ULSTER COUNTY PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

 

 

I need a job. What do you have available?

Many jobs with Ulster County Departments, Towns, Villages, School Districts and Libraries require a civil service examination. However, there are many jobs that do not require an examination.  For jobs that do not require an examination, interested individuals should apply directly with the specific Ulster County Department, Town, Village, School District or Library. If you are interested in employment

with an Ulster County Department, please visit the following websites: www.co.ulster.ny.us/personnel/index.html or www.co.ulster.ny.us/personnel/jobtitles.html to find

out what examinations are coming up and/or what jobs are available.

 

How do I get information about taking a civil service examination with Ulster County?

The best way to get information about civil service examinations including what examinations are currently announced is to visit our website at: www.co.ulster.ny.us/personnel/index.html or call our examination hotline at 334-5454.  Otherwise you can contact our office at: 845-340-3550.

           

Is there a fee to apply for a civil service examination?

Yes, there is an examination fee to apply for a civil service examination. Most examinations require a fee of $20.00, however all Uniformed Protective Service titles (example: Police Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Correction Officer, etc.), require a fee of $40.00. Please refer to the specific examination announcement.  Ulster County also has an Examination Fee Waiver Policy. Candidates who meet specific criteria may be eligible.  To find out more about our Examination Fee Waiver Policy, please visit our website at: www.co.ulster.ny.us/personnel/examinfo.html, or refer to the section titled “Exception to Fee Requirement” on any examination announcement or contact our office at 845-340-3550.

 

How do I study for my exam?

We cannot recommend specific study guides or provide study materials for civil service examinations, however, New York State Department of Civil Service provides study guides for some examinations. You can find them by visiting our website at: www.co.ulster.ny.us/personnel/announce.html and clicking on “Study Guides”. In addition, you can purchase study guides for some subjects of examination from the CSEA Work Institute at: 1-518-782-4427 or 1-866-478-5548 or by obtaining an order form from our office at Ulster County Personnel Department, 244 Fair Street-5^th Floor, Kingston, NY.

 

Can I apply to take an examination with Ulster County and another county on the same day?

Yes. However, when applying you must notify each county of your intentions and indicate where you would like to take the examinations. If you will be taking an examination for New York State as well as for Ulster County and/or other counties, you must notify all jurisdictions, however, you must take all exams at the State exam site.

 

How will I know the place and time of my civil service examination?

You will receive an admittance letter which will provide information including the date, time, and place of your examination.  This letter will also provide other information including what you should bring and whether or not you are allowed to use a calculator. Admittance letters are sent approximately two weeks prior to an examination. If you do not receive an admittance letter within four days of the examination, please contact our office.

 

Can I apply for an examination which requires college if I don’t have my college transcripts?

Yes. However, you must send us your college transcripts by the date indicated on the examination announcement.

           

What must I do to notify your department that my address has changed?

You must write a letter to our department indicating that your address has changed. The letter must include your new address and the examinations you have applied for and/or the eligible lists on which your name currently appears. For Police titles, you must provide a voter registration card from Board of Elections showing your new address.

 

How long will my name remain on the eligible list?

Eligible lists are established for a minimum of one year and may be extended up to a maximum of four years. There are some eligible lists that are established for a period of two years.

 

What if I have another event scheduled on the day I am supposed to take my written exam?

Ulster County has an Alternate Test Date Policy. In order to be scheduled for an alternate test date, you must meet certain criteria within our policy.  Please contact our office at 845-340-3540 for more information.

           

What should I do if I cannot appear for my performance exam? 

Write a letter to our department asking to be rescheduled for the next performance exam.

 

How long will it take to receive my test score on a civil service examination?

            It will take approximately 90 days to receive your test score.

 

How do I find out what my rank is on an eligible list?

Due to the work involved and the volume of these questions, you must make your request in writing or by e-mail and we will respond within 1 week. Please include the examination title in your letter.

 

Do I have to be an Ulster County resident to take a civil service exam?

Generally the answer is no. There are very few examinations which require residency in Ulster County.

 

How do I find out if my exam has been cancelled due to the weather?

Listen to radio stations: 92.1 FM, 99.3 FM, 100.1 FM, 14.90 AM, 13.70 AM or call Ulster County Community College at: 845-687-5000 and listen to the recording.