NYPD Exam — Complete Guide 2026

What Is the NYPD Police Officer Exam?

The NYPD Police Officer Exam is a New York City civil service examination that is the first step in the NYPD hiring process. It is administered by the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) on behalf of the NYPD. Candidates who pass the exam and complete all subsequent requirements are placed on an eligibility list and hired in score order as positions become available.

Key facts about the NYPD exam:

• Administered periodically — check the DCAS website for current exam openings (Exam No. 2000 series)
• $47 application fee (subject to change)
• Open to US citizens, at least 17.5 years old at application, meeting education and character requirements
• The written test is the first of a multi-stage process that also includes a physical agility test, medical examination, psychological evaluation, and character investigation
• Starting salary for NYPD Police Officers is among the highest for entry-level police in the US

Practice with our nypd exam preparation resources aligned to the NYC civil service police officer exam format.

NYPD Written Exam — Format and Topics

The NYPD Police Officer written exam has 85 multiple choice questions and a 3.5-hour time limit. Based on historical exam announcements, the exam covers these cognitive ability areas:

1. Reading Comprehension:
You are given written passages — similar to police reports, regulations, or procedural guidelines — and asked to answer questions based solely on the content of the passage. This tests your ability to accurately read and understand written information — a core police officer competency for following orders, completing reports, and understanding laws and procedures.

2. Memory and Observation:
A distinctive section of most NYC police officer exams. You are shown a set of materials (often a photograph of a street scene, a written description, or a set of facts) and later tested on what you remember. You must recall specific details — people, vehicles, locations, sequences of events — without being able to refer back to the original material. Practice is essential: most candidates significantly underperform this section without specific preparation.

3. Written Expression:
Questions testing grammar, word choice, and the ability to communicate clearly in writing — skills critical for writing accurate police reports. You may be asked to identify the clearest or most accurate way to express information.

4. Problem Sensitivity and Police Judgment:
Scenario-based questions testing your ability to identify relevant problems, apply police procedures correctly, and make sound judgments in realistic patrol and investigative scenarios. For comprehensive practice, use our nypd exam preparation resources and our civil service practice test guide.