NYC Civil Service Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A line graph tracks monthly overtime hours for a unit: January 40, February 60, March 55, April 70, May 65. Which month showed the greatest single-month increase over the previous month?

April
March
May
February (Correct answer)

Correct answer: February

Calculating month-over-month changes: Jan→Feb +20, Feb→Mar −5, Mar→Apr +15, Apr→May −5. February had the largest increase at +20 hours.

Question 2: All city inspectors must carry a valid ID badge. Officer Chen is a city inspector. Which conclusion is certain?

Officer Chen carries the same badge as all other inspectors
Officer Chen must carry a valid ID badge (Correct answer)
Officer Chen may be exempt from carrying an ID badge
Officer Chen sometimes carries an ID badge

Correct answer: Officer Chen must carry a valid ID badge

Since all city inspectors must carry a valid ID badge and Officer Chen is a city inspector, he must carry one.

Question 3: A government office orders supplies costing $1,240. If the city receives a 15% bulk discount, what is the final cost?

$1,024.00
$1,054.00
$1,054.00 (Correct answer)
$1,046.00

Correct answer: $1,054.00

$1,240 × 0.85 = $1,054.00 after a 15% discount.

Question 4: Three analysts — P, Q, R — each specialize in exactly one area: Finance, Operations, or HR. P does not specialize in Finance. Q specializes in HR. What does R specialize in?

Cannot be determined
HR
Finance (Correct answer)
Operations

Correct answer: Finance

Q takes HR; P cannot take Finance, so P takes Operations; that leaves Finance for R.

Question 5: You are verifying a list of employee ID numbers. Which of the following lines contains an error when compared to the original number? ORIGINAL: 9011-B7-4C32 COPY:

Line 3: 9011-B7-4C32
Line 4: 9011-B7-4C3Z (Correct answer)
Line 2: 9011-87-4C32
Line 1: 9011-B7-4C32

Correct answer: Line 4: 9011-B7-4C3Z

Line 4 contains an error. The last character in the original ID is the number '2', but in the copy, it has been incorrectly transcribed as the letter 'Z'. The other lines are either correct or contain a different type of error not listed in the options.

Question 6: A city clerk receives four envelopes marked with different delivery labels. In what order should the clerk process them?

Public records request received last week → standard vendor invoice → certified legal notice with a court deadline today → routine inter-office mail
Standard vendor invoice → certified legal notice with a court deadline today → public records request received last week → routine inter-office mail
Routine inter-office mail → certified legal notice with a court deadline today → standard vendor invoice → public records request received last week
Certified legal notice with a court deadline today → public records request received last week → routine inter-office mail → standard vendor invoice (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Certified legal notice with a court deadline today → public records request received last week → routine inter-office mail → standard vendor invoice

A certified legal notice with a same-day court deadline has the most serious consequence if missed—legal jeopardy for the agency. Time-sensitive legal obligations must be handled before older requests and routine correspondence.

Question 7: If 'employees with 5+ years of service are eligible for senior positions,' and Rivera has 3 years of service, what is true?

Rivera may be eligible for a senior position
Rivera is eligible for a senior position
Rivera is not eligible for a senior position (Correct answer)
Rivera needs one more year to qualify

Correct answer: Rivera is not eligible for a senior position

Rivera has only 3 years, which is less than the required 5 years, so she is not eligible.

Question 8: A NYC Parks Department crew must plant trees along a 1,200-foot path, placing one tree every 40 feet starting at the very beginning. How many trees will be planted in total?

30
29
31 (Correct answer)
32

Correct answer: 31

1,200 ÷ 40 = 30 intervals, so 30 + 1 = 31 trees (inclusive of the start).

Question 9: Choose the version of the sentence that is grammatically correct and most clearly written.

Each of the proposed city ordinances, addressing issues from zoning to public health, were controversial.
Each of the proposed city ordinances, which address issues from zoning to public health, have been controversial.
Each of the proposed city ordinances, which address issues from zoning to public health, is controversial. (Correct answer)
Each of the proposed city ordinances, which address issues from zoning to public health, are controversial.

Correct answer: Each of the proposed city ordinances, which address issues from zoning to public health, is controversial.

The subject of the sentence is 'Each,' which is a singular pronoun. Therefore, it requires a singular verb, 'is.' The phrases 'of the proposed city ordinances' and 'which address issues...' modify the subject but do not change its number.

Question 10: All NYC civil service employees must complete ethics training. Marcus is an NYC civil service employee. Therefore, Marcus must complete ethics training. What type of reasoning is this?

Inductive generalization
Deductive reasoning (Correct answer)
Abductive reasoning
Inductive reasoning

Correct answer: Deductive reasoning

This is a classic syllogism — a general rule applies to a specific case, making it deductive reasoning.

Question 11: If every agency that receives federal funding must submit annual reports, and Agency X does NOT submit annual reports, what can be concluded?

Agency X receives state funding instead
Agency X receives federal funding
Agency X may receive federal funding
Agency X does not receive federal funding (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Agency X does not receive federal funding

If Agency X received federal funding, it would have to submit reports; since it doesn't, it cannot receive federal funding.

Question 12: A floor plan shows four rooms in a 2x2 grid: Room A (top-left), Room B (top-right), Room C (bottom-left), Room D (bottom-right). A diagonal corridor connects Room A to Room D. If you enter from Room A, which direction are you traveling?

Southeast (Correct answer)
Southwest
Northeast
Northwest

Correct answer: Southeast

Moving from the top-left room to the bottom-right room means traveling diagonally toward the southeast.

Question 13: All NYC sanitation supervisors receive hazard pay. Some hazard pay recipients are union members. Officer Rivera is a NYC sanitation supervisor. Which conclusion must be true?

All union members are sanitation supervisors
Officer Rivera receives hazard pay (Correct answer)
Officer Rivera is a union member
Some sanitation supervisors are not city employees

Correct answer: Officer Rivera receives hazard pay

Since all NYC sanitation supervisors receive hazard pay and Rivera is one, Rivera must receive hazard pay.

Question 14: A city park covers 3.6 acres. If a new park is planned to be 2.5 times larger, what will the new park's area be?

6.1 acres
8.1 acres
7.2 acres
9.0 acres (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 9.0 acres

3.6 × 2.5 = 9.0 acres.

Question 15: Read the following passage and answer the question. "City workers are reminded that personal use of government-owned vehicles is strictly prohibited. Any employee found using a city vehicle for personal errands will face disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Exceptions may be granted only with written approval from a division director." Under what condition may a city employee use a government vehicle for personal purposes?

If the employee reimburses the city for fuel costs
If the trip is less than five miles
If written approval is obtained from a division director (Correct answer)
Personal use is never permitted under any circumstances

Correct answer: If written approval is obtained from a division director

The passage specifies that exceptions may be granted only with written approval from a division director.

Question 16: What is a 'promotional' civil service examination in NYC?

An exam that awards bonus points for veterans
An exam open only to current eligible NYC employees seeking advancement (Correct answer)
An exam used to fill entry-level positions
An exam advertised to the general public

Correct answer: An exam open only to current eligible NYC employees seeking advancement

Promotional exams are restricted to current employees who meet tenure and title requirements for advancement within city service.

Question 17: No civilian employee may authorize overtime without a supervisor's approval. Detective Rivera is a civilian employee. Which statement must be true?

Rivera's supervisor always approves overtime
Rivera cannot authorize overtime without a supervisor's approval (Correct answer)
Rivera never works overtime
Rivera is exempt from the overtime rule

Correct answer: Rivera cannot authorize overtime without a supervisor's approval

The rule applies to all civilian employees, so Rivera, being one, cannot authorize overtime without approval.

Question 18: A city clerk must file the following documents in chronological order (oldest to newest): Document A dated April 15, Document B dated March 3, Document C dated April 3, Document D dated March 15. What is the correct order?

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

Correct answer: B, D, C, A

The correct chronological order from oldest to newest is B (March 3), D (March 15), C (April 3), A (April 15).

Question 19: Which of the following is a complete sentence?

The applicant failed to submit the required documents. (Correct answer)
Having failed to submit the required documents, the applicant.
Because the applicant failed to submit the required documents.
The applicant failing to submit the required documents on time.

Correct answer: The applicant failed to submit the required documents.

Only option C contains both a subject ('The applicant') and a complete predicate ('failed to submit the required documents').

Question 20: Read the following excerpt: 'The City of New York is an equal opportunity employer. All hiring and promotion decisions must be based on merit, qualifications, and civil service examination results, without regard to race, gender, religion, or national origin.' According to this excerpt, on what basis must hiring and promotion decisions be made?

Employee preferences and union agreements
Merit, qualifications, and civil service examination results (Correct answer)
Department head recommendations and performance reviews
Seniority and years of service

Correct answer: Merit, qualifications, and civil service examination results

The excerpt states that hiring and promotion decisions must be based on merit, qualifications, and civil service examination results.

Question 21: Rule: 'Documents classified as Confidential may only be accessed by: (a) the employee to whom the document pertains, (b) their direct supervisor, or (c) the HR Director.' A department manager (not the direct supervisor) requests access to a subordinate's confidential file. What is the correct response?

Grant access — managers have implied authority
Refer the decision to the department manager's supervisor
Grant access if the employee consents verbally
Deny access — the manager is not on the authorized list (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Deny access — the manager is not on the authorized list

The rule lists only three authorized parties; a department manager who is not the direct supervisor does not qualify.

Question 22: You are editing a public service announcement script. The current draft reads: "(1) The 'NYC Green Commute' program offers rebates to residents who purchase electric bicycles. (2) This initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. (3) Reduced air pollution leads to better health outcomes for all New Yorkers. (4) To apply for your rebate, visit our website." Where is the most logical place to insert the following sentence: "By choosing an e-bike, you directly contribute to cleaner air in your neighborhood."

B) After sentence (4).
A) Before sentence (1).
C) After sentence (2). (Correct answer)
D) Before sentence (3).

Correct answer: C) After sentence (2).

The new sentence provides a direct link between the program's goal (reducing air pollution, sentence 2) and the individual's action. It logically flows from the general goal to the specific personal contribution before moving on to the broader community benefit mentioned in sentence 3.

Question 23: Looking at a building's north elevation drawing, which side of the building are you viewing?

The side facing north (Correct answer)
The side facing south
The east wall
The roof

Correct answer: The side facing north

A north elevation shows the facade of the building that faces north.

Question 24: What is the significance of a civil service title being designated 'competitive class' in NYC?

Appointment requires passing a competitive exam and placement on an eligible list (Correct answer)
The position is only available to NYC residents
Multiple agencies compete to fill the same vacancy
The position pays a higher salary than non-competitive titles

Correct answer: Appointment requires passing a competitive exam and placement on an eligible list

Competitive class positions require candidates to pass an open-competitive exam administered by DCAS and be reachable on the resulting eligible list.

Question 25: Read the following passage and answer the question. "City employees who are called to active military duty are entitled to leave without pay for the duration of their service. Upon returning, employees must notify their agency within 90 days and are entitled to reinstatement to their former position or a comparable one. Benefits accrued prior to deployment, including seniority and pension credit, must be restored upon reinstatement." What must a city employee do to secure their right to reinstatement after returning from active military duty?

Notify their agency within 90 days of returning from service. (Correct answer)
Submit a written reinstatement request to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Provide at least 30 days' advance notice before returning to work.
Re-take any required civil service examination for their position.

Correct answer: Notify their agency within 90 days of returning from service.

The passage states that returning employees 'must notify their agency within 90 days' to be entitled to reinstatement, making option B the correct answer.

Question 26: A sanitation worker starts at the depot facing west and turns right at each of the next three intersections. What direction is the worker facing after the third right turn?

West
East
South (Correct answer)
North

Correct answer: South

Each right turn rotates 90 degrees clockwise: west to north to east to south after three right turns.

Question 27: An agency processes applications in batches of 10. Each batch takes 4 hours. An agent processes 3 batches per day. How many applications does the agent process in a 5-day work week?

150 (Correct answer)
200
120
100

Correct answer: 150

3 batches/day × 10 applications/batch × 5 days = 150 applications.

Question 28: What does the term 'Rule of Three' refer to in NYC civil service hiring?

Candidates must pass three separate exams
Three years of experience are mandatory for all titles
Agencies must interview at least three candidates from the top of the eligible list (Correct answer)
Three references are required for all positions

Correct answer: Agencies must interview at least three candidates from the top of the eligible list

The Rule of Three requires that the appointing authority select from the top three available candidates on the eligible list.

Question 29: Which of the following sentences is the most clearly and correctly written for a formal report?

Implementing the new system, service was improved by the agency.
The agency implemented the new system to improve service. (Correct answer)
To improve service, the new system was implemented by the agency.
The agency implemented the new system, this improved service.

Correct answer: The agency implemented the new system to improve service.

This sentence is the most direct and clear. It uses the active voice ('The agency implemented') and clearly states the purpose ('to improve service'). Choice A uses the passive voice, which can be less direct. Choice B is a comma splice error. Choice D contains a dangling modifier; 'service' was not 'implementing the new system.'

Question 30: A supervisor is creating a schedule for four one-hour inspections (labeled W, X, Y, Z) that must occur between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. The following conditions must be met: 1. Inspection Y must happen at 11:00 AM. 2. Inspection W must occur immediately after inspection Z. 3. No inspections can be scheduled between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. Which of the following is a valid schedule for the inspections?

9:00 X, 10:00 Z, 11:00 Y, 1:00 W
9:00 Z, 10:00 X, 11:00 Y, 1:00 W
9:00 W, 10:00 Z, 11:00 Y, 1:00 X
9:00 Z, 10:00 W, 11:00 Y, 1:00 X (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 9:00 Z, 10:00 W, 11:00 Y, 1:00 X

This schedule is valid. Inspection Y is at 11:00 AM (satisfies rule 1). Inspection W (10:00) occurs immediately after Z (9:00) (satisfies rule 2). No inspection is scheduled during the 12:00-1:00 PM break (satisfies rule 3). All other options violate at least one of the rules.

Question 31: All city inspectors must wear ID badges. Officer Chen is a city inspector. Which conclusion is valid?

Officer Chen sometimes wears an ID badge
Officer Chen may be exempt from wearing an ID badge
Officer Chen wears an ID badge only on duty
Officer Chen must wear an ID badge (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Officer Chen must wear an ID badge

Since all city inspectors must wear ID badges and Officer Chen is a city inspector, she must wear one.

Question 32: A records clerk notices that misfiled documents tend to occur most often when a new temporary worker is assigned to her unit. Over five separate instances, the pattern holds true. She suggests that temporary workers may need additional filing training. This reasoning is best described as:

Syllogistic, because the argument follows a strict if-then logical form
Deductive, because she applied the department's filing policy to a specific worker
Inductive, because she identified a recurring pattern and drew a probable conclusion (Correct answer)
Invalid, because correlation does not establish any meaningful connection

Correct answer: Inductive, because she identified a recurring pattern and drew a probable conclusion

The clerk observed the same pattern across five specific instances and used those observations to reach a general, probable explanation — a hallmark of inductive reasoning. The conclusion is reasonable but not guaranteed, which is consistent with inductive (not deductive) logic.

Question 33: A form requires an employee to enter dates in MM/DD/YYYY format. An employee submits '8/5/26' for August 5, 2026. What is wrong with this entry?

The month should be written as 'August' not '8'
The day and month are transposed
The month and day are not zero-padded, and the year is abbreviated (Correct answer)
Nothing is wrong; '8/5/26' is an acceptable format

Correct answer: The month and day are not zero-padded, and the year is abbreviated

The required format MM/DD/YYYY needs two-digit month (08), two-digit day (05), and four-digit year (2026), making the correct entry 08/05/2026.

Question 34: Read this sentence: 'The department will not process applications that are incomplete, illegible, or submitted after the deadline.' Which of the following applications WOULD be processed?

An application with missing contact information
A neatly printed, fully completed application submitted on time (Correct answer)
An application that is difficult to read due to faint ink
An application submitted one day after the deadline

Correct answer: A neatly printed, fully completed application submitted on time

Only a complete, legible, on-time application meets all three stated conditions for processing.

Question 35: A police station's main entrance is on the north side of the building. An officer enters through the main entrance and walks straight toward the back of the building, then turns left to reach the records room. In what direction is the officer now facing?

East (Correct answer)
North
West
South

Correct answer: East

Entering from the north side of the building, the officer walks south toward the back. Turning left from a southward direction means turning east. The officer is now facing east.

Question 36: Read the following memo and answer the question that follows: 'Effective October 1, 2025, the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is updating its water usage reporting protocol for all commercial buildings in Queens. The new mandate, regulation 45B.12, requires digital submission via the DEP portal by the 5th of each month. Previously, paper submissions were accepted until the 10th. For questions regarding the new portal, building managers should contact Ms. Evelyn Reed at ereed@dep.nyc.gov. This change is part of the city's initiative to digitize records and improve data accuracy.' Which of the following details is explicitly stated in the memo?

Ms. Reed is the director of the DEP.
The deadline for the new digital submission is the 5th of the month. (Correct answer)
Paper submissions will result in a fine after October 1st.
The new regulation applies to all five boroughs.

Correct answer: The deadline for the new digital submission is the 5th of the month.

The memo explicitly states, '...requires digital submission via the DEP portal by the 5th of each month.' The other options are either not mentioned (Ms. Reed's title, fines) or are directly contradicted (the memo specifies the new protocol is for Queens, not all five boroughs).

Question 37: A sanitation truck collects waste from 4 routes. Route A yields 3.2 tons, Route B yields 2.8 tons, Route C yields 4.1 tons, and Route D yields 2.9 tons. What is the total waste collected?

13.2 tons
12.8 tons
13.0 tons (Correct answer)
12.6 tons

Correct answer: 13.0 tons

3.2 + 2.8 + 4.1 + 2.9 = 13.0 tons.

Question 38: In 2010, who took over as the Planning Commission's top advisor?

S. Y. Quraishi
T.C.A. Ananth
D. Subbarao
Pranab Sen (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Pranab Sen

In 2010, Pranab Sen was appointed as the Principal Adviser to the Planning Commission of India. This role involved providing key economic and policy advice to the commission, which was responsible for formulating India's five-year plans and other developmental strategies. His expertise was crucial for guiding the nation's economic planning during that period.

Question 39: A sergeant assigns tasks so that: if Task A is assigned, Task B must also be assigned; if Task B is assigned, Task C must be assigned. Task C was NOT assigned. What can be concluded?

Task A was assigned but Task B was not
Task A may or may not have been assigned
Neither Task A nor Task B was assigned (Correct answer)
Task B was assigned but not Task A

Correct answer: Neither Task A nor Task B was assigned

By contrapositive: no C means no B, and no B means no A — so neither A nor B was assigned.

Question 40: A histogram shows the distribution of response times (in minutes) for emergency calls. Most bars are clustered between 4–8 minutes, with a long tail extending to 30 minutes. What does this distribution shape indicate?

Response times are uniformly distributed
The data is skewed left, with most calls taking a long time
The histogram is drawn incorrectly and must be redone
The data is skewed right, with most calls responded to quickly but some taking much longer (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The data is skewed right, with most calls responded to quickly but some taking much longer

A long tail to the right indicates right skew — the majority of values are low, but a few extreme high values pull the tail out.

Question 41: A report contains this statement: 'Most delays occur during peak hours, and peak hours are between 8–10 AM and 4–6 PM.' A delay is reported at 2 PM. What is the most logical inference?

This delay is more likely than not to be unusual (Correct answer)
This delay occurred during peak hours
Peak hours must include 2 PM
This delay proves the report is wrong

Correct answer: This delay is more likely than not to be unusual

Since most delays happen during peak hours and 2 PM is not a peak hour, a 2 PM delay is relatively unusual.

Question 42: A form instructs: 'List your three most recent employers, starting with the most recent.' An applicant worked at: City Agency (2022–present), Retail Co. (2019–2022), Warehouse Inc. (2016–2019). What is the correct order on the form?

Warehouse Inc., Retail Co., City Agency
Retail Co., City Agency, Warehouse Inc.
City Agency, Retail Co., Warehouse Inc. (Correct answer)
City Agency, Warehouse Inc., Retail Co.

Correct answer: City Agency, Retail Co., Warehouse Inc.

The form requires most recent first: City Agency (current), then Retail Co., then Warehouse Inc.

Question 43: Which of the following sentences contains a grammatical error?

Neither the manager nor the staff members were informed of the change.
The inspector reviewed all submitted documents before issuing the permit.
The report was submitted on time by the assigned officer.
Each of the employees are required to complete the annual training. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Each of the employees are required to complete the annual training.

'Each' is a singular subject and requires the singular verb 'is,' not the plural 'are.'

Question 44: A city librarian is approached by a teenager who is visibly upset and distressed. The teenager quietly asks for information on youth shelters and crisis hotlines but seems hesitant to provide any personal details. What is the librarian's most appropriate response in this situation?

Immediately call security to report a potentially endangered youth.
Discreetly provide the requested information, such as pamphlets or a list of resources, and let them know they are in a safe place. (Correct answer)
Tell the teenager that the library is not the right place for such inquiries and direct them elsewhere.
Insist the teenager provide their name and reason for needing the information before helping.

Correct answer: Discreetly provide the requested information, such as pamphlets or a list of resources, and let them know they are in a safe place.

This response respects the individual's privacy and immediate need while providing the requested public information. It is helpful, non-judgmental, and maintains the library as a safe community space. Insisting on details or involving security without a clear, immediate threat could escalate the situation or scare the teenager away.

Question 45: 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 46: A city office rule states: correspondence must be sorted first by department (alphabetically), then by date (newest first), then by sender's last name (alphabetically). Two letters are both from the Parks Department dated May 10 — Letter X is from Rivera, Letter Y is from Adams. Which letter is filed first?

The longer letter is filed first
Letter Y (Adams) (Correct answer)
Letter X (Rivera)
Either order is acceptable since department and date are identical

Correct answer: Letter Y (Adams)

Since department and date are equal, the third rule applies — Adams comes before Rivera alphabetically, so Letter Y is filed first.

Question 47: A records management clerk is given the following four tasks by different supervisors. In which order should the clerk complete them?

File routine correspondence → retrieve a document subpoenaed for a court hearing tomorrow → update the annual retention schedule → respond to an internal information request from last Friday
Retrieve a document subpoenaed for a court hearing tomorrow → respond to an internal information request from last Friday → file routine correspondence → update the annual retention schedule (Correct answer)
Respond to an internal information request from last Friday → update the annual retention schedule → file routine correspondence → retrieve a document subpoenaed for a court hearing tomorrow
Update the annual retention schedule → file routine correspondence → retrieve a document subpoenaed for a court hearing tomorrow → respond to an internal information request from last Friday

Correct answer: Retrieve a document subpoenaed for a court hearing tomorrow → respond to an internal information request from last Friday → file routine correspondence → update the annual retention schedule

A court-subpoenaed document with a next-day deadline carries legal consequences if not produced on time, making it the highest priority. After that, the overdue internal request should be handled before lower-urgency filing and scheduling work.

Question 48: An employee receives a gift from a vendor whose contract is up for renewal. According to NYC ethics guidelines, what should the employee do?

Decline the gift and report it to an ethics officer (Correct answer)
Return it only if the vendor specifically requests it back
Accept it but disclose it to their supervisor informally
Accept it if the value is under $25

Correct answer: Decline the gift and report it to an ethics officer

NYC ethics rules require declining gifts from vendors with active business before the agency and reporting the offer to an ethics officer.

Question 49: A department has 120 employees. If 25% take vacation in July, how many employees are working in July?

90 (Correct answer)
100
95
30

Correct answer: 90

25% of 120 = 30 on vacation; 120 − 30 = 90 employees working.

Question 50: An officer must respond to calls in order of priority: 1=Emergency, 2=Urgent, 3=Routine. She receives a Routine call, then an Urgent call, then an Emergency call. Which does she handle first?

The Emergency call, since it is highest priority (Correct answer)
The Routine call, since it came first
She handles all calls simultaneously
The Urgent call, since it was second

Correct answer: The Emergency call, since it is highest priority

Priority 1 (Emergency) supersedes all others regardless of the order received.

Question 51: In October 2010, which nation unveiled a five-year plan for advancing renewable energy?

China
Japan
South Korea (Correct answer)
Malaysia

Correct answer: South Korea

In October 2010, South Korea unveiled its 'National Strategy for Green Growth,' which included a detailed five-year plan (2011-2015) for advancing renewable energy. This initiative aimed to transform the nation into a leader in green industries and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. The plan outlined significant investments in areas like solar, wind, and fuel cell technologies.

Question 52: Study the pattern: 3, 6, 12, 24, ___. What is the next number?

30
42
36
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 53: Read the following passage and answer the question. "City employees are expected to maintain professional conduct at all times, including during off-duty hours when their behavior could reflect negatively on their agency. Conduct unbecoming a public servant may result in disciplinary action even if the behavior occurred outside the workplace. Each agency maintains a code of conduct that employees must acknowledge and follow." According to the passage, when can a city employee face disciplinary action for unprofessional behavior?

Even when the behavior occurs outside the workplace, if it reflects negatively on the agency (Correct answer)
Only during working hours on city property
Only if the behavior was witnessed by a supervisor
Only if the behavior violated a specific law

Correct answer: Even when the behavior occurs outside the workplace, if it reflects negatively on the agency

The passage states that conduct unbecoming a public servant may result in disciplinary action even if the behavior occurred outside the workplace.

Question 54: Study the following addresses: 142 Oak St, 287 Pine Ave, 334 Elm Blvd, 456 Maple Dr, 519 Cedar Ln. Which address was NOT on the list?

287 Pine Ave
142 Oak St
423 Elm Blvd (Correct answer)
519 Cedar Ln

Correct answer: 423 Elm Blvd

The original list includes 334 Elm Blvd, not 423 Elm Blvd — the street number is different.

Question 55: While inspecting a residential street for potholes, a Department of Transportation employee is approached by a resident who complains angrily about a neighbor's overgrown hedge blocking the sidewalk. The employee's job is to report road conditions, not property violations. Based on the principle of providing helpful public service, what is the employee's best course of action?

Listen to the complaint politely and advise the resident on the correct procedure, such as calling 311 or contacting the appropriate city agency. (Correct answer)
Ignore the resident's complaint and continue focusing solely on inspecting for potholes.
Tell the resident that it is not their responsibility and walk away.
Agree with the resident and promise to speak to the neighbor about it personally.

Correct answer: Listen to the complaint politely and advise the resident on the correct procedure, such as calling 311 or contacting the appropriate city agency.

While the issue is outside the employee's direct duties, a good public servant helps citizens navigate the city's systems. This response is helpful and directs the resident to the correct resource without being dismissive, making false promises, or accepting a responsibility that is not theirs.

Question 56: Which word is used incorrectly in the following sentence? 'The principle reason for the delay was a lack of funding.'

principle (Correct answer)
reason
funding
delay

Correct answer: principle

'Principal' (meaning main or primary) should be used instead of 'principle' (meaning a rule or belief).

Question 57: Arrange these civil service steps in logical order: (1) Receive application, (2) Schedule interview, (3) Post job opening, (4) Make hiring decision.

1, 3, 2, 4
3, 2, 1, 4
3, 1, 2, 4 (Correct answer)
1, 2, 3, 4

Correct answer: 3, 1, 2, 4

A job must be posted (3) before applications are received (1), interviews scheduled (2), and a hiring decision made (4).

Question 58: Which sentence is written in the most formal, professional tone appropriate for a civil service report?

Accounting really blew it with those numbers again.
The guy in accounting messed up the figures real bad.
The accounting personnel made significant errors in the financial figures. (Correct answer)
There were some big mistakes made by the accounting team, like always.

Correct answer: The accounting personnel made significant errors in the financial figures.

Professional writing uses neutral, precise language; 'The accounting personnel made significant errors in the financial figures' meets that standard.

Question 59: Out of 200 civil service applicants, 35% passed the written exam. How many applicants passed?

60
65
75
70 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 70

200 × 0.35 = 70 applicants passed.

Question 60: Which of the following sentences is punctuated correctly?

The sanitation department purchased new trucks, however, they will not be in service until next month.
The sanitation department purchased new trucks, however they will not be in service until next month.
The sanitation department purchased new trucks; however they will not be in service until next month.
The sanitation department purchased new trucks; however, they will not be in service until next month. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The sanitation department purchased new trucks; however, they will not be in service until next month.

This sentence correctly uses a semicolon to join two independent clauses connected by a conjunctive adverb ('however'). A comma must also follow the conjunctive adverb. Using only a comma before 'however' creates a comma splice.

Question 61: Six applicants are numbered 1–6. Odd-numbered applicants are interviewed before even-numbered ones. Within each group, lower numbers go first. Who is interviewed third overall?

Applicant 2
Applicant 5 (Correct answer)
Applicant 4
Applicant 3

Correct answer: Applicant 5

Odd group order: 1, 3, 5; even group order: 2, 4, 6 — the third interview goes to applicant 5.

Question 62: Read the following passage and answer the question. "The NYC Conflict of Interest Board prohibits city employees from receiving gifts valued at more than $50 from any person or entity that does business with the city. This rule applies regardless of whether the employee was involved in any decision affecting that person or entity. Employees must report all gifts received from such sources, even those below the $50 threshold." Which of the following best describes the gift reporting requirement for city employees?

Only gifts valued over $50 must be reported
Gifts must only be reported if the employee made decisions affecting the giver
All gifts from persons or entities doing business with the city must be reported, regardless of value (Correct answer)
Reporting is optional for gifts under $25

Correct answer: All gifts from persons or entities doing business with the city must be reported, regardless of value

The passage states employees must report all gifts from such sources, even those below the $50 threshold.

Question 63: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows: 'The New York City Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS) is responsible for managing the City's official records. This includes preserving historical documents, managing the City's archives, and providing public access to municipal records. A key initiative is the digitization of historical records to ensure their long-term preservation and to make them more readily accessible to researchers and the general public. This process, however, is meticulous and time-consuming, requiring careful handling of fragile documents and significant resources for scanning and indexing.' Based on the passage, what is the primary purpose of digitizing the city's historical records?

To ensure the long-term survival of and improve access to the records. (Correct answer)
To increase revenue for the Department of Records by selling digital copies.
To quickly dispose of the original, fragile paper documents after scanning.
To reduce the physical storage space needed for paper documents.

Correct answer: To ensure the long-term survival of and improve access to the records.

The passage explicitly states that digitization is a key initiative 'to ensure their long-term preservation and to make them more readily accessible.' This directly supports the idea of long-term survival and improved access.

Question 64: A supervisor's written feedback states: 'Your reports are thorough but prolix.' What should the employee work on improving?

Accuracy of the facts included
The formatting and visual layout
The use of technical terminology
The length and conciseness of the writing (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The length and conciseness of the writing

'Prolix' means excessively long and wordy; the supervisor is saying the reports are thorough but need to be more concise.

Question 65: A city department tracks monthly service requests using a dual-axis chart: bars show total requests (left axis) and a line shows average resolution days (right axis). In June, the bars are the tallest but the line is at its lowest point. What can be concluded?

June had the most requests and the fastest resolution time (Correct answer)
June had the fewest requests but the most resolution days
June had the most requests and the slowest resolution time
The chart is inconsistent and the data should be re-verified

Correct answer: June had the most requests and the fastest resolution time

The tallest bars mean highest request volume, and the lowest line means fewest average resolution days — both extremes in June indicate high volume handled quickly.

Question 66: What is the purpose of the topic sentence in a formal paragraph?

To summarize the entire report
To introduce and state the main idea of the paragraph (Correct answer)
To provide supporting evidence for the conclusion
To transition to the next paragraph

Correct answer: To introduce and state the main idea of the paragraph

The topic sentence introduces the main idea of the paragraph and signals to the reader what the paragraph will discuss.

Question 67: Review the following employee IDs: E-1045, E-2278, E-3391, E-4416, E-5529. Which ID correctly continues the pattern?

E-6632
E-6662
E-6652
E-6642 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: E-6642

Each ID increases by 1,233, 1,113, 1,025 — examining the last two digits: 45, 78, 91, 16, 29 — the next following the suffix 29 pattern would be E-6642.

Question 68: In NYC civil service, how many additional points are typically added to a passing exam score for a disabled veteran?

10 points (Correct answer)
15 points
5 points
No additional points are given

Correct answer: 10 points

Disabled veterans who pass a civil service examination receive 10 additional points added to their score under New York State Military Law. Non-disabled veterans receive 5 points. This preference applies only to open-competitive exams, not promotional exams.

Question 69: You are given a list of case numbers to memorize: 4471-B, 2293-A, 8816-C, 5502-D, 1134-E. Which of the following was NOT on the list?

1134-E
7725-F (Correct answer)
2293-A
4471-B

Correct answer: 7725-F

7725-F does not appear in the original list of five case numbers.

Question 70: Choose the option that correctly uses a semicolon.

The report was due; Monday, however, it was submitted on Wednesday.
The report was due Monday, however; it was submitted on Wednesday.
The report was due Monday; however, it was submitted on Wednesday. (Correct answer)
The report was due Monday; however it was submitted on Wednesday.

Correct answer: The report was due Monday; however, it was submitted on Wednesday.

A semicolon precedes a conjunctive adverb like 'however,' which is then followed by a comma.

Question 71: A clerk notices that absenteeism spikes every Monday following a holiday weekend. She predicts that next holiday Monday will also have high absenteeism. This prediction relies on:

Legal precedent
Deductive certainty
Mathematical proof
Inductive probability (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Inductive probability

Predicting future events based on a recurring observed pattern is a hallmark of inductive reasoning.

Question 72: A city employee earns $19.80 per hour and receives 1.5 times the regular rate for overtime. If she works 40 regular hours and 6 overtime hours in one week, what is her total gross pay?

$950.40
$970.20
$930.60 (Correct answer)
$990.00

Correct answer: $930.60

Regular pay: 40 × $19.80 = $792. Overtime rate: $19.80 × 1.5 = $29.70. Overtime pay: 6 × $29.70 = $178.20. Total: $792 + $178.20 = $970.20.

Question 73: Which word correctly completes the sentence: 'The new regulation will ________ the existing policy on overtime pay.'

superceed
superseed
supercede
supersede (Correct answer)

Correct answer: supersede

'Supersede' is the correct spelling, despite the common misspelling with a 'c'; it comes from the Latin 'supersedere.'

Question 74: 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 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.
A restaurant with a 'B' grade appeals the result of their inspection.

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 75: A rule states employees must take a break every 4 hours. An employee starts at 7 AM. When is her first required break?

1 PM
12 PM
10 AM
11 AM (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 11 AM

7 AM + 4 hours = 11 AM is when the first required break occurs.

Question 76: A fire station responds to 312 calls over 12 months. What is the average number of calls per month?

30
24
26 (Correct answer)
28

Correct answer: 26

312 ÷ 12 = 26 calls per month on average.

Question 77: A social services caseworker receives four new client files. Which client situation should be flagged as the HIGHEST priority concern?

A child whose teacher reported unexplained bruising on his arms (Correct answer)
A family that missed their last two scheduled appointments
An unemployed adult who recently lost housing
A senior citizen who says she feels lonely and isolated

Correct answer: A child whose teacher reported unexplained bruising on his arms

Unexplained bruising on a child is a potential indicator of abuse and constitutes a mandatory reporting situation requiring immediate investigation.

Question 78: In New York City civil service, which of the following position classifications requires candidates to compete through a formal examination process?

Competitive class (Correct answer)
Labor class
Exempt class
Non-competitive class

Correct answer: Competitive class

Competitive class positions are filled based on merit and fitness determined by competitive examination. Exempt, labor, and non-competitive class positions may be filled without a competitive exam under specific conditions.

Question 79: Review the pattern: 3, 7, 15, 31, 63, ___. What is the next number?

126
128
125
127 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 127

Each term is doubled and then 1 is added (3×2+1=7, 7×2+1=15, …, 63×2+1=127).

Question 80: Procedure requires that when a staff member is absent, their work must be reassigned using this priority: (1) same-unit staff with matching skills, (2) cross-unit staff with matching skills, (3) supervisor handles the work. There are two same-unit staff with matching skills available. Who handles the work?

A cross-unit staff member
The absent employee upon return
One of the same-unit staff with matching skills (Correct answer)
The supervisor

Correct answer: One of the same-unit staff with matching skills

Priority 1 is same-unit staff with matching skills, and two are available, so work is assigned there first.

Question 81: A diagram shows a folded piece of paper with a hole punched through all layers. When unfolded, where will the holes appear?

Only on the top layer
Only where the punch was made
Symmetrically mirrored at the fold line (Correct answer)
Randomly distributed

Correct answer: Symmetrically mirrored at the fold line

A hole punched through folded paper appears symmetrically on both sides of the fold line when unfolded.

Question 82: A supervisor receives four memos dated: March 3, February 28, March 1, and February 27. Which order should they be processed, from most recent to oldest?

March 1, March 3, February 27, February 28
March 3, March 1, February 28, February 27 (Correct answer)
March 3, February 28, March 1, February 27
February 27, February 28, March 1, March 3

Correct answer: March 3, March 1, February 28, February 27

Most recent to oldest: March 3, March 1, February 28, February 27 follows reverse chronological order.

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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Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds

These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

nyc.gov — Score release, score validity, fees, passing score, test dates, eligibility, test delivery, exam information · verified Oct 2026