Jobs, Training & Career · Surprise rank #203
New York Dropped the Civil-Service Exam for Thousands of State Jobs
The NY HELPS initiative allows agencies to hire directly for permanent state jobs based on minimum qualifications and interviews, bypassing the months-long exam waitlist.
Who
Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications for a HELPS-designated state position.
Where: Statewide, including state jobs located in NYC and Long Island.
What to do
Start here: Search StateJobsNY for postings marked NY HELPS and apply directly to several matching titles.
Eligibility: Meet the posting's education/experience and any license requirements.
What you get
New York's HELPS initiative allows agencies to hire for many state jobs without first requiring a civil-service exam.
Benefit: Direct entry into eligible permanent state titles, followed by civil-service status under program rules.
Possible value: Stable salary, health benefits and pension value; amount depends on title.
Good to know
Important: Not every state title participates; applicants still compete and must apply to each vacancy.
Availability: Rolling through June 30, 2028 while HELPS-designated vacancies are posted.
Why people miss it: Many people assume every state job requires waiting for an exam and list number.
Sources reviewed: Aug 2, 2026