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Exam Overview
An Overview of the Exam
School Safety Agent · NYC DCAS Civil Service Examination
The School Safety Agent exam is an open-competitive civil service examination announced by DCAS in a Notice of Examination (NOE). The notice lists the application period, fee, minimum qualifications, test abilities and the standards that follow the written test. Candidates apply online through the DCAS Online Application System (OASys).
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Administering agency | NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) |
| Hiring agency | New York City Police Department (NYPD), School Safety Division |
| Test format | Multiple-choice, taken at a computer terminal at a DCAS Computer-based Testing & Applications Center |
| Abilities tested | Nine abilities (listed below) |
| Question count and time | Not published as fixed figures in the NOE; the time allowed is stated at the test site |
| Passing score | Minimum of 70% |
| Result | Passing candidates are placed on an eligible list in final score order |
| Application fee | $61 on the most recent notice, plus a 2% service fee for card payments (fee waivers available for eligible candidates) |
| Calculators | Not permitted |
The Nine Abilities Tested
DCAS defines each ability in the Notice of Examination. The definitions below follow that wording, and the third column shows how each ability is tested.
| Ability | DCAS definition | What the questions look like |
|---|---|---|
| Written Comprehension | Understanding written sentences and paragraphs | Procedures, memos, regulations and incident narratives: main idea, details, inferences, words in context |
| Written Expression | Using English words or sentences in writing so others will understand | Choosing the clearest, most accurate report paragraph or sentence |
| Memorization | Remembering information such as words, numbers, pictures and procedures | Studying a scene, log or notice, then answering from memory |
| Problem Sensitivity | Telling when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong | Spotting the hazard, suspicious behavior or inconsistent statement |
| Deductive Reasoning | Applying general rules to specific problems to reach logical answers | Applying procedures and legal definitions to a situation |
| Inductive Reasoning | Combining separate pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions | Finding the pattern in incident data or witness descriptions |
| Information Ordering | Correctly following a rule or set of rules or actions in a certain order | Next step in a procedure; logical order of report sentences |
| Spatial Orientation | Determining where you are in relation to the location of some object | Street maps with one-way traffic, floor plans, directions |
| Visualization | Imagining how something would look when it is moved around or its parts are moved | Rotated figures, mirror images, folded and punched paper |
Minimum Requirements
- Age: at least 21 years old.
- Education: a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent.
- Citizenship: United States citizenship.
- Residency: New York City residency; the notice describes the limited relocation option after two years of employment.
- Character and background: no felony convictions, an honorable discharge for any military service, and good moral character, confirmed by an NYPD background investigation.
After the Written Test
Path to Appointment
Pass the written test (70%+)
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Placed on eligible list by score
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Qualifying physical test
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Medical, psychological and drug screening
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NYPD background investigation
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Appointment and training
Eligible List
Names are listed in final score order and results are sent by email. The list is usually active for four years.
Physical Test
Physical standards have been established for the title; candidates must pass a qualifying physical test.
Medical and Psychological Standards
Candidates must meet established medical and psychological guidelines and pass drug screening. A fingerprint screening fee applies.
Probation
The probationary period for the title is one year after appointment.
Selective Certification
Candidates with at least six months of satisfactory, full-time experience as an Assistant School Safety Agent in a New York public school may apply for selective certification, which gives preferred consideration for positions requiring that experience.What the Job Involves
The Notice of Examination describes the duties that the test abilities support. Keep them in mind: most practice scenarios in this guide are built around them.
Entry Control
Scan for prohibited items, check identification, keep the Visitor Log and remove unauthorized persons.
Patrol
Patrol school buildings and surrounding areas; monitor security cameras and building entrances.
Response
Respond to altercations, separate those involved and aid sick or injured persons.
Communication
Use radios to request assistance and notify supervisors of all emergency incidents.
Enforcement
Identify violations of Department of Education rules and apprehend persons violating the Penal Law.
Documentation
Prepare reports and testify at Superintendent's or Principal's hearings or in court.
Test-Site Rules
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Bring one valid, non-expired photo ID that also shows your signature.
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Electronic devices (phones, smart watches, cameras, e-cigarettes and similar items) are prohibited; devices are sealed in a pouch at the site.
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Calculators are not permitted.
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Read your admission notice and the current Notice of Examination for the test date, location and any updated rules.
Always Confirm Current Details
Fees, filing periods, test dates and requirements are set in each new Notice of Examination and can change between announcements. Check the current notice on the DCAS website before you apply.Finished reading?
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