Facts checked against DCAS Notice of Examination for Police Officer, Exam Nos. 7311 through 7322.
This guide covers the rules in the current notice, Police Officer Exam Nos. 7311 through 7322, in plain English. The notice covers 12 monthly exams with application periods from July 1, 2026, to June 14, 2027, and the fee is $0. Requirements are checked after the test, so make sure you meet them before you apply.
NYC police officer age requirements
There are three age rules, and they apply at different times. Per the notice:
- You must be at least 17 by the date you take the multiple-choice test.
- You must be at least 20 years and 6 months old to be appointed.
- Only people who are less than 43 years old on the date they file an application for the exam may be appointed.
If you have qualifying military service, you may deduct the time you served, up to six years, from your age when checking the maximum age. The notice cites New York State Civil Service Law Section 58 and NYC Administrative Code Section 14-109 for this rule. For example, a candidate who files at 45 and has three years of qualifying service would count as 42 for this rule.
Education and military service
By the date of appointment, not the test date, you need a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent, and one of these (the notice):
- College credits: 24 semester credits from an accredited college or university, with at least a 2.0 cumulative index or its equivalent.
- Military service: two years of honorable full-time US military service.
The diploma or equivalent must be approved by a state Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization, and the college must be accredited by a body recognized by the US Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). If you were educated outside the United States, your education must be evaluated for US equivalence; the Police Department gives instructions on approved evaluation services during pre-employment screening.
College matters later too. The notice lists education requirements for promotion: 64 credits or an associate degree for Sergeant, 96 credits for Lieutenant and a bachelor's degree for Captain. Credits earned at the Police Academy can count toward these, and the requirements are subject to change.
Residency, citizenship and English
Under the New York State Public Officers Law, as quoted in the notice, a Police Officer must live in New York City or in Nassau, Westchester, Suffolk, Orange, Rockland or Putnam County. You must be a US citizen at the time of appointment, and you must be able to understand and be understood in English. You must also be able to prove your identity and your right to work in the United States before you are hired.
Living in the five boroughs is not required, but it can earn you points: candidates who qualify for the New York City residency credit get 10 points added to a passing score. See your list number explained for the rules.
Driver license
On the date of appointment, you must have a valid unrestricted New York State driver license, and you must keep it for as long as you work as a Police Officer (the notice). A license from another state does not meet this rule.
Character and background
The notice says "proof of good character and satisfactory background will be absolute prerequisites to appointment." Factors that would ordinarily disqualify a candidate include an arrest or conviction record that shows a lack of good moral character or a disposition toward violence or disorder, repeated arrests or convictions that show disrespect for the law, a discharge from a job for poor behavior, a dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces and a conviction for petit larceny. People convicted of a felony or a domestic violence misdemeanor are not eligible.
Under the City's Fair Chance Act, City agencies may not ask about arrests and convictions until after a conditional offer, according to DCAS's Things to Know Before You Apply page. The investigation before appointment carries an $82.75 fingerprint screening fee, and you must bring originals or certified copies of documents such as proof of birth, naturalization papers if needed, military records and proof of education. Statements found to be false, exaggerated or misleading can disqualify you.
Medical, psychological, physical and drug tests
- Medical and psychological: you are examined to see whether you can perform the essential functions of a Police Officer, and you may be retested during your career. Reasonable accommodations are provided where appropriate (the notice).
- Physical test: you must pass a qualifying physical test, and periodic physical testing may continue throughout your career. The notice does not describe the events or standards.
- Drug testing: a drug screening before appointment, testing during Police Academy training and at the end of probation, and possible random testing after that. The notice calls it "a strict zero tolerance policy."
The Academy, probation and firearms
Per the notice, probation lasts 24 months. During it, you must pass the Police Academy firearms, academic, physical performance and driving tests and meet discipline and performance standards. Before graduating, Academy candidates take a physical test that "may include tests such as completing a 1 1/2 mile run in a specified period of time." The notice does not give the time. Police Officers must qualify with firearms and stay qualified, and firearms tests are given twice a year.
Pay, per the notice and subject to change: a minimum of $55,942, reaching $109,352 after five and one-half years, plus an annual uniform allowance, holiday pay and a 2.25% differential for neighborhood policing.
Veterans
Military service counts in two ways above: two years of honorable full-time service meets the education rule, and up to six years of qualifying service can be deducted for the maximum age. A dishonorable discharge is a listed disqualifying factor. 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, the credit is added only to passing scores, is used once and must be claimed before the list is established. The notice also says that veterans whose military records list a Home of Record in one of the five boroughs may now qualify for the NYC residency credit.
Myths vs facts
Frequently asked questions
Is there a maximum age to become an NYC police officer?
Yes. To be appointed, you must be under 43 on the date you file your application. Up to six years of qualifying military service can be deducted from your age for this rule.
Can I take the test at 17?
Yes. You can test at 17, but you cannot be appointed until you are at least 20 years and 6 months old.
Do I need a college degree?
No. You need a high school diploma or equivalent plus 24 college credits with at least a 2.0 index, or two years of honorable full-time US military service.
Do I need a driver license to apply?
Not to apply. You need a valid unrestricted New York State driver license on the date of appointment.
Can I live in New Jersey?
No. At appointment, you must live in New York City or in Nassau, Westchester, Suffolk, Orange, Rockland or Putnam County.
Does a felony conviction disqualify me?
Yes. The notice says people convicted of a felony or a domestic violence misdemeanor are not eligible for appointment.
What does it cost?
The exam is free. The notice lists an $82.75 fingerprint screening fee at the time of investigation.
Official sources
- DCAS Notice of Examination, Police Officer, Exam Nos. 7311 through 7322 (PDF)
- 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 study site. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the City of New York, DCAS, the NYC Police Department or any City agency. Our practice questions are original and are not taken from any real test. Always confirm dates and rules in the current Notice of Examination.
Last updated October 2026