Facts are from official sources, linked inline.
After a New York City civil service exam, the number that matters most is not your score by itself. It is your list number, your place on the eligible list that City agencies hire from. This guide applies to every multiple-choice exam run by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), with the Correction Officer exam as the running example.
How your final score is made
Every Notice of Examination (NOE) for these entry titles sets the same pass mark: "To pass, you must achieve a minimum score of 70%." That matches the City rule that candidates need "a final examination rating of not less than seventy percent" (Personnel Rules, Rule IV, 4.4.9).
Some candidates then get extra points. These credits are added only to passing scores, so they cannot turn a fail into a pass.
- Veterans' credit. Under New York State Civil Service Law § 85, non-disabled veterans get 5 additional points and disabled veterans get 10 additional points on an exam for original appointment. The credit can be used only once for an appointment or promotion from a civil service list in New York State, and it must be claimed before the eligible list is established (DCAS Civil Service Guidance for Veterans).
- Legacy credit. 10 points on open-competitive exams for the child or sibling of a City Firefighter, Police Officer, EMT or Paramedic killed in the line of duty, or of listed City workers who died from the September 11, 2001, World Trade Center attack or rescue effort. It can be used once and must be claimed before the list is established (DCAS Special Circumstances Guide).
The Correction Officer notice has no residency credit section. (The Police Officer exam has one.)
How the eligible list is built and ordered
The Correction Officer notice says passing candidates are placed "on an eligible list in final score order. You will receive a list number and be notified of your test results via email. This eligible list determines the order of candidates considered for appointment, usually active for four years." DCAS adds that once scores are official, "we post the list of all candidates who pass, ranked in order of score" (DCAS: How Do You Get Your Results?).
What your list number means
Your list number is your position in that score order. List number 1 belongs to the highest final score. A lower list number means you are higher on the list and will be considered earlier.
What about ties?
The official sources we checked do not explain how candidates with the same final score are ordered. We will not guess. If a tie affects you, ask DCAS directly.
How agencies call candidates from the list
When an agency needs to hire, it receives names from the top of the list. This is called certification. Under the City's rules, an appointment is made "by the selection of one of the three persons certified... as standing highest on such established list who are qualified and willing to accept" (Rule IV, 4.7.1(c)). This is the one-in-three rule.
When your turn comes, "the agency sends a call letter, which is your formal invitation to interview." If you do not respond, "your name may be taken off the list of candidates, even if you passed the exam" (DCAS: What Happens Next). Some agencies also use selective certification, which gives preference on the list to candidates with an extra skill such as a language or a driver license (DCAS Civil Service Glossary).
A worked example (made-up candidates)
- Dana Brooks scores 91. No credits. Final score 91.
- Luis Ortega scores 84 and is a non-disabled veteran who claimed his credit in time. 84 + 5 = final score 89.
- Priya Shah scores 87. No credits. Final score 87.
- Kevin Walsh scores 80. No credits. Final score 80.
- Aisha Bello scores 68 and is a veteran. She did not reach 70, so the credit is not added, and she is not on the list.
The list in final score order is: list number 1 Dana (91), 2 Luis (89), 3 Priya (87), 4 Kevin (80). If the agency asks for names, Dana, Luis and Priya are the three standing highest, and the agency selects from among those who are qualified and willing to accept. Kevin waits until names above him are used. Notice that Luis moved ahead of Priya only because his credit was added to a passing score.
How long a list lasts
The Correction Officer notice says the list is "usually active for four years," and DCAS says scores "remain active for up to four years." The City rule sets a list's life at "not less than one nor more than four years from the date of establishment." It also says a list that is at least one year old ends when a new list for the same title is established, unless otherwise provided (Rule 4.6.6). (The Special Officer (NYC H+H) list is an exception: one year unless extended.)
How long until the list comes out
The two official answers do not agree. DCAS says "An eligible list may be established within six to nine months from the date of the examination though times vary." The Department of Correction says DCAS releases the Correction Officer list "4-6 months after the exam date" (DOC Eligibility FAQ). That FAQ also still lists an old fee and minimum age that the current notice has replaced. Plan for six to nine months, and treat anything sooner as a bonus.
Protests and appeals for computer-based tests
You get "immediate, tentative results" at the end of your test. For computer-based multiple-choice tests, you also get a printout with your responses, the test's Proposed Key Answers and instructions for protests (DCAS Computer-Based Test Protest Procedures (PDF)).
- Protest Review Session. It is held on the first Friday after the week of your test date. You may review the test and the Proposed Key Answers in person.
- File a protest. You can file at the session or by mail within 30 days.
- Test Validation Board. A board of agency, union and DCAS representatives reviews protests. It may change key answers, allow more than one answer or delete items, and its decisions are binding. The key adopted after all protests are evaluated is the Final Key.
- Score appeals. Appeals of your score go to the DCAS Committee on Manifest Errors through OASys, per the notice.
How to check your status
- OASys Dashboard. Your application status shows under "Notifications." DCAS asks you to add OASys@dcas.nyc.gov to your known senders so that its emails reach you.
- Email. DCAS emails your official results and list number when the list is established.
Why a higher score matters
Passing gets you on the list. Your score decides when you are reached. Because hiring goes in score order and agencies choose among the three standing highest, a higher score means a lower list number and an earlier chance to be called. No official source says what score is "competitive" or how far down any list an agency will go, so nobody can promise that a given score gets you hired.
What you can control is preparation. Read how the exam works and the abilities, explained, then practice from the Correction Officer exam page. The requirements guide covers what you must meet by appointment.
Myths vs facts
Frequently asked questions
What does my NYC civil service list number mean?
It is your position on the eligible list, which is ranked by final score. Number 1 is the highest final score. Agencies consider candidates in that order.
When will I get my list number?
DCAS emails your official results and list number when the list is established. DCAS says that can take six to nine months after the exam, though times vary.
Is the score I see after the test my final score?
No. DCAS calls it a tentative result. Protests can change the key, and any veterans' or legacy credits you claimed are added only if you pass.
What is the one-in-three rule?
Under Rule IV, 4.7.1(c), an agency appoints one of the three certified candidates standing highest on the list who are qualified and willing to accept.
How long is a DCAS eligible list good for?
Usually four years. The rule allows one to four years, and a list at least one year old ends when a new list for the same title is established, unless otherwise provided.
What happens if I miss a call letter?
DCAS warns that if you do not respond, your name may be taken off the list, even if you passed the exam.
If I already passed, should I retake the Correction Officer exam?
The Department of Correction advises: "If you passed the exam with a score of 70 or more, we advise you not to retake the exam." We found no official rule on how scores on more than one Correction Officer list interact.
PrepRaven is an independent study site. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the City of New York, DCAS, the Department of Correction or any City agency. Our practice questions are original and are not taken from any real test.
Last updated October 2026