Candidate Screening Process

Candidates who are successful on the written examination will be notified in order of their rank number on the eligible list when to begin the screening process. Rank numbers are determined by final test scores. Candidates will be given a conditional appointment and a date to report for Phase I screening when/if their rank is reached for the region selected on the Availability Form. Candidates must successfully complete each step in the selection process before proceeding to the next step.

Phase 1: Physical Ability Test > Fingerprints

Physical Ability Test

Candidates are required to pass a Physical Ability Test battery which consists of four tests:

(1) Push-Ups, (2) Illinois Agility Run, (3) Sit-Ups, and (4) Beep Test.

These tests assess the candidates' ability to perform the essential job tasks and meet the fitness requirements in the Court Officers Academy. The test is physically demanding and candidates must train to be successful. The links below contain information about the Physical Ability Test and how to prepare for the test (Physical Ability Preparation Guide).

Physical Ability Test Overview

PAT Prep Guide

PAT Points Table

The Office of Court Administration reserves the right to modify the Physical Ability Test at any time during the duration of the eligible list.

In order to participate in the Physical Ability Test, candidates must bring a completed Medical Release Form. The form must be signed by a medical professional (duly certified physician, nurse practitioner or physician's assistant) who has personally examined the candidate and reviewed the candidate's ability to participate in the entire test battery. Candidates who appear without the completed Medical Release Form WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE.

Medical release Form

Fingerprints

All candidates who have successfully cleared the Physical Ability Test and the Vision Screening Test will be fingerprinted at the Court Officers Academy on the first day of screening. There is no fee.

Phase 2: Written Psychological Tests > Background Investigation

Written Psychological Tests

Candidates will be required to take a series of standardized written psychological assessment tests which will be used in conjunction with a follow-up psychological interview to assess a candidate's mental health and suitability for the Court Officer-Trainee job.

Background Investigation

THE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION WILL BEGIN ONLY AFTER CANDIDATES QUALIFY ON PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST.

Only those candidates who successfully pass the Physical Ability Test can move on to the next stage of the screening process -THE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION.

Background investigations of court officer candidates are conducted by investigators from the Applicant Verification & Compliance Unit (AVCU). The background investigation is extensive and includes a review of a candidate's education, employment, military service, driving and criminal records. Candidates will be assigned to an Investigator, be interviewed and should maintain contact with the assigned investigator through-out the background investigation process. Candidates will be required to authorize the release of information from former employers, the military, schools, public agencies and other appropriate sources. Additional information may be requested of the candidate or from other outside sources. Candidates are required to inform their Investigator of any changes in status and background information. Candidates who do not cooperate with their Investigator may be disqualified from appointment.

Instructions to Candidate

Candidates must download and complete ALL FORMS shown below prior to their scheduled interview with an AVCU Investigator (ONLY AFTER SUCCESSFULLY QUALIFYING ON BOTH PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST & VISION SCREENING TEST).

PERSONAL HISTORY QUESTIONNAIRE BOOKLET (UF-1)
Complete the booklet in it's entirety. EVERY QUESTION MUST BE ANSWERED (you may indicate, "does not apply," only when applicable). Answer every question with truthfulness and without evasion. THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED IN IT'S ENTIRETY BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED INTERVIEW WITH AN ASSIGNED AVCU INVESTIGATOR. THE COMPLETED BOOKLET WILL BE REVIEWED DURING THE INTERVIEW.

AUTHORIZATION FORM (UF-3)

NYC DEPT OF SOCIAL SERVICES FORM

NYS DEPT OF LABOR FORM

US MILITARY RECORD REQUEST

PHOTO REQUIREMENTS

You must obtain a Non-Certified Itemized Statement of Earnings Printout (SSA-7050) FROM THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION before your scheduled interview.
SSA-7050
(800) 772-1213

The printout must be submitted at your scheduled Background Interview.

The printout must cover the period from the year you left High School to present.

It may be obtained on the same day ONLY if requested in-person.

Please note if requested by mail, it may take up to 6 to 8 weeks for you to receive it, resulting in a delay of your investigation.

Candidates must bring the following documents to their scheduled interviews:

Birth certificate (Original and Copy)

Marriage Certificate (if applicable). Certificate must be issued by a government body. (Original and Copy)

Records of divorce - "Finding of Facts," Annulment of Legal Separation (if applicable). (Original and Copy)

Documentary proof of any name changes such as marriage(s), adoptions, divorces decrees, etc.

Naturalization Papers- Applicants not born in the United States MUST provide a certified copy of one of the following: (1) naturalization papers; (2) Department of State birth certificate; or (3) currently valid United States Passport

Social Security Card (Original and Copy)

High School Diploma; Equivalency Diploma and Test Scores (if applicable) (Original and Copy)

College Transcript - (Original and Copy)

Driver's License(s)/ Vehicle Registration Card(s) and Drivers Lifetime Abstract(s) from ALL states (in which you are or have been licensed).

Proof of Current New York State Residency –Bring two (2) or more documents which have your name, address, and date. For Example: bank or credit card statements; Con Ed, National Grid, or telephone bills, etc.

DD-214 and Discharge Papers
Applies to applicants with military service

Original Certificate(s) of Disposition(s) for ALL arrests and or summonses.

Phase 3: Psychological Interview > Evaluation Board

Psychological Interview

Candidates will be required to undergo a psychological interview with a licensed clinical psychologist. A candidate's psychological suitability for the job will be based on the interview, the written psychological tests and the background investigation report.

Evaluation Board

The candidate's background history will be reviewed by a panel of court managers, security professionals and administrative staff who determine the candidate's fitness for appointment as a NYS Court Officer-Trainee.

Phase 4: Pre-Appointment Medical Exam > Appointment to Academy

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.

Medical History Questionnaire

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:

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.

Appointment to Academy

To be appointed to the NYS Court Officers Academy, candidates must be at least 20.5 years old and possess a valid NYS Driver's license.

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

NYS Court Officer Candidates Candidate Screening Process

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