Facts checked against DCAS Notice of Examination No. 7331.
This guide covers the rules for the current Traffic Enforcement Agent exam, Exam No. 7331, in plain English. The next exam, 7332, is planned with filing from November 5 to November 25, 2026, on the DCAS schedule. Its notice was not posted as of October 12, 2026, and requirements can change between notices, so check it when it posts.
Education
By the date of appointment, the notice requires "a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent, approved by a State's Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization." You do not need it to apply or to test. If you were educated outside the United States, your education must be evaluated for its US equivalent, and the Police Department gives instructions on approved evaluation services during pre-employment screening.
The notice also says you will take the test before your qualifications are checked. You are responsible for deciding whether you meet the requirements before you apply, and if you are found "Not Qualified," you may not receive a score.
Driver license
You do not need a license to apply. The notice says: "By the time you reach 15 months in this position, you must have a motor vehicle driver license valid in the State of New York." It adds three conditions:
- Moving violations, license suspensions or an accident record may disqualify you.
- The license must not include any restrictions.
- You must keep the license for as long as you are employed.
Assignment levels
The title has four assignment levels. Candidates are appointed at Level II, which adds directing and controlling traffic to the patrol and summons work of Level I. Two higher levels need more:
- Level III requires a W (tow truck) endorsement on your license, and agents may face extra medical and drug screening.
- Level IV requires Special Patrolman status from the NYC Police Commissioner, kept for as long as you work at that level.
Age
The 7331 notice states no minimum or maximum age. Some prep pages say you must be 18 or 21. Those numbers are not in the notice, so check the current notice and ask DCAS if age matters in your case.
Residency
The notice gives a residency advisory, not a fixed rule: under New York City Administrative Code Section 12-120, "you might need to be a resident of the City of New York within 90 days of the date you are appointed." Because residency rules vary by title, agency and length of service, the notice tells you to ask the agency's personnel office at your appointment interview. The 7331 notice has no residency credit.
English, identity and background
- English: "You must be able to understand and be understood in English."
- Identity and 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.
- Investigation: the position is subject to investigation before appointment, with a $75.00 fingerprint screening fee. You must bring originals or certified copies of required documents, such as proof of date and place of birth, naturalization papers if needed, proof of military service and proof of education.
- Honesty: statements found to be "false, exaggerated, or misleading" can disqualify you, even after appointment.
Under the City's Fair Chance Act, City agencies may not ask about arrests or convictions until after a conditional offer (DCAS: Things to Know Before You Apply).
Medical, psychological and drug screening
The notice says medical and psychological guidelines have been set for the job, and you will be examined to see whether you can perform its essential functions, with reasonable accommodation where appropriate. You must pass a drug screening to be appointed.
Probation, training and uniforms
The probation period is 12 months. New agents must pass a training course before the end of probation, and those who fail it are terminated. Agents buy their uniforms when hired and become eligible for a uniform allowance after six months.
Pay and working conditions
Candidates are appointed to Level II, with a current minimum salary of $48,719 a year, per the notice. Two higher levels have higher salary steps under the union contract. The work week is 40 hours, with rotating shifts that include Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and overtime. The notice says agents work outdoors in all kinds of weather and patrol on foot for long periods.
Extra points for veterans and legacy candidates
Under New York State Civil Service Law section 85, eligible veterans get 5 extra points, and disabled veterans get 10, on an exam for original appointment. The points are added only to a passing score, can be used only once and must be claimed before the list is established (DCAS veterans guidance). A legacy credit of 10 points is available to the child or sibling of certain City workers who died in the line of duty or from the September 11, 2001, World Trade Center attack or rescue effort (DCAS Special Circumstances Guide).
Common questions
Do I need a driver license to take the test?
No. You need a license valid in New York State by the time you reach 15 months in the job, with no restrictions.
Is there a minimum age?
The 7331 notice states none.
Do I need to live in New York City?
Maybe. The notice says you might need to live in the City within 90 days of appointment and tells you to ask the agency at your appointment interview.
Do I need college?
No. The notice asks for a four-year high school diploma or its equivalent by the date of appointment.
Who hires Traffic Enforcement Agents?
The NYC Police Department does the pre-employment screening, per the notice. DCAS runs the exam and the eligible list.
What will it cost me?
Exam 7331 was free. The notice lists a $75.00 fingerprint fee at investigation and uniforms that you buy when hired.
Official sources
- DCAS Notice of Examination, Traffic Enforcement Agent, Exam No. 7331 (PDF)
- DCAS Annual Examination Schedule, FY2027 (PDF)
- DCAS: Things to Know Before You Apply
- DCAS Civil Service Guidance for Veterans (PDF)
- DCAS Special Circumstances Guide (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. Facts checked against the official notices on October 12, 2026; always confirm dates and rules in the current Notice of Examination.
Last updated October 2026