Pre-Appointment Medical Exam
Candidates must download and complete the Medical History Questionnaire shown below prior to their scheduled pre-appointment medical examination and bring it with them to their appointment.
Candidates are required to meet specific medical requirements at the time of the medical examination and at the time of appointment. The pre-appointment medical examination includes a comprehensive physical examination with a licensed physician assessing the following categories:
- Visual System
- Cardiovascular System
- Auditory System
- Respiratory System
- Endocrine & Metabolic System
- Gastrointestinal System
- Genitourinary System
- Integumentary System
- Musculoskelatal System
- Neurological System
Phase 1: Physical Ability Test > Vision Test > Fingerprints
Phase 2: Written Psychological Tests > Background Investigation
Phase 3: Psychological Interview > Evaluation Board
Phase 4: Pre-Appointment Medical Exam > Appointment to Academy
Below is summary of the current medical standards. The Office of Court Administration reserves the right to modify these standards at any time during the duration of the list.
Visual System
Near vision: Candidates must have near visual acuity of 20/40 or better in both eyes either corrected or uncorrected.
Far vision: Testing each eye separately, candidates must have at least 20/30 or better in the best eye and 20/100 or better in the worse eye with or without corrective lenses; and with uncorrected visual acuity of 20/100 or better testing both eyes together.
The visual fields must not be less than 140 degrees and color vision is also required. Candidates who fail the standard color vision tests will be given the Farnsworth-Munsell D-15 Test. Stereopsis will also be tested.
There is a mandatory minimum 30-day waiting period for candidates requiring corrective eye surgery (e.g. LASIK) before being allowed to enter the Court Officers Academy
Blood Pressure
Candidates are qualified if blood pressure does not exceed 140/90. Candidates are evaluated if blood pressure exceeds 140/90. Candidates are disqualified if blood pressure exceeds 160/100.
Hearing Test
Candidates must be able to pass an audiometric test of hearing acuity. Use of hearing aid is permitted. Each ear is tested at the frequency ranges of 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 6000 Hz. A candidate is qualified if the bilateral hearing loss is less than or equal to 25 dB for the average of the following frequencies: 500, 1000, 2000, 3000 Hz, with no single threshold greater than 30 dB HL in each ear; and, no greater than a 45dB loss at 4000 and 6000 Hz in either ear AND meets criteria listed in A and B below:
A: Difference in hearing levels between the better ear thresholds and worse ear thresholds does not exceed 15 dB for the average of 500,1000,2000, and 3000 Hz, only.
B: Difference in hearing levels between the better ear and the worse ear does not exceed 30 dB at 4000 or 6000 HZ only.
Candidates who fail the hearing test may submit Hearing Recourse Testing (Including Sound Field Testing) if their scores fall within the eligible range. Use of hearing aid is permitted.
Pulmonary Function Test
Candidates will be assessed for pulmonary function. The Total Lung Capacity (TLC) must be within normal values:
FEV1- 80% or greater; OR
PEF - 80% or greater
Blood Test
A blood test will be administered to screen for hematological abnormalities.
Urine/Drug Screen Test
Candidates will be given a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use. Candidates who test positive for illegal substances are disqualified.
Medical Re-Evaluation
Re-evaluation Procedures
A candidate who is medically disqualified may be re-evaluated by a physician designated by the NYS Unified Court System for a final determination. Some disqualifications such as illegal drug use will not be re-evaluated.