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

The New York State Department of Civil Service announced the opening of a new Computer-Based Testing Center in Syracuse, 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, "This new Computer-Based Testing Center in Syracuse provides state employees in Central New York opportunities to advance in their careers, opening up greater pathways for them to utilize their talents and skills to serve the public. This testing center, and the 11 other centers we are opening across the Empire State, reflects Governor Hochul's commitment to boosting and retaining our state workforce. It also reflects the Governor's commitment to an affordable and flourishing New York State, supported by public servants who dedicate themselves to helping their fellow New Yorkers every day in so many ways, ensuring Central New York thrives."

The Syracuse CBT Center provides testing space for nearly 70 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.

Nearly 15,000 state employees work in the Greater Central New York area, including Syracuse and Binghamton, representing 10.1% 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 strategy 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 62,000 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 44,000 appointments at the state level; of those appointments, more than 27,500 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.

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 Rachel May said, "New York State is fortunate to have talented, dedicated public employees who work hard every day to serve our communities. We should be doing everything we can to help them grow and advance in their careers. Opening a computer-based testing center in Syracuse will make it much easier for employees in Central New York to access the civil service exams they need. Thank you to Governor Hochul and Commissioner Hogues for modernizing the testing process, making it easier for New York State employees to build their careers and continue serving New Yorkers."

Assemblymember Pamela J. Hunter said, "New York's public employees keep our state running, and they deserve clear, accessible opportunities to advance in their careers. This new Syracuse testing center will make promotion exams more convenient for thousands of state workers across Central New York while helping agencies retain experienced employees and fill critical roles more efficiently."

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."

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 promotion 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.