NYC Police Communications Technician Requirements

Facts checked against DCAS Notice of Examination No. 7307.

This guide covers the rules for the current exam, Police Communications Technician Exam No. 7307, in plain English. Filing ran September 2 to October 13, 2026, and it is now closed. The fee was $68 (waivers available), and multiple-choice testing is expected to begin on Monday, November 16, 2026. The next exam, 7308, is planned for filing from December 2 to 22, 2026. Its deadlines and fee will be the ones in its own notice.

Education and experience: the four routes

Everyone needs a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent. Per Notice 7307, you also need one of the following:

1. Clerical work: one year of satisfactory full-time experience doing clerical, typing or secretarial work.
2. Public contact: one year of satisfactory full-time experience dealing with the public, "including the obtaining of information from persons."
3. College: 30 college semester credits from an accredited college or university.
4. Military: two years of active US military duty with an honorable discharge.

A satisfactory combination of education and experience equal to one of these routes also counts, but the high school diploma or equivalent is still required. The diploma must be approved by a state Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization. Education from outside the US must be evaluated for US equivalence; the Police Department gives instructions on approved evaluation services during pre-employment screening.

Two deadlines that are easy to miss

The notice sets different dates for education and experience:

• Experience must be met by the last day of the application period: October 13, 2026.
• Education must be met by October 13, 2027, under Section 54(2) of the Civil Service Law.

So a year of customer service work has to be complete when filing closes, while 30 college credits can still be finished within the following year. You may take the test before DCAS checks your qualifications, and if you are found "Not Qualified," your fee is not refunded and you will not get a score.

Age, residency, citizenship and English

• Age: the 7307 notice states no minimum or maximum age.
• Residency: "City residency is not required for this position."
• Right to work: under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, you must prove your identity and your right to work in the United States before you are hired. The notice does not require US citizenship.
• English: you must be able to understand and be understood in English.

Medical, psychological and drug screening

• Medical and psychological: candidates are examined to see whether they can perform the essential functions of the job, and they may be tested again during their career. A reasonable accommodation is provided where appropriate for a person with a disability.
• Drug screening: "You must pass a drug screening in order to be appointed."

Investigation and the $75 fingerprint fee

The job is subject to an investigation before appointment. At that time you pay a $75.00 fee for fingerprint screening and present originals or certified copies of your documents, such as proof of date and place of birth, naturalization papers if needed, proof of military service and proof of your education and experience. False, exaggerated or misleading statements, or missing documents, can disqualify you (Notice 7307). Under the City's Fair Chance Act, City agencies may not ask about arrests and convictions until after a conditional offer (DCAS: Things to Know Before You Apply).

Spanish speakers: selective certification

If you speak Spanish, you may be considered for positions that need it through selective certification. If you pass a qualifying test, you "may be given preferred consideration for positions requiring this ability." You indicate interest using the instructions given on the day of the multiple-choice test, and the notice says this requirement may be met at any time while the list is active.

Probation and training

Per Notice 7307, probation lasts 18 months. You must pass a 911 emergency call-taker training course and a radio dispatcher training course, and "if you fail to successfully complete the training courses, you will be terminated." The current minimum salary is $51,790 a year, subject to change.

Veterans

Two years of active US military duty with an honorable discharge is one of the four routes above, and veterans can have the $68 fee waived. Under New York State Civil Service Law section 85, non-disabled veterans get 5 additional points and disabled veterans get 10 points on an exam for original appointment. Per DCAS's guidance for veterans and Special Circumstances Guide, the credit is added only to passing scores, is used once and must be claimed before the list is established.

Myths vs facts

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• DCAS Notice of Examination, Police Communications Technician, Exam No. 7307 (PDF)
• DCAS: How Can You Find Upcoming Exams? (fee waivers)
• DCAS: Things to Know Before You Apply
• DCAS Civil Service Guidance for Veterans (PDF)
• New York State Civil Service Law section 85

PrepRaven is an independent exam-prep site. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the City of New York, DCAS, the NYC Police Department or any City agency. Requirements can change with each new exam notice. Facts checked against official sources on October 12, 2026; always confirm dates and rules in the current Notice of Examination.