During Public Service Recognition Week, Governor Hochul Announces Opening of New Computer-Based Testing Center in Cohoes

The New York State Department of Civil Service announced the opening of a new Computer-Based Testing Center in Cohoes, the first 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 state employees seeking to further their careers by taking promotion exams, while allowing interested candidates to self-schedule their own tests. The center's opening highlights Governor Kathy Hochul's commitment to supporting New York's public workforce in honor of Public Service Recognition Week, a nationwide celebration of the contributions from local, state and federal workers.

In addition, Governor Hochul issued a proclamation declaring Public Service Recognition Week in New York from May 3-9, 2026, and announced that state landmarks would be lit blue this Friday in celebration, building on her continued support for public workers. Furthermore, Governor Hochul delivered a video message dedicated to public workers who provide important and needed services on a daily basis to New Yorkers everywhere.

Department of Civil Service Commissioner and Civil Service Commission President Timothy R. Hogues said, "Under Governor Hochul's leadership, we are working hard to recruit and retain the best and brightest talent for New York's public workforce to provide vital services to all New Yorkers. At the Department of Civil Service, we are breaking down barriers for jobseekers to find employment across New York State and local government. And with our new, modern Computer-Based Testing Centers, it will be easier and more convenient for state employees to take promotion exams to further their careers. We are grateful to our public employees for their daily dedication and commitment to serving their neighbors and making a difference in people's lives."

The Cohoes CBT Center, which has already offered several promotion exams for state employees, offers testing space for approximately 150 candidates to be tested at once. The space also offers 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, and test scores will be released more expeditiously - changes that will also benefit state agencies.

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.

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 56,000 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 40,000 appointments at the state level. 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 depends on the promise that hard work can open doors-not close them. The opening of this Computer-Based Testing Center in Cohoes turns that promise into practice, expanding access to advancement, fairness, and dignity for the workers who keep New York running. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Civil Service and Pensions, I believe a modern merit system must meet people where they are, remove unnecessary barriers, and ensure that talent and dedication-not geography or outdated systems-determine opportunity. When we widen access, we strengthen the very foundation of public service."

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer-Amato, Chair of the NYS Assembly Committee on Governmental Employees, said, "Today demonstrates the innovation that New York State is taking for governmental employees to further their careers. By establishing new testing centers, Governor Hochul is creating a modern and convenient approach for all State employees - opening new doors for career advancement through promotional exam opportunities. Under the Governor and Commissioner's leadership, we are ensuring that governmental employees will be able to thrive and truly foster a successful and promising career."

Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh said, "The opening of this new Computer-Based Testing Center in Cohoes is an important step forward in making state employment more accessible, efficient, and responsive to today's workforce. By modernizing the civil service system and expanding opportunities for career advancement, we are not only supporting our current employees, but also building a stronger workforce for the future. I thank Governor Hochul and the Department of Civil Service for their continued commitment to investing in our public workforce."

Senator Jake Ashby said, "Our public sector workforce keeps our state running. They keep us safe, they keep us healthy, and they provide the services taxpayers deserve. The new testing center in Cohoes will make career advancement more accessible and convenient for hardworking public servants in our district. A great initiative and a win for District 43."

PEF President Wayne Spence said, "The Cohoes computer-based testing center is a great start as New York implements what PEF has long demanded - modernization that allows for efficient, accessible and convenient ways for qualified candidates to enter or remain in the State's civil service system. We believe a robust civil service system rooted in the merit and fitness of candidates is critical to maintaining a state workforce and protecting it from favoritism and political patronage. PEF thanks Commissioner Hogues and Governor Hochul for their efforts, and looks forward to the other 11 centers coming on line soon."

CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan said, "CSEA appreciates Governor Hochul's continued commitment to keeping New York's public workforce a top priority. Investments like these new testing centers create more opportunities for dedicated public employees to advance their careers while continuing to deliver the essential services New Yorkers rely on every day."

Organization of NYS Management/Confidential Employees Inc. Executive Director Heath Morris said, "The Organization of New York State Management and Confidential Employees (NYS OMCE) applauds the Governor and the Department of Civil Service for advancing computer-based testing (CBT) for promotional exams. CBT centers are a key step toward modernizing the State's hiring process while upholding the principles of merit and fitness. NYS OMCE looks forward to continued collaboration with the Administration to strengthen recruitment, compensation, and benefits, and to further position New York State as an employer of choice."

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.