COT Trainee Exam 45-815 - FAQs

MAKE SURE THAT YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION AND WORK LOCATION PREFERENCE IS UP TO DATE. All communication from NYS Courts will be via email. Make sure to add NYS Courts email (COT@nycourts.gov; co-processing@nycourts.gov) to your address book. Check your spam email regularly. Candidates are contacted in rank/score order (top scores/lowest ranks reached first) within a work location region based on the operational needs of the courts.
NYS Courts will email you for additional information (e.g., canvassing email for interest in employment; conditional employment offer before screening; location preference update; discrepancies in records).
If your score/rank is reached during the life of the eligible list, you will be contacted via email to begin the screening process, the Physical Ability Test.
Candidates are advised to prepare for the Physical Ability Test (1st Step). Review the Physical Ability Standards, Videos, Points Table and Physical Ability Test Preparation Guide.
Visit Screening Process & Standards to learn more about each step of the screening process.

Phase I: Physical Ability Test, Vision Screening, Fingerprints
Phase II: Written Psychological Tests, Background Investigation
Phase III: Psychological Interview, Evaluation Board
Phase IV: Pre-Appointment Medical Exam
Hired: Appointment to the Court Officers Academy

How long will it take to be hired?

The eligible list (passers) is canvassed based upon the needs of the courts. The list is canvassed in score/rank order within the work location/region selected by the candidate. Top scores/lowest ranks are reached first. Candidates reachable on the eligible list are offered a conditional appointment and are invited to the first phase of the screening process. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications and pass the physical, medical, background and psychological screening process to be appointed to the Court Officers Academy. It may take about six to nine months to complete all phases of the screening process after accepting a conditional appointment. Visit Screening Process & Standards to learn more about each step of the screening process.

Candidates are advised to consider their location preference selection carefully. Previous NYS Court Officer-Trainee exams, candidates with the following scores in each work location/region were reached for processing over the life of the list. This information is for informational purposes only and does not reflect future hiring practices. Refer to the Judicial District Map for detailed Judicial District/county location information.

NYC (All Boroughs)
Scores 88 and above

9th JUDICIAL DISTRICT
Scores of 88 and above

NASSAU & SUFFOLK (10th Judicial District)
Scores 88 or above

JUDICIAL DISTRICTS 3 - 8 (All Counties in JD3-JD8 - Judicial District Map)
Scores 70 and above

How are candidates hired off the eligible list?

The eligible list is canvassed based upon the needs of the courts. The list is canvassed in score/rank order (top scores/lowest ranks are reached first) within the work location/region selected by the candidate. Top scores/lowest ranks are reached first. Candidates reachable on the eligible list are offered a conditional appointment to be hired. Candidates must meet the minimum qualification and pass the physical, medical, background and psychological screening process to be appointed to the Court Officers Academy.

NYC (All Boroughs)
Scores 88 and above

9th JUDICIAL DISTRICT
Scores of 88 and above

NASSAU & SUFFOLK (10th Judicial District)
Scores 88 or above

JUDICIAL DISTRICTS 3 - 8 (All Counties in JD3-JD8 - Judicial District Map)
Scores 70 and above

What is the minimum passing score for the written examination?

How many candidates passed the written examination and are on the Eligible List # 45-815 NYS Court Officer-Trainee?

27,693

If I pass the written exam, am I guaranteed a job?
The eligible list is canvassed based upon the needs of the courts within the work location/region selected by the candidate. The list is canvassed in score/rank order. Top scores/lowest ranks are reached first. There is no guarantee your score/rank will be reached. Physical, medical and psychological examinations and evaluations are held to ensure that candidates can satisfactorily perform the duties of this position. Substance abuse screening and an extensive background investigation are conducted as well. For detailed information and requirements: Screening Process & Standards

What should I consider when selecting my location preference?

1) Consider where you would like to work

2) Consider which location(s) your score may be reached. Compare your current written test score to scores reached on previous NYS Court Officer-Trainee lists to assist you in determining which location to choose. Refer to the Judicial District Map for detailed Judicial District/county location information.

This information is for informational purposes only and does not reflect future hiring practices.

Based on previous exams:

Candidates who scored a 95 or above were reachable in all four regions and were one of the first groups of candidates to move through the screening process.
Candidates who scored a 90 or above were reachable for processing over the life of the list in all 4 regions. Most were canvassed and processed within one to two years.
Candidates who scored below an 80 were only processed if they selected JD 3-8.

What are the minimum qualifications to be hired?
New York State Court Officer-Trainees, at time of appointment to the position, must be:

at least 20.5 years old
a high school graduate or equivalent
A United States Citizen
A resident of New York State
Valid New York State Driver’s License
Legally eligible to purchase and carry firearms

Is there an age restriction ?
Candidate must be at least 20.5 years old at time of appointment to the position. An eligible list remains active four or more years.

Are there additional qualifications for appointment to the position?
Physical, medical and psychological examinations and evaluations are held to ensure that candidates can satisfactorily perform the duties of this position. Substance abuse screening and an extensive background investigation are conducted as well. For detailed information and requirements: Screening Process & Standards

What are the next step in the screening process?

If you passed the NYS Court Officer - Trainee exam and are reachable on the eligible list, you will be contacted to schedule the next steps of the screening process. Visit Screening Process & Standards for additional details. The screening includes:

Phase I: Physical Ability Test, Vision Screening, Fingerprints
Phase II: Written Psychological Tests, Background Investigation
Phase III: Psychological Interview, Evaluation Board
Phase IV: Pre-Appointment Medical Exam
Hired: Appointment to the Court Officers Academy

What are the standards for each step of the screening process?

Visit Screening Process & Standards for details.

How should I prepare for the first step of the screening process - the Physical Ability Test?

Candidates are advised to prepare for the Physical Ability Test (1st Step). Review the Physical Ability Standards, Videos, Points Table and Physical Ability Test Preparation Guide.

What information is considered in the background investigation?

Background Investigation Process

Automatic Disqualifications
Candidates with the following background history are automatically disqualified based on the Federal firearms possession prohibition laws [18 U.S.C. 922(g) and (n), 27 CFR 478.32].

Have been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year;
Are fugitives from justice;
Are unlawful users of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined by section 102 of the Controlled Substance Act (21 U.S.C. 802))
Have been adjudicated as a mental defective or have been committed to a mental institution;
Have been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions;
Having been a citizen of the United States, have renounced their citizenship;
Are subject to a court order that restrains the persons from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child of such intimate partner; or
Have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence

I changed my name, how do I notify the NYS Courts?

Email: COT@nycourts.gov to update your records. You must provide proof of name change. Upload a pdf or jpeg file of your marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order as proof of name change.

My contact information (address, email, phone) has changed. How do I notify the NYS Courts?

Only for passing candidates on eligible list NYS Court Officer - Trainee Exam #45-815.

Email: COT@nycourts.gov to update your records.

You must update your record if:

your name or contact information (e.g., email, phone, address) has changed since you applied/took the NYS Court Officer-Trainee #45-815 exam

I would like to change my original work location preference (where I would accept an offer to work). How do I change it?

Only for passing candidates on eligible list NYS Court Officer - Trainee Exam #45-815.

Email: COT@nycourts.gov to update your records.

What is the starting salary of a NYS Court Officer-Trainee?

Effective April 2020, New York State Court Officer-Trainees enter the academy with a starting salary of $51,113 (Judicial Grade 16). Location pay is $4300 for New York City, Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, and Westchester Counties. Location pay is $2150 for Orange, Dutchess, and Putnam Counties.

What benefits do NYS Court Officer-Trainees receive?

NYS Court Officer-Trainees are eligible to participate in the New York State Health Insurance Plan, the New York State Employee’s Retirement System and deferred compensation plan. In addition, NYS Court Officer-Trainees receive 13 paid holidays annually and earn 20 paid vacation days (27 paid vacation days after 7th year on the job). Visit Benefits for details.

I am employed with New York State or New York City. Are my retirement benefits transferrable if I am appointed a NYS Court Officer-Trainee? Are my leave days transferrable?

There are numerous reciprocity agreements in existence. Please contact your agency’s HR specialist. You may transfer your current membership in a Public Retirement System in New York State to the New York State Employee's Retirement System (NYSLRS). Certain eligibility requirements apply. Contact NYSLRS at (866) 805-0990 for more information.

How is rank assigned?

Candidates who have identical scores are placed on the eligible list in rank number order. Rank number assignment is system-generated for candidates with identical scores. Note that candidates for NYS Court Officer-Trainee are canvassed in score order. Therefore, candidates having identical scores will be canvassed together regardless of rank number.

What work locations are available? How will I find out where I will be assigned to work as a NYS Court Officer-Trainee?

You may select ONE of four regions in New York State where you would be willing to accept an appointment as a NYS Court Officer-Trainee. You may change the selection anytime while the resulting eligible is active. Refer to the Judicial District Map for detailed Judicial District/county location information.

The regions are:

New York City (All Boroughs)
Nassau & Suffolk (10th Judicial District - Long Island)
9th Judicial District (Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester counties)
3rd to 8th Judicial Districts (All remaining NYS counties except those comprising the 7th Judicial District: NYS Court Officer-Trainees are NOT appointed in Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, Livingston, Yates, Seneca, Cayuga or Steuben counties)

The court system does not pay relocation costs.

NYC (All Boroughs)
Scores 88 and above

9th JUDICIAL DISTRICT
Scores of 88 and above

NASSAU & SUFFOLK (10th Judicial District)
Scores 88 or above

JUDICIAL DISTRICTS 3 - 8 (All Counties in JD3-JD8 - Judicial District Map)
Scores 70 and above

What is canvassing? Location Preference and Availability Inquiry?

Candidates select a location preference to identify locations where they would be willing to work. Refer to the Judicial District Map for detailed Judicial District/county location information.

Candidates are contacted via email (canvassed from the eligible list) in rank/score order when positions in their preferred locations become available.

Candidates will be emailed an Availability Inquiry form when reachable on the eligible list in their location preference and will be asked to commit to working in the selected location.

The court system does not pay relocation costs.

What is a conditional appointment?

Conditional appointment, or conditional job offer, is an offer to hire the candidate contingent on successfully passing the additional screening steps (i.e., physical ability, psychological, background evaluation, medical including drug screening).

How long will the new eligible list 45-815 be active?

Eligible lists are in existence for four years and may be extended. Consistent with civil service rules, passing candidates will be canvassed in rank order when there is a vacancy to be filled.

I am currently on active duty in the U.S. Military and was unable to take the written NYS Court Officer-Trainee Exam #45-815 . What should I do?

Contact UnifiedCourtSystemExam@nycourts.gov

I am currently on active duty in the U.S. Military. Should I accept a conditional appointment?

If you are canvassed for the NYS Court Officer-Trainee position and are currently serving on active duty, you can accept the conditional appointment and defer the screening process. Once you are given a conditional appointment and scheduled for a physical ability test, you can defer the screening process by providing a copy of your military orders along with your deferral request.

When do I start the Court Officers Academy?

It may take about six to nine months to complete all phases of the screening process after accepting a conditional appointment. Visit: Court Officers Academy

Where is the Court Officers Academy?

Academy Locations - Court Officer Training | NYCOURTS.GOV

NYC - Brooklyn

Court Officers Academy
541 St. Johns Place
Brooklyn, NY 11238

Map

Upstate Location

Court Officers Academy
2500 Pond View
Castleton-On-Hudson, NY 12033

Map

What will I be expected to do in the Court Officers Academy?

Court Officers Academy

Recruits will participate in daily physical fitness routines and are regularly assessed and tested. Upon graduation, recruits are certified as peace officers of the State of New York.
Court Officers are required to return to the Academy for additional in-service training including firearms training which is conducted at NYS Court System firing ranges located throughout the state.

Training includes but is not limited to:
•   Criminal and Civil Procedure Law
•   Basic firearms
•   Physical training and defensive tactics
•   Arrest procedures
•   Use of deadly force
•   Prisoner escort
•   Baton and pepper spray use
•   Communication skills
•   Conflict resolution
•   Gang/terrorist intelligence
•   Emergency evacuation procedures
•   Fire safety
•   Field training
•   CPS and basic first aid
•   Magnetometer/x-ray procedures
•   Other specialized training

How long is the training at the Court Officers Academy?

Recruits will receive a minimum of 4 months of law enforcement training, followed by further training at the assigned work site. Visit: Court Officers Academy

Will I be paid and receive benefits while in training?

Academy training is paid and benefits typically start six weeks after Academy appointment date.

What are the uniform requirements?

Uniform requirements will be explained to you when you enter the Academy.

What happens after I successfully complete the Court Officers Academy?

Upon successful completion of the 4 months basic law enforcement training, recruits are certified by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, Office of Public Safety, as Peace Officers of the State of New York. Recruits deploy to their assigned court locations after graduating. After successful completion of a two-year traineeship, court officers automatically promote to Judicial Grade 19 (JG-19).

Court officers have an opportunity to be assigned to specialized units such as the Special Response Team (SRT), Mobile Security Patrol (MSP) and Command Center Operations.

In addition to the opportunity to participate in specialized assignments, court officers can advance their careers through promotion to higher ranked positions within the Court Officer Title Series:
•   Court Officer-Sergeant (promotional exam)
•   Court Officer-Lieutenant (promotional exam)
•   Court Officer-Captain
•   Court Officer-Major
•   Assistant Chief Court Officer
•   Deputy Chief Court Officer
•   Chief Court Officer

Promotional opportunities are also available in the Court Officers Academy, Applicant Background Investigation Unit and the Department of Public Safety.

Visit Career in Court Security for more information.

Court Officers also have the opportunity to take additional NYS Courts promotional exams such as the Court Clerk/Senior Court Clerk exams. Visit Careers in the Courts: Court/Senior Court Clerk Title Series for more information.