Just a friendly reminder: the translation may not be perfectly accurate. We recommend giving it a quick review. Thank you!
NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS)

ZOHRAN KWAME MAMDANI
Mayor

      DEPARTMENT OF CITYWIDE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
BUREAU OF EXAMINATIONS

YUME KITASEI
Commissioner

NOTICE OF EXAMINATION

       PROMOTION TO Captain (Fire)
      Exam No. 6567

When To Apply:

From: 

April 1, 2026

To:

April 21, 2026

Application Fee: $101.00

Candidates paying the application fee with a credit, debit, or gift card will incur a nonrefundable 2.00% service fee. However, veterans, unemployed individuals, and those receiving public assistance or supplementary security income qualify for a fee waiver.

THE TEST DATE: Multiple-choice testing is expected to begin on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

  YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR READING THIS ENTIRE NOTICE
BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION.

 

WHAT THE JOB INVOLVES:

Captains in the Fire Department, under general direction, are responsible for the command and control of a company. They command and assume responsibility for the efficient operation of a company; are responsible for the discipline of members in their command, and for the maintenance and protection of all department property in or assigned to the unit; perform all other duties prescribed for this position in the regulations of the department; and drive a motor vehicle. All Captains (Fire) perform related work.
(This is a brief description of what you might do in this position and does not include all the duties of this position.)

THE SALARY:

The current minimum salary is $141,537 per annum. This rate is subject to change.

ELIGIBILITY TO TAKE EXAMINATION:

This examination is open to each employee of the New York City Fire Department who on the first date of the multiple-choice test: 

  1. holds a permanent (not provisional) competitive appointment or appears on a Preferred List (see Note, below) for the title of Lieutenant (Fire), or Supervising Fire Marshal (Uniformed); and
  2. has previously served permanently in the title of Lieutenant in the Fire Department for a period of not less than one day; and
  3. is not otherwise ineligible.

(Note: A "Preferred List" is a civil service list which is only for certain former permanent employees of the eligible title who have rehiring rights.)

This examination is also open to employees who were appointed to an eligible title pursuant to New York State Civil Service Law, section 55-a, and who meet all other eligibility requirements.

If you do not know if you are eligible, check with your agency's personnel office. You may be given the test before we verify your eligibility. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for this examination before submitting your application. If it is determined before the test date that you are not eligible to participate in this examination, you will not receive an Admission Notice to take the multiple-choice test, you will not be permitted into the test site, and your application fee will not be refunded. If it is determined after the test date that you are not eligible to participate in this examination, your application fee will not be refunded and you will not receive a score.

ELIGIBILITY TO BE PROMOTED:

In order to be eligible for promotion, you must have completed your probationary period in the eligible title as indicated in the above "Eligibility To Take Examination" section, and you must be permanently employed in the eligible title or your name must appear on a Preferred List for the eligible title at the time of promotion. Additionally, you must have served permanently in the eligible title for at least one year.
 
Note: See “EFFECTS OF A BREAK IN SERVICE” section, below.
 
 

REQUIREMENT(S) TO BE PROMOTED:

Education Requirement: By the date of promotion, you must have completed at least 80 college semester credits or the educational equivalent of 80 college semester credits, as described in the next paragraph. You must submit all official documents and proof required to qualify (e.g. transcripts, PONSI or ACE evaluations, and/or foreign education evaluation) to the FDNY Bureau of Personnel, Promotion Desk at least four weeks prior to the date of promotion.

The college credits must have been earned as a result of satisfactory completion of course work at a college or university accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (“CHEA”) or, if the credits have been earned at a foreign college, the credits must be evaluated by an approved Foreign Education Evaluation Service. Non-collegiate training programs that are offered by various organizations, including the Fire Department, may be acceptable as educational equivalents of college credits if the programs have been evaluated by the Program on Non-Collegiate Sponsored Instruction (“PONSI”) or the American Council of Education (“ACE”), and recommended for college credit.

Driver License Requirement: By the time you are promoted to this position, you must have a motor vehicle driver license valid in the State of New York. If you have moving violations, license suspension(s) or an accident record, you may be disqualified. This license must be maintained for the duration of your employment.


HOW TO APPLY:

Apply through the Online Application System (OASys) at www.nyc.gov/examsforjobs. Follow the onscreen application instructions to submit your application and payment. A valid email address is required. Free email accounts are available from Google, Yahoo!, AOL, Outlook.com, or Mail.com.

New OASys accounts must be verified to confirm your email address is valid and that you have access to the email account. You will receive a confirmation email from OASys to confirm your account upon registering for your OASys account. If any issues arise, contact DCAS at nyc.gov/CivilServiceNowNYC and select the applicable subject. If you do not receive the confirmation email, check your spam or junk mail folder before contacting DCAS.

You can pay with major credit cards, bank cards, or prepaid debit cards with a credit card logo. Veterans and individuals receiving certain public assistance may qualify for a fee waiver. For more information on eligibility and required documentation, visit the Fee Waiver FAQs on OASys at https://a856-exams.nyc.gov/OASysWeb/faqs.

You may come to the DCAS Computer-based Testing & Application Centers to apply for this examination online.

The centers will be open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM:

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens
2 Lafayette Street 210 Joralemon Street 118-35 Queens Boulevard
17th Floor 4th Floor 5th Floor
New York, NY 10007 Brooklyn, NY 11201 Forest Hills, NY 11375
Staten Island Bronx
135 Canal Street 1932 Arthur Avenue
3rd Floor 2nd Floor
Staten Island, NY 10304 Bronx, NY 10457
 
 

Application Receipt:

After applying for the examination through the Online Application System (OASys), expect an immediate receipt via email. If you don't see it, be sure to check your Junk, Trash, or Spam folders. Alternatively, you can view a summary of your application status on your OASys Dashboard under "Notifications."

If you still can't find the email, contact DCAS at nyc.gov/CivilServiceNowNYC and select the applicable subject. Include your exam number and profile number for easier identification. Also, verify that your email address in your profile is accurate and up to date. Finally, add OASys@dcas.nyc.gov to your known senders to ensure you receive all important communications.

Special Circumstances Guide:

This Guide provides instructions for requesting alternate test dates for religious observances, how to apply for disability accommodations, Legacy credit, and address changes. Following the relevant instructions in the guide is crucial when filling out the "Application for Examination." Guide Link: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dcas/downloads/pdf/employment/pdf_c_special_circumstances_guide.pdf

Civil Service Guidance for Veterans:

There are a range of benefits available to eligible veterans in their civil service careers. Specifically, veterans and disabled veterans may be eligible for application fee waivers, preference credits, make-up exams, retroactive seniority, and age deduction where the exam has maximum age requirements. Review the Civil Service Guidance for Veterans at: https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dcas/downloads/pdf/employment/faqs-for-veterans.pdf

PENALTY FOR MISREPRESENTATION:

Any intentional misrepresentation on the application or examination may result in disqualification, even after promotion, and may result in criminal prosecution.

REQUIRED INFORMATION:

Application for Examination: Follow the online instructions, including those relating to the payment of fee and, if applicable, those found in the Special Circumstances Guide.



THE TEST:

The multiple-choice test will be given at a computer terminal. A score of at least 70% is required to pass this test. Your score on this test will determine 50% of your final score. Your seniority and awards will determine the remaining 50%. You must pass the multiple-choice test to have your seniority and awards credited and if applicable, Veterans’ Preference credit.

The multiple-choice test is designed to assess the extent to which candidates have certain knowledge and abilities determined to be important to the performance of the tasks of a Captain (Fire). Task categories to be tested are as follows: Shift Preparation; Emergency Scene Alarm and Response; Size-up, Tactics, and Incident Command; Hazardous Materials Response; Search and Rescue; Supervision of Ladder Work; Ventilation, Salvage, and Overhaul Operations; First Aid; Fire Cause Investigations; Pre-Fire Planning; Return to Service; Information Gathering, Report Writing, and Records Maintenance; Station and Apparatus Policy Enforcement; Subordinate Monitoring, Evaluation, and Counseling; Subordinate and Superior Communication; Company Training; Community Relations; and Supervision of Engine Work. 

The test may include questions which require working knowledge or better (without Reference Material) in effect up to and including March 1, 2026 from the following non-exclusive list of sources: All Unit Circulars (3, 5 Chapter 2 [Including Adds. 1, 2, 3,4, 7], 5 Chapter 3; Basic Engine Operations; CFR Manual (Chapters: 2, 3, 5); Communications Manual (Chapters: 2, 4, 6, 8 9 10 ,11, 12, 13, 14); Emergency Procedures: (Confined Space Operations, Disentanglement Vehicle Disentanglement and Patient Extrication, Suspended Scaffold Emergencies, Steam System Emergencies , Water Rescue 1, Water Rescue 1 Add. 1, Water Rescue 2, Water Rescue 2 Add. 1, Water Rescue 2 Add. 2, Water Rescue 3, Water Rescue 4, Water Rescue 5, Natural Gas Emergencies and Fires Omit Checklist, Natural Gas Add. 2, Natural Gas Add. 4, Natural Gas Add. 5, Elevator Emergencies, Emergencies and Fires Involving Escalators, Trench and Excavation Operations; Evolutions: (18, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 31A, 31B, 31C, 33, 33A, 34); Firefighting Procedures: (Volume 1: Book 1: Multiple Dwellings Glossary, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Book 2: Row frame And Brownstone Building Fires, Book 3: Vacant Building Fires, Book 4: Taxpayer Fires, Book 5: High Rise Office Building Fires, Book 6: Private Dwellings Chapters 1-7, Book 7: Structural Collapse Operations Collapse Operations Add. 2, Collapse Operations Add. 3, Book 8: Under River Rail Operations, Book 9: Loft Building Fires, Book 10: Ventilation, Book 12: Places of Worship, Book 13: Overhaul Operations, Book 14: FD Use of Elevators); Managing Members in Distress (Chapters 1, 2, 3, 3 Add. 1, 3 Add. 2, 3 Add. 4); Emergency Response Plan: (Only Add. 3, Add. 3A, Add. 3B); Hazardous Materials: (Chapters 4, 4 Addendum 1, 7, 11, 18, 19, 20, 21); ICS Manual: (Chapters 2 Add. 3, 2 Add. 4, 2 Add. 6); Ladder Company Operations: (Books 1, 2, 2 Add. 1, 3, 6 Chapters 1-5); Regulations for the Uniform Force: (Chapters: 10, 11, 13, 19, 20); Safety Bulletins (2 Chapters 1-8, 3, 7 Chapters 1-6, 8); Training Bulletins: (Apparatus C-2 Add. 1, Apparatus C-2 Add. 2, Apparatus C-2 Add. 3, Apparatus L-7, Arson Detection, Fires 7, Foam Addendum 3, Foam Evolution 1, Forcible Entry 1, Forcible Entry 2, Fire Dynamics [Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 4 Add. 1, 4 Add. 2], Rope 1, Rope 3, Rope 4, Rope 5, Rope 6, Rope 9, Rope 11, Salvage Operations, SCBA [incl. Adds. 1, 2, 8, 10, 11], Search, Tools 1, 2, 3, 8 9, 9 Appendix 1, 20, 24, 24 Add. 1, 26, 27, Tools 27 Data Sheet 1, Tools 28, Tools 28 Data Sheet 1, Tools 28 Data Sheet 2, Tools 30, Tools 31, Tools 37, Tools 39, Tools 40, Tools 41, Tools 42.

Additionally, the test may include questions which require working knowledge or better (with Reference Material) in effect up to and including March 1, 2026 from the following non-exclusive list of sources: All Unit Circulars (184, 254,287; Basic Engine Operations: (3 Add. 1); Ladder Company Operations: (Book 6: Chapter 8); PA/ID’s: (1 Chapters 2, 3, 6, 8, 10, 15,16; 2 Chapters 1-2; 3 Chapters 1-2; 5 Chapters 1-2; 6 Chapters 1-2; 8 Chapters 2, 10, 13, 14; 9 Chapters 12-13); Regulations for the Uniform Force: (Chapter: 22); standards of proper employee ethical conduct , including the provisions of Mayor's Executive Order No. 16 of 1978 as amended; and other related areas.

The test may also include questions requiring the use of any of the following abilities:

Analytical Thinking: Analyzing information and using logic to address specific work-related issues and problems; involves the identification of problems, not implementation of solutions. Example: A Captain (Fire) may use this ability to anticipate a chauffeur shortage.

Attention to Detail: Being careful and thorough in completing work tasks. Example: A Captain (Fire) may use this ability for roster management.

Coaching & Mentoring: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills. Example: A Captain (Fire) may use this ability for guiding new Lieutenants.

Planning and Organizing: Establishing a course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a specific goal; planning proper assignment of personnel and appropriate allocation of resources. Example: A Captain (Fire) may use this ability when preparing the riding list and giving members assignments at roll call.

Prioritization: Determining which tasks or problems should be accomplished or corrected before others. Example: A Captain (Fire) may use this ability when responding to phone calls and emails.

Problem Identification and Analysis: Identifying problems, securing relevant information, relating data from different sources, and identifying possible causes of problems. Example: A Captain (Fire) may use this ability when conducting size-up at emergency incidents to determine if additional personnel or equipment is needed at the emergency site.

Certain questions may need to be answered on the basis of documents or other information supplied to the candidates on the date of the multiple-choice exam.


SENIORITY AND AWARDS:

Additional points for Seniority and Departmental Awards, if applicable, will be awarded only to candidates who pass the multiple-choice test.

Method of computing seniority: Use the following chart to determine the score for seniority for permanent service in the eligible titles, subject to the conditions below:

 
 
 
 

 

If Your Date of Permanent Appointment to the eligible titles is: You Will Receive: If Your Date of Permanent Appointment to the eligible titles is: You Will Receive:
7/15/26 or after not eligible 4/15/21 - 7/14/21 80.000 percent
4/15/26 - 7/14/26 70.000 percent 1/15/21 - 4/14/21 80.250 percent
1/15/26 - 4/14/26 70.500 percent 10/15/20 - 1/14/21 80.500 percent
10/15/25 - 1/14/26 71.000 percent 7/15/20 - 10/14/20 80.750 percent
7/15/25 - 10/14/25 71.500 percent 4/15/20 - 7/14/20 81.000 percent
4/15/25 - 7/14/25 72.000 percent 1/15/20 - 4/14/20 81.250 percent
1/15/25 - 4/14/25 72.500 percent 10/15/19 - 1/14/20 81.500 percent
10/15/24 - 1/14/25 73.000 percent 7/15/19 - 10/14/19 81.750 percent
7/15/24 - 10/14/24 73.500 percent 4/15/19 - 7/14/19 82.000 percent
4/15/24 - 7/14/24 74.000 percent 1/15/19 - 4/14/19 82.250 percent
1/15/24 - 4/14/24 74.500 percent 10/15/18 - 1/14/19 82.500 percent
10/15/23 - 1/14/24 75.000 percent 7/15/18 - 10/14/18 82.750 percent
7/15/23 - 10/14/23 75.500 percent 4/15/18 - 7/14/18 83.000 percent
4/15/23 - 7/14/23 76.000 percent 1/15/18 - 4/14/18 83.250 percent
1/15/23 - 4/14/23 76.500 percent 10/15/17 - 1/14/18 83.500 percent
10/15/22 - 1/14/23 77.000 percent 7/15/17 - 10/14/17 83.750 percent
7/15/22 - 10/14/22 77.500 percent 4/15/17 - 7/14/17 84.000 percent
4/15/22 - 7/14/22 78.000 percent 1/15/17 - 4/14/17 84.250 percent
1/15/22 - 4/14/22 78.500 percent 10/15/16 - 1/14/17 84.500 percent
10/15/21 - 1/14/22 79.000 percent 7/15/16 - 10/14/16 84.750 percent
7/15/21 - 10/14/21 79.500 percent 4/14/16 or earlier 85.000 percent

Conditions: Service in titles other than the eligible titles will not be given seniority credit, except as provided by law. No credit will be given for more than the actual amount of service an eligible has, except as provided by Section 243 of the NYS Military Law. Any employee who, pursuant to court order or otherwise, has been accorded retroactive seniority by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services in the title of Lieutenant (Fire Department) or other eligible title shall be given appropriate credit.

Note: See “EFFECTS OF A BREAK IN SERVICE” section, below.

Awards: Use the following chart to determine the points to be added for Departmental Awards to your Seniority and Award score.

For Each Award: Add the Following Points:
Roll of Merit, Class 1  1.500 percent
Roll of Merit, Class 2  1.000 percent
Roll of Merit, Class 3  0.500 percent
Service Rating A  0.250 percent
Service Rating B  0.125 percent
Unit Citation  0.063 percent
Pre-hospital Save Commendation (post 7/1/07)  0.063 percent

Terms and Conditions Governing Credit for Departmental Awards:

  1. Credit for awards is granted in one successful examination only, i.e., an examination in which the participating candidate attains a place on the eligible list and from which list he/she is subsequently promoted and passes probation. Credit for an award will not be split between two promotion exams. If a candidate previously reached the maximum on Seniority and Department Awards for other promotion exams by using less than the full value of an award, the remainder of the value of the award will not be granted on this examination.
  2. Credit for awards must be used by the candidate at the earliest opportunity, i.e. in the first successful examination following acquisition and recognition of the award. Credit for awards will be granted in date order, i.e., oldest awards will be credited first.
  3. Only departmental awards which have actually been granted on or before the date of the written test will be credited. Any additional credit earned for awards beyond the maximum may be granted in a subsequent promotion examination, except for awards given partial credit as a result of reaching the maximum on this or previous exams.

The maximum score attainable for seniority and departmental awards is 100%.


EFFECTS OF A BREAK IN SERVICE:

The period of a break in service will not be credited toward eligibility to be promoted or in the computation of seniority credits. Additionally, any time served prior to a break in service of more than one year will not be credited for these purposes.


EXAM SITE ADMISSION:

Your Admission Notice will be available on your Dashboard in OASys 14 days before the first date on which testing is expected to begin. Test site assignments will take your address into consideration, but nearness to your address cannot be guaranteed.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Warning: The use of electronic devices at the test site is strictly prohibited. This includes phones, smart watches, cameras, e-cigarettes, vape pens and/or other portable media or electronic devices. Any of these items brought to the test site will be placed in a Yondr pouch and sealed until after the exam event (Examination, Protest Review Session, TVB session). Headphones and earbuds are also not allowed. Only basic, hand-held calculators with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division functions are permitted; calculators with additional features are banned and will be sealed in a Yondr pouch if brought to the site. If you use any prohibited devices or remove them from your Yondr pouch without authorization-whether in the testing area, restroom, hallway, or any other location-you will have your test score nullified, be barred from taking civil service tests for up to five years and forfeit your application fee.

If you have a medical assistive device that sends alerts or vibrates, you must obtain written authorization from DCAS to use during the test. To request authorization, contact DCAS at testingaccommodations@dcas.nyc.gov. Furthermore, you cannot bring anyone with you while being processed or taking the test, and no one is allowed to wait for you inside the Computer-based Testing & Application Center during the exam.

Required Identification: To enter the test site, you must bring one valid (non-expired) ID that includes both your signature and photo. The name on your ID must match the first and last name used in your exam application. If you fail to provide an acceptable form of identification, you may be denied entry to the test. Acceptable forms of identification (bring one) are as follows: State issued driver's license, City or State issued identification card, IDNYC, US Government issued Passport, US Government issued Military Identification Card, US Government issued Alien Registration Card, Employer ID with photo, or Student ID with photo.

Leaving: After completing your test, you must leave the test site immediately. If you exit the site after being fingerprinted but before finishing the test, you will not be allowed to re-enter. Ignoring this instruction and attempting to re-enter could result in not receiving your test results, nullification of your test score, and forfeiture of your application fee.

CHANGE OF MAILING ADDRESS, EMAIL ADDRESS, AND/OR TELEPHONE NUMBER:

It is essential to promptly notify DCAS of any changes to your mailing address, email address, or phone number. Without your correct contact information, you may miss important updates regarding your exam(s), appointment considerations, or critical information that requires a timely response. To update your contact information, follow these steps:
  • City Employees: update your information in NYCAPS Employee Self-Service (ESS) at www.nyc.gov/ess
  • All Others: Log into your OASys account at www.nyc.gov/examsforjobs, navigate to your Dashboard, and update your Profile page.

CHANGE OF NAME AND/OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:

To change your name and/or social security number with DCAS, use the Data Correction Form and follow all instructions provided. You can access the DCAS Data Correction Form at the following link: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dcas/downloads/pdf/employment/dp148a.pdf.

THE TEST RESULTS:

If you pass the multiple-choice test and are marked eligible, your name will be placed on the eligible list in final score order. You will receive a list number and be notified of your test results via email. This eligible list determines the order of candidates considered for promotion, usually active for four years.

For more information about the civil service system, visit: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dcas/employment/more-about-civil-service.page.

If you believe your test was rated incorrectly, you can appeal your score to DCAS, Committee on Manifest Errors, using the Online Application System (OASys). Your appeal must clearly state the reasons for requesting a higher score and may result in a different rating.


SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS:

Late Filing:

Consult your agency's personnel office to determine the procedure for filing a late application if you meet one or more of the following conditions:

  1. You are absent from work for at least one-half of the application period and cannot apply for reasons such as vacation, sick leave or military duty; or
  2. You become eligible after the above application period closed but before the date on which testing is expected to begin
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Make-up Test:

You may apply for a make-up test if you cannot take the test on the regular test date(s) for any of the following reasons:

  1. being ordered to military duty; or
  2. compulsory attendance before a court or other public body or official having the power to compel attendance; or
  3. on-the-job injury or illness caused by municipal employment where you are an officer or employee of the City; or
  4. absence from the test within one week after the death of a spouse, domestic partner, parent, parent-in-law, sibling, child or child of a domestic partner where you are an officer or employee of the City; or
  5. a clear error for which the Department of Citywide Administrative Services or the examining agency is responsible; or
  6. a temporary disability; or
  7. pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition.

To request a make-up test, contact Administration, Customer, and Exam Support (ACES) by email at testingaccommodations@dcas.nyc.gov, as soon as possible, and include documentation of the special circumstances that caused you to miss your test.

READ CAREFULLY AND SAVE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

The General Examination Regulations of the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) apply to this examination and are part of this Notice of Examination. They are posted at nyc.gov/dcas and copies are available at the DCAS Computer-based Testing & Application Centers.

The City of New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Title Code No. 70365; Fire Service.
For information about other exams, and your exam or list status, call 212-669-1357.
Internet: nyc.gov/dcas