Department of Civil Service Announces Opening of New Computer-Based Testing Center in Buffalo

The New York State Department of Civil Service announced the opening of a new Computer-Based Testing Center in Buffalo, one of 12 centers opening by the end of 2027. The Centers, which will be located in each region of the Empire State, will provide modern and convenient access to existing state employees seeking to further their careers by taking promotion exams. The center's opening highlights Governor Kathy Hochul's commitment to supporting New York's public workforce.

Department of Civil Service Commissioner and Civil Service Commission President Timothy R. Hogues said,"Under Governor Hochul's leadership, we are boosting the public workforce to better meet the needs of everyone in the Empire State, including for residents all over Western New York. Buffalo's new Computer-Based Testing center will make it easier than ever for our dedicated New York State public servants to pursue career advancement opportunities, using the knowledge and skills they've earned to make government work better for residents and visitors to our region. This testing center, and the other 11 the Department of Civil Service is opening around the state, further reflects Governor Hochul's commitment to the state workforce, who help make Western New York thrive."

The Buffalo CBT Center, which has already offered promotion exams for state employees, offers testing space for nearly 100 candidates to be tested at once. The space also includes multiple, smaller testing rooms for candidates who may require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the civil service exam process. As CBT Centers open across the state, civil service promotion exams will be offered on a more frequent basis to provide candidates with more career advancement opportunities, while also providing capabilities to self-schedule tests during available windows. Additionally, test scores will be released more expeditiously - changes that will also benefit state agencies.

More than 13,000 state employees work in the Buffalo/Jamestown (Western New York) region, representing 9.2% of the state's workforce, according to 2025 data.

Currently, promotion exams are typically held on an irregular basis, and if a candidate misses the exam on a given date, they cannot take the exam until it is offered again. By offering promotion exams more frequently under a modern and efficient test administration and scoring process, state agencies will have a more sizable and updated pool of qualified candidates to fill crucial public-sector roles. A short video highlights what candidates should expect at a CBT Center.

The new CBT Centers are part of a comprehensive strategic planning effort the Department of Civil Service is undertaking to modernize the civil service merit system in New York State to better meet jobseekers where they are. The Department's transformation includes developing a customer-friendly, fully accessible, innovative method to examine candidates interested in jobs open to the public for merit and fitness, while building a workforce that mirrors the diversity and ability of all New York State residents.

More than 60,000 appointments have been made to state and local government as part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide (NY HELPS) program, with more than 42,000 appointments at the state level; of those appointments, nearly 27,000 are new to state service. These appointments are allowing state and local governments to more effectively provide services and respond to the needs of New Yorkers all across the Empire State.

State Senator Robert Jackson said, "Public service should never be limited by geography, outdated systems, or barriers that keep talent from rising. These new Computer-Based Testing Centers represent more than modernization; they represent access, dignity, and opportunity. As Chair of the Civil Service and Pensions Committee, I believe the strength of our government begins with the people who serve it. By making it easier for New Yorkers to compete for public service careers, we are not simply expanding opportunity-we are strengthening a government that is more responsive, more representative, and better prepared to serve every community across our state."

Senator April N.M. Baskin said, "Western New York is home to thousands of hardworking state employees, and they deserve every opportunity to grow their careers and earn higher wages to support their families. A new computer-based testing center in Buffalo will make promotion exams more accessible and convenient, and I thank Governor Hochul for continuing to invest in the public servants who deliver essential services to New Yorkers every day."

Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, "Our public sector workforce is often overlooked, but I shudder to think how this state would run without their hard work and dedication. Creating a Computer-Based Testing Center location here in Buffalo and in other parts of the state speeds up the process of getting people promoted for these all important jobs and careers."

PEF President Wayne Spence said, "Competitive examination is the bedrock of any civil service system that seeks to protect, promote and preserve government so that it serves the people, not political interests. Opening computer-based testing centers is a necessary step towards modernization that will allow New York State to promote state employees more quickly in a manner that aligns with the State Constitution."

CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan said, "CSEA applauds the state's continued efforts to address retention and improve the outcome by opening modern, computerized testing facilities. This is a much needed positive step forward to keeping state employees and making it easier for them to advance their employment through Civil Service."

Since taking office, Governor Hochul has implemented several initiatives to strengthen New York's public workforce. In February 2025, Governor Hochul launched the "You're Hired" initiative to recruit talented displaced federal public sector workers into State service. In 2024, the state launched the NY HELPS program and temporarily waived state civil service exam requirements for many job vacancies. In 2023, Governor Hochul extended 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave to the entire state workforce for the first time in state history.

Governor Hochul also announced in October 2025 that the Department of Civil Service updated qualifications for approximately 800 entry- and promotion-level civil service titles to allow for consideration of equivalent experience as an alternative to college degrees when evaluating jobseekers.

Additionally, the state created 10 Centers for Careers in Government, offering job seekers guidance on civil service systems and career opportunities. The Governor has also lifted the state employment hiring freeze and expanded opportunities for individuals and veterans with disabilities to further support the public workforce.

The Department of Civil Service also ran successful multi-media campaigns over the past two years promoting the wide-ranging career opportunities available in New York State public service; the campaign was estimated to have reached 93 percent of New Yorkers aged 18 and older. The Department also partnered with New York's first Chief Disability Officer to deliver a campaign that highlighted opportunities for New Yorkers with disabilities.

To learn more about working for the State of New York and how to take the next step in pursuing a rewarding career in public service, please visit the Department of Civil Service website and follow the Department on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.