The New York City Department of Correction is accepting applications for the Correction Officer civil service exam (No. 6303) through May 29, 2026. Multiple-choice testing is expected to begin August 13, 2026. This is a full-time uniformed position with strong salary growth, longevity pay, union benefits, and long-term career advancement opportunities within New York City’s correctional system.

By the date of appointment, candidates must meet one of the following four pathways:

At least 39 semester credits at an accredited college or university. Academy training completion provides an additional 21 credits (total: 60).

A four-year high school diploma (or equivalent) plus at least 6 months of one of the following:

• ✓Honorable full-time U.S. military service
• ✓Full-time experience in social services, casework, mental health counseling, or services to the homeless
• ✓Law enforcement experience as a Police Officer, Peace Officer, Special Patrolman, or equivalent federal or out-of-state position

A four-year high school diploma (or equivalent) plus at least 1 year of satisfactory full-time paid general work experience.

Two years of active service in the Army Reserve, Army National Guard, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Marine Corps Reserve, or Coast Guard Reserve with honorable discharge. Time in Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) does not count.

• ✓Must be at least 17 years old on the date of the multiple-choice test.
• ✓Must be at least 21 years old at the time of appointment.
• ✓If you are too young when the eligible list expires, you will have no further opportunity for appointment from this list.

Starting salary is $56,838 per year, growing to $109,352 after 5.5 years. Officers earn additional longevity pay on top of base salary at service milestones:

• ✓Annual uniform allowance of $1,100
• ✓City contributions to Welfare and Annuity Funds
• ✓City-paid health insurance
• ✓Longevity pay additions after 5, 10, 15, and 20 years of service

At the date of appointment you must reside in New York City or one of the following counties: Nassau, Westchester, Suffolk, Orange, Rockland, or Putnam.

A New York State learner’s permit is required at appointment. You must obtain a valid NYS driver license before graduating from the DOC Academy and maintain it throughout employment.

United States citizenship is required at the time of appointment.

Candidates must pass a qualifying physical test, medical examination, and psychological evaluation. Drug screening is required before appointment and randomly during Academy training. The NYC Department of Correction enforces a strict zero-tolerance drug policy.

Appointment is subject to federal PREA regulations. The Department will not hire anyone who has engaged in sexual abuse in a correctional or institutional setting, or who has been convicted of or adjudicated for such conduct.

• ✓Maintain security and supervise sentenced and detained inmates in NYC correctional facilities
• ✓Supervise inmate meals, visits, recreational programs, and group activities
• ✓Inspect assigned areas for safety threats; conduct searches for contraband
• ✓Issue verbal orders and communicate with fellow officers on pertinent security information
• ✓Observe inmates and recommend medical or psychiatric referrals when necessary
• ✓Escort inmates within and outside facilities, including transport in departmental vehicles
• ✓Respond to unusual incidents and disturbances; enforce security procedures
• ✓Complete forms, reports, and maintain appropriate log books