NYC School Safety Agent Requirements: Age, Education, Residency

Facts checked against DCAS Notice of Examination No. 7324.

This guide covers the rules for the current exam, School Safety Agent, Exam No. 7324. Most requirements do not apply when you take the test. They apply when you are appointed, which can be months or years later, while the list is active. The notice says you may be tested before DCAS checks your qualifications, and an applicant found "Not Qualified" does not get the fee back, so check these rules before you pay.

Education

You need "a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent," approved by a state Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization. The notice says the education requirement must be met by November 25, 2027, under Section 54(2) of the Civil Service Law. If you were educated outside the United States, your education must be evaluated for US equivalence, and the NYC Police Department gives instructions on approved evaluation services during pre-employment screening. No college credits and no work experience are required.

Special Patrolman status

School Safety Agents must qualify for Special Patrolman status, which the notice describes as a status given by the NYC Police Department. At the time of appointment you must:

• be twenty-one years of age or older;
• be a citizen of the United States;
• be a resident of New York City, unless exempted by law;
• if discharged from military service, have a discharge that is not dishonorable;
• be of good moral character, with no conviction for any felony or for a serious offense listed in Section 265.00(17) of the New York State Penal Law.

The notice adds that an applicant with a conviction who has a Certificate of Good Conduct may be eligible, and that an applicant with a misdemeanor conviction or violation for a listed serious offense who has a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities may also be eligible. You must keep these qualifications for as long as you hold the job.

Age

The notice sets no minimum age for taking the test and no maximum age. The age rule is at appointment: at least 21. The NYC Police Department's careers page also says there is no maximum age (NYPD: School Safety Agents).

Residency

You must live in New York City when you are appointed, unless exempted by law. After two years of continuous employment, during which you must live in the City, you may live in Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Orange, Rockland or Putnam County. This is stricter than some other City titles, such as Correction Officer, which allow those counties from the start.

Citizenship, English and proof of identity

US citizenship is part of the Special Patrolman requirement. The notice also says you must be able to understand and be understood in English, and that you must prove your identity and your right to work in the United States before you are hired.

Background check

"All candidates will undergo a background check conducted by the New York City Police Department to verify the above qualifications, including character." The check starts before appointment. At the time of the investigation you pay $82.75 for fingerprint screening and present original or certified documents, such as proof of date and place of birth, naturalization papers if needed, proof of military service and proof of education. The notice warns that false, exaggerated or misleading statements, or missing documents, can disqualify you. The City's Fair Chance Act generally bars City agencies from asking about arrests and convictions until after a conditional offer (DCAS: Things to Know Before You Apply).

Physical, medical, psychological and drug tests

• Physical test: "You will be required to pass a qualifying physical test." The notice does not describe the events or the standards.
• Drug screening: you must pass one to be appointed.
• Medical and psychological assessment: you are examined to see whether you can perform the essential functions of the job, and you may be tested again during your career. Reasonable accommodation is provided where appropriate.

Driver license

You do not need a driver license for the job. The notice says a license valid in New York State is needed only for certain assignments, including Group Leader and Mobile Task Force Member, and must be kept for as long as you hold that assignment.

Probation and salary

The probationary period is one year. The notice lists a minimum salary of $40,480 a year, rising to $58,345 after five years as a School Safety Agent, and says the rate is subject to change.

Selective certification for Assistant School Safety Agents

If you have at least six months of satisfactory, full-time experience as an Assistant School Safety Agent at a New York public school, you may get preferred consideration for positions that require that experience. You show interest when you apply in OASys, and you can also meet the requirement later, while the list is active, and ask DCAS through nyc.gov/CivilServiceNowNYC using the "Selective Certification" subject.

Working conditions

The notice says agents may work nights, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. It lists conditions such as school construction projects, non-air-conditioned areas in summer, unlit stairwells, walking the school perimeter in all weather, separating people in altercations, running up stairs, crowded areas and lifting cumbersome equipment.

Common myths, checked against the notice

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• DCAS Notice of Examination, School Safety Agent, Exam No. 7324 (PDF)
• DCAS: Things to Know Before You Apply
• NYC Police Department: School Safety Agents (careers page)

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, the NYC Department of Education or any City agency. Always confirm dates and rules in the current Notice of Examination.