct answer: 10 miles

The path forms a right triangle with legs 6 and 8, so the hypotenuse is √(36+64) = √100 = 10 miles.

Question 34: In NYC government, which official is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of most city agencies?

The Borough Presidents
The Comptroller
The Mayor (Correct answer)
The City Council Speaker

Correct answer: The Mayor

The Mayor serves as chief executive and is responsible for the administration and management of all city agencies.

Question 35: Which of the following is classified as a 'competitive class' position in NYC civil service?

Mayor of New York City
Deputy Mayor
Member of the City Council
NYPD Police Officer (Correct answer)

Correct answer: NYPD Police Officer

NYPD Police Officer is a competitive class position requiring candidates to pass a civil service examination administered by DCAS.

Question 36: Which sentence uses the correct form of the verb 'to lie'?

She laid on the couch all afternoon.
She lay on the couch all afternoon. (Correct answer)
She lain on the couch all afternoon.
She has laid on the couch all afternoon.

Correct answer: She lay on the couch all afternoon.

'Lay' is the past tense of 'lie' (to recline), so 'she lay on the couch' is correct.

Question 37: Select the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement: 'Neither the manager nor the clerks _____ aware of the change.'

was
be
is
are (Correct answer)

Correct answer: are

When using 'neither…nor,' the verb agrees with the subject closest to it; since 'clerks' is plural, 'are' is correct.

Question 38: A supervisor receives the following incident reports and must file them in reverse chronological order: Report A (March 5), Report B (March 12), Report C (February 28), Report D (March 9). Which sequence is correct?

D, B, A, C
B, D, A, C (Correct answer)
C, A, D, B
B, A, D, C

Correct answer: B, D, A, C

Reverse chronological order means most recent first: March 12 (B), March 9 (D), March 5 (A), February 28 (C).

Question 39: Which of the following best defines 'passive voice' in writing?

A sentence in which the subject performs the action
A sentence in which the subject receives the action (Correct answer)
A sentence that expresses uncertainty or possibility
A sentence that uses only present-tense verbs

Correct answer: A sentence in which the subject receives the action

In passive voice, the subject receives or is acted upon by the verb (e.g., 'The report was filed by the clerk').

Question 40: If no patrol officers work the night shift alone, and Rodriguez works the night shift, what must be true?

Rodriguez works with at least one other officer (Correct answer)
Rodriguez supervises the night shift
Rodriguez works day shifts as well
Rodriguez is not a patrol officer

Correct answer: Rodriguez works with at least one other officer

Since no patrol officer works the night shift alone, Rodriguez must be accompanied by at least one other officer.

Question 41: A clerk processes 24 forms per hour. How many forms will be processed during a 7.5-hour shift?

168
156
180 (Correct answer)
192

Correct answer: 180

24 × 7.5 = 180 forms.

Question 42: A city employee receives a gift from a vendor who has an active contract with the employee's agency. What should the employee do?

Accept the gift as a token of goodwill
Keep the gift but disclose it to a coworker
Report the gift to the agency's ethics officer and refuse it (Correct answer)
Return the gift only if it exceeds $100 in value

Correct answer: Report the gift to the agency's ethics officer and refuse it

NYC Conflicts of Interest Board rules generally prohibit city employees from accepting gifts from vendors doing business with their agency.

Question 43: Read the following passage and answer the question. "The Citywide Conflict of Interest Board prohibits city employees from accepting gifts valued at more than $50 from any person or organization that does business with, or has a matter pending before, the employee's agency. Employees who receive unsolicited gifts exceeding this amount must report them to the Board within 10 days and either return the gift or surrender it to the agency." According to the passage, what must a city employee do upon receiving an unsolicited gift worth more than $50 from a vendor?

Refuse the gift immediately and notify the vendor in writing.
Donate the gift to a city-approved charity within 30 days.
Report the gift to the Board within 10 days and return or surrender it. (Correct answer)
Keep the gift but file a disclosure form with their supervisor.

Correct answer: Report the gift to the Board within 10 days and return or surrender it.

The passage specifies that employees who receive unsolicited gifts exceeding $50 must 'report them to the Board within 10 days and either return the gift or surrender it to the agency,' matching option B exactly.

Question 44: Read the following passage and answer the question. "The NYC Charter requires that all city agencies prepare and submit a four-year capital plan to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) each fiscal year. The capital plan must include projected costs, funding sources, and expected completion dates for all capital projects. OMB reviews these submissions and consolidates them into the city's overall capital budget." What is OMB's role regarding agency capital plans?

OMB approves or denies each individual capital project
OMB reviews submissions and consolidates them into the city's capital budget (Correct answer)
OMB publishes the plans on the NYC open data portal
OMB assigns funding sources to each project independently

Correct answer: OMB reviews submissions and consolidates them into the city's capital budget

The passage states that OMB reviews agency submissions and consolidates them into the city's overall capital budget.

Question 45: Choose the correctly spelled word to complete the sentence: 'Please _____ the attached documents for accuracy.'

review (Correct answer)
reveiw
reviw
revew

Correct answer: review

'Review' is the correct spelling, following standard English orthographic rules.

Question 46: A new municipal directive states: 'All city employees must complete the mandatory annual ethics training by the end of the fiscal year, which is June 30th. Employees who are on approved leave during the last month of the fiscal year will be granted a 30-day extension. It is the responsibility of the employee to request this extension from their direct supervisor; failure to complete the training by the deadline or the approved extension date may result in disciplinary action.' An employee is scheduled for an approved vacation from June 15th to July 5th. Which of the following is the most accurate statement regarding their ethics training requirement?

They must complete the training before they go on vacation on June 15th.
They are exempt from the training for this year due to their vacation.
They will be automatically granted an extension and have until July 30th to complete the training.
They are eligible for an extension but must formally request it from their supervisor. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: They are eligible for an extension but must formally request it from their supervisor.

The directive states that employees on approved leave in the last month (June) are granted an extension, but it also clearly specifies that 'It is the responsibility of the employee to request this extension.' Therefore, the employee must take action to get the extension.

Question 47: A supervisor asks you to process a request that you believe violates NYC agency policy. What is the MOST appropriate action?

Refuse and immediately report the supervisor to HR
Process it anyway because the supervisor has authority
Discuss the request with clients before processing it
Ask the supervisor to clarify the policy basis for the request before proceeding (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Ask the supervisor to clarify the policy basis for the request before proceeding

Seeking clarification ensures you understand the request fully and gives the supervisor a chance to correct a potential mistake.

Question 48: A city water tank is being filled at a rate of 40 gallons per minute. The tank has a capacity of 15,000 gallons but already contains 3,000 gallons of water. How many hours will it take to fill the rest of the tank?

300 hours
4.5 hours
5 hours (Correct answer)
6.25 hours

Correct answer: 5 hours

First, determine the amount of water needed to fill the tank: 15,000 gallons (capacity) - 3,000 gallons (current) = 12,000 gallons. Next, calculate the time in minutes it will take to fill this amount: 12,000 gallons / 40 gallons per minute = 300 minutes. Finally, convert the time from minutes to hours: 300 minutes / 60 minutes per hour = 5 hours.

Question 49: A clerk earns $52,416 per year. What is the clerk's weekly salary?

$1,008.00 (Correct answer)
$1,046.32
$984.92
$1,092.00

Correct answer: $1,008.00

$52,416 ÷ 52 weeks = $1,008.00 per week.

Question 50: A supervisor assigns tasks in alphabetical order by last name. The employees are Torres, Nguyen, Kim, and Adams. Who gets the first task?

Kim
Adams (Correct answer)
Torres
Nguyen

Correct answer: Adams

Adams comes first alphabetically among Torres, Nguyen, Kim, and Adams.

Question 51: Rule: 'A permit application requires: (A) completed form, (B) fee payment, and (C) proof of insurance. Applications missing item C are placed on hold until documentation is received.' An application arrives with items A and B only. What action is taken?

The application is rejected permanently
The application is returned to the applicant without review
The application is approved provisionally
The application is placed on hold pending proof of insurance (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The application is placed on hold pending proof of insurance

The rule specifically states applications missing proof of insurance (item C) are placed on hold, not rejected.

Question 52: Read the following passage and answer the question. "The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) manages civil service examinations for approximately 300 job titles across city agencies. Candidates who pass an exam are placed on an eligible list, which is typically valid for four years. Agencies may hire from this list as vacancies arise." What happens to candidates who pass a civil service examination?

They are immediately hired by a city agency
They receive a guaranteed job offer within 30 days
They must retake the exam every year
They are placed on an eligible list (Correct answer)

Correct answer: They are placed on an eligible list

The passage states that candidates who pass an exam are placed on an eligible list that is typically valid for four years.

Question 53: A sanitation depot floor plan shows four main sections in a 2x2 grid. The Vehicle Bay is in the southwest corner. The Dispatch Office is directly north of the Vehicle Bay. The Locker Room is directly east of the Vehicle Bay. Which of the following statements must be true?

The Dispatch Office and the Locker Room share a wall.
The Locker Room is in the northeast corner.
The Dispatch Office is in the northwest corner. (Correct answer)
The fourth, unnamed section is in the southeast corner.

Correct answer: The Dispatch Office is in the northwest corner.

If the Vehicle Bay is southwest, and the Dispatch Office is directly north of it, the Dispatch Office must be in the northwest corner. The Locker Room is east of the Vehicle Bay, placing it in the southeast corner. This leaves the northeast corner for the fourth section.

Question 54: Read the following memo: 'Effective immediately, all agency vehicles must be returned to the motor pool by 5:00 PM unless a supervisor has granted written approval for extended use. Unauthorized use after hours is subject to review.' What must an employee obtain to use an agency vehicle after 5:00 PM?

Written approval from a supervisor (Correct answer)
No approval is needed after hours
Verbal approval from a coworker
A signed release form from HR

Correct answer: Written approval from a supervisor

The memo states that a supervisor must grant written approval for extended use of agency vehicles.

Question 55: A traffic enforcement agent observes all four of the following situations at the same intersection. Which requires action FIRST?

A food cart vendor is operating without a visible permit placard
A pedestrian crossing signal has been stuck on 'Don't Walk' for several cycles (Correct answer)
An expired parking meter has not been marked on the agent's citation log
A delivery truck is double-parked, blocking one lane of a two-lane street

Correct answer: A pedestrian crossing signal has been stuck on 'Don't Walk' for several cycles

A malfunctioning pedestrian signal directly endangers everyone crossing the intersection and can cause accidents involving both pedestrians and vehicles. Active safety hazards affecting traffic control take precedence over parking violations and administrative logging.

Question 56: You are a supervisor and you notice one of your employees seems unusually stressed and their performance has recently declined. What is the MOST effective first step?

Reassign their duties to other employees without discussion
Issue a formal written warning about performance
Monitor them for two weeks before taking any action
Have a private, supportive conversation to understand if there are underlying issues (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Have a private, supportive conversation to understand if there are underlying issues

A private conversation demonstrates concern for the employee's well-being and may reveal issues that can be addressed through EAP or other support.

Question 57: A clerk at the Department of Finance can process 18 tax forms per hour. If the clerk works for a full 7-hour day, but takes a 30-minute break, how many forms can be processed?

117 (Correct answer)
108
135
126

Correct answer: 117

First, calculate the total work time in hours. A 7-hour day minus a 30-minute (0.5 hour) break is 6.5 hours of work. Then, multiply the work hours by the processing rate: 6.5 hours * 18 forms/hour = 117 forms.

Question 58: A civil service exam roster lists candidates in the following order: Williams, Nguyen, Martinez, Johnson, Chen. What ordering principle was used?

Order of registration
Ascending numeric score
Reverse alphabetical by last name (Correct answer)
Alphabetical by last name

Correct answer: Reverse alphabetical by last name

The names descend from W to C, which is reverse (Z-to-A) alphabetical order by last name.

Question 59: City regulations route building permit applications by project cost: under $25,000 go to Unit A; $25,000–$99,999 go to Unit B; $100,000 or more go to Unit C. However, any application involving a city-designated landmark building must be forwarded to the Landmarks Preservation Unit (LPU) regardless of project cost. An application arrives for a $40,000 renovation of a city-designated landmark. Where should it be sent?

Unit A, because renovation projects are considered low-priority
The Landmarks Preservation Unit (LPU) (Correct answer)
Both Unit B and the Landmarks Preservation Unit (LPU)
Unit B, because the cost falls between $25,000 and $99,999

Correct answer: The Landmarks Preservation Unit (LPU)

Although a $40,000 project would normally route to Unit B under the cost-based rule, the regulation explicitly states that landmark buildings must go to the LPU regardless of project cost. The exception clause overrides the standard routing rule entirely.

Question 60: A suspect flees west for 3 blocks, then turns left and runs 2 blocks, then turns left again and runs 3 blocks. In what direction is the suspect now traveling?

East (Correct answer)
West
South
North

Correct answer: East

Fleeing west, a left turn faces south, another left turn faces east.

Question 61: A fire station responds to 312 calls over 12 months. What is the average number of calls per month?

26 (Correct answer)
30
28
24

Correct answer: 26

312 ÷ 12 = 26 calls per month on average.

Question 62: All dispatchers who have worked fewer than six months must be supervised during overnight shifts. Dispatcher Hall has been on the job for four months. What conclusion follows?

Hall is not allowed to work overnight shifts
Hall's supervisor is optional on overnight shifts
Hall may choose whether to be supervised
Hall must be supervised during overnight shifts (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Hall must be supervised during overnight shifts

Hall's four months of service falls below the six-month threshold, so the supervision requirement applies.

Question 63: A supervisor receives three separate complaints from different employees about the same co-worker's behavior within one week. What should the supervisor recognize first?

A pattern exists that may indicate a systemic problem requiring attention (Correct answer)
The complaints are likely exaggerated and can be dismissed
Each complaint should be handled in isolation without looking for connections
The employees making complaints should be counseled for not resolving it themselves

Correct answer: A pattern exists that may indicate a systemic problem requiring attention

Multiple related complaints within a short timeframe indicate a pattern that signals a systemic problem requiring supervisory intervention.

Question 64: A city bus route is 14.4 miles long. If a new express route will cover only 0.75 of the original distance, how long is the express route?

10.2 miles
9.6 miles
10.8 miles (Correct answer)
11.4 miles

Correct answer: 10.8 miles

14.4 × 0.75 = 10.8 miles.

Question 65: A Housing Preservation and Development inspector finds that a landlord has installed a lock that prevents fire exit doors from opening from the inside. The inspector should:

Forward the finding to the fire department only, taking no independent action
Advise tenants verbally of the risk and leave the correction to the landlord's timeline
Immediately classify the violation as hazardous, require same-day correction, and report it as an emergency (Correct answer)
Issue a notice to correct within 30 days

Correct answer: Immediately classify the violation as hazardous, require same-day correction, and report it as an emergency

A blocked fire exit is an immediately hazardous life-safety violation requiring emergency classification and same-day corrective action.

Question 66: Under NYC civil service law, what does 'Rule of Three' mean?

An agency must hire the top-ranked candidate
An agency must interview all candidates on the list
An agency may select any one of the top three eligible candidates (Correct answer)
Three exams must be passed before permanent appointment

Correct answer: An agency may select any one of the top three eligible candidates

The Rule of Three allows an appointing authority to choose any one of the top three candidates on the eligible list for a position.

Question 67: Examine the analogy: Precinct is to Police Officer as _____ is to Firefighter.

Firehouse (Correct answer)
Borough
Station House
Ladder

Correct answer: Firehouse

A precinct is where police officers are based, just as a firehouse is the home base for firefighters.

Question 68: An officer notes the following items seized at a scene: 2 cell phones, 1 laptop, 3 wallets, 4 credit cards, 1 passport. How many total items were seized?

10
12
11 (Correct answer)
9

Correct answer: 11

Adding all items: 2 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 1 = 11 total items seized.

Question 69: Which word correctly completes the sentence? 'The agency distributed the forms to _____ requested them.'

whoever
whom
whomever (Correct answer)
who

Correct answer: whomever

'Whomever' is correct because it functions as the object of the preposition 'to.'

Question 70: A public service announcement states: 'New regulations require that all food service establishments prominently display letter grades indicating the results of their most recent sanitary inspection. An 'A' grade signifies a high level of compliance, while a 'B' or 'C' grade indicates that violations were found. Establishments are required to post these grades near their entrance where they are visible to the public before they enter.' Which of the following actions would be a direct violation of the regulation described?

A restaurant owner places the 'C' grade card in a window, but behind a large plant. (Correct answer)
A restaurant with a 'B' grade appeals the result of their inspection.
A new cafe receives an 'A' grade on its first inspection.
A customer decides not to eat at a restaurant after seeing it has a 'C' grade.

Correct answer: A restaurant owner places the 'C' grade card in a window, but behind a large plant.

The regulation requires the grade to be 'prominently display[ed]' and 'visible to the public.' Placing the grade card behind an object that obstructs the view, like a large plant, violates the spirit and letter of this rule, as it is no longer prominently displayed or clearly visible.

Question 71: Context clues help readers determine:

The author's age
The meaning of unfamiliar words (Correct answer)
How many pages the passage has
The publication date

Correct answer: The meaning of unfamiliar words

Context clues are surrounding words and sentences that help define unfamiliar vocabulary.

Question 72: A police officer works a 12-hour shift and patrols 3 precincts equally. If total patrol time is 9 hours (the rest is administrative), how many hours does she spend patrolling each precinct?

4 hours
3 hours (Correct answer)
3.5 hours
2.5 hours

Correct answer: 3 hours

9 patrol hours ÷ 3 precincts = 3 hours per precinct.

Question 73: What is the name of the document that outlines the fundamental law of New York State?

The New York City Charter
The New York State Constitution (Correct answer)
The Administrative Code of NYC
The New York Codes Rules and Regulations

Correct answer: The New York State Constitution

The New York State Constitution is the supreme law governing the state and its government.

Question 74: A city department has a supply budget of $9,450 for the year. If the department spends an equal amount each month, how much is spent per month?

$812.50
$787.50 (Correct answer)
$775.00
$800.00

Correct answer: $787.50

$9,450 ÷ 12 = $787.50 per month.

Question 75: You are working at a public-facing counter when you notice a long line forming because a computer system is running slowly. Customers are becoming visibly frustrated. What is the BEST immediate action?

Ask customers to come back another day since the system is not working properly
Speed through transactions without following standard verification steps to reduce wait times
Apologize to those waiting, inform them of the delay, and notify your supervisor about the system issue (Correct answer)
Pretend not to notice the line and continue working at your normal pace

Correct answer: Apologize to those waiting, inform them of the delay, and notify your supervisor about the system issue

Acknowledging the delay, communicating transparently with the public, and alerting a supervisor demonstrates good judgment and public service values. Skipping verification steps or dismissing customers are unacceptable and could lead to errors or further complaints.

Question 76: A civil service test has 4 sections worth 25 points each. A candidate scores 19, 22, 17, and 21. What percentage of total possible points did the candidate earn?

79% (Correct answer)
75%
83%
81%

Correct answer: 79%

Total earned = 19 + 22 + 17 + 21 = 79; total possible = 100; 79 ÷ 100 = 79%.

Question 77: A parks department plants trees along a 1.5-mile path, placing one tree every 30 feet. How many trees are planted? (1 mile = 5,280 feet)

265
270
264 (Correct answer)
260

Correct answer: 264

Total feet = 1.5 × 5,280 = 7,920 feet; trees = 7,920 ÷ 30 = 264 trees.

Question 78: If a rectangular office room is 24 feet long and 18 feet wide, what is its area in square feet?

432 sq ft (Correct answer)
444 sq ft
420 sq ft
480 sq ft

Correct answer: 432 sq ft

Area = length × width = 24 × 18 = 432 square feet.

Question 79: When a city employee receives a formal grievance, procedure requires: (1) acknowledge receipt in writing, (2) investigate the claim, (3) consult with HR, (4) issue a written response, (5) file a copy with department records. Steps 1 and 2 are complete. What is the NEXT required step?

Re-acknowledge receipt (step 1)
Issue written response (step 4)
File with department records (step 5)
Consult with HR (step 3) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Consult with HR (step 3)

After completing steps 1 and 2, the procedure requires step 3 — consulting with HR — before any later step may occur.

Question 80: Memorize the following names and badge numbers: Officer Reyes #4417, Officer Huang #2853, Officer Patel #6631, Officer Monroe #3309, Officer Okafor #5178. Which officer has badge number 2853?

Officer Monroe
Officer Patel
Officer Reyes
Officer Huang (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Officer Huang

Badge number 2853 is assigned to Officer Huang. Each name-number pair must be memorized precisely to avoid confusion with similar-looking numbers like 4417 or 3309.

Question 81: A city block has 24 buildings. Exactly 1/3 have fire escapes and exactly 1/4 have sprinkler systems (no building has both). How many buildings have neither feature?

14
6
8
10 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 10

Fire escapes = 8; sprinklers = 6; neither = 24 − 8 − 6 = 10.

Question 82: The Department of Parks & Recreation has an annual budget of $5,500,000. If 2.5% of the budget is allocated for new playground equipment, what is the total dollar amount of this allocation?

$137,500 (Correct answer)
$220,000
$13,750
$1,375,000

Correct answer: $137,500

To find the allocated amount, first convert the percentage to a decimal by dividing by 100 (2.5% = 0.025). Then, multiply the decimal by the total budget: $5,500,000 * 0.025 = $137,500.

NYC Civil Service Exam

The NYC Civil Service Exam exam validates essential knowledge and skills required for certification or licensure in this field.

Questions

90 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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