1. How will I know when promotional examinations have been scheduled?

2. How long does it take for an examination to be graded and the Civil Service list issued?

3. What are my career opportunities and what are the requirements for taking promotional examinations?

4. Can the Education Department help me explore other career possibilities outside of my current job?

5. What courses are offered to members?

6. Does the Union provide tuition reimbursement for "outside" courses, those not sponsored by the Education Department, such as college courses?

7. Does the Education Department have courses for ESL (English as a Second Language), GED (General Educational Diploma, for high school equivalency), Reading/Math, Spanish GED (General Educational Diploma), Spanish for English Speakers courses?

8. Is there anything a member can do to prepare for Civil Service examinations that have not yet been announced?

9. Does the Education Department provide counseling as to where I can go to college or where my child can go to college?

10. Does the Education Department offer computer classes?


1. How will I know when promotional examinations have been scheduled?
The New York City Department of Personnel announces the examinations it will be giving, both entry level and promotional, in August and December of each year. The Education Department sends letters to all members eligible for these exams as soon as they are announced. The letter indicates the examination title, the filing period, and the exam date. The letter will also indicate when the Education Department will begin exam preparation classes and instructions on registering for those classes.



2. How long does it take for an examination to be graded and the Civil Service list issued?
The period varies, but in general it takes about one year from the date of the examination before the list comes out.



3. What are my career opportunities and what are the requirements for taking promotional examinations?
The requirements vary from civil service title to civil service title and from exam to exam. Members should contact the Education Department to determine whether their experience and education make them eligible for positions of higher responsibility and whether they have the credentials which qualify them to take a given examination.



4. Can the Education Department help me explore other career possibilities outside of my current job?
Yes. The Education Department can make inquiries about job training and job advancement possibilities in Local 237 titles. Often City agencies offer in-house training programs. The Education Department can refer you to those programs and can offer you general advice on second career planning and/or strengthening your skills base in order to be eligible to consider other possible careers.



5. What courses are offered to members?
For a listing of some of the courses the Department offers over the course of the year see the courses page. Members can also contact the Education Department to discuss the courses which are available.



6. Does the Union provide tuition reimbursement for "outside" courses, those not sponsored by the Education Department, such as college courses?
The Education Fund does not provide tuition reimbursement for these courses. The Department staff, however, can refer members to a wide range of sources for financial aid and/or financial aid counseling to help finance your post-secondary education plans.



7. Does the Education Department have courses for ESL (English as a Second Language), GED (General Educational Diploma, for high school equivalency), Reading/Math, Spanish GED (General Educational Diploma), Spanish for English Speakers courses?
Yes. These courses are offered for members and other adults in their households. A schedule of these classes and registration dates are available from the Department.



8. Is there anything a member can do to prepare for Civil Service examinations that have not yet been announced?
Yes. The Education Department provides literacy assessment and counseling for members. Classes are offered to help members develop literacy skills.



9. Does the Education Department provide counseling as to where I can go to college or where my child can go to college?
Yes. Higher education counseling is provided as a regular service by the Education Department.



10. Does the Education Department offer computer classes?
Yes. The Department offers keyboard/introduction to Microsoft word.