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Work for the City without taking a civil service exam

55-a by NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS)

Services Provided Career services

Eligibility Person with a disability

Schedule No fixed amount of time, Full-time

Last Updated Last updated on Mar 07, 2024

Next Steps

People with a certified mental or physical disability can be hired into competitive civil service positions with the City without having to take an exam.

Most New York City jobs require that candidates take and pass a competitive civil service exam before they can be hired. The 55-a program allows a qualified person with a certified mental or physical disability to be hired into competitive civil service positions without having to take an exam.

Who it's for Who it's for

To be eligible for the 55-a Program, you must:

  • be certified as having a mental or physical disability
  • be qualified to perform the duties of the position that you want, with or without a reasonable accommodation
  • meet the education and/or experience for the position sought

Next Steps

Candidates are required to be offered a position before they can be placed in the 55-a Program.

Visit nyc.gov/jobs to apply for positions in the competitive class. Request 55-a Program consideration on your resume and cover letter. Your cover letter should not include references or documents relating to your disabilities and/or medical conditions.

Note: The City does not have a central database for 55-a applicants

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