THE PATH TO making a difference

All Police Officers are hired from a list of eligible candidates based on a NYS Civil Service Examination.  Applicants who successfully pass are then ranked on an eligibility list by their test scores. 

The following exams are posted and administered by the Broome County Office of Personnel.  

1. Police Officer Exam | for local municipalities (IE: Johnson City, Endicott, Vestal, Etc.)
2. Deputy Sheriff | for the Broome County Sheriff's Office

• Exams will be posted here: https://www.gobroomecounty.com/personnel/exams-oc

• The City of Binghamton Police Exam is governed by the Binghamton Civil Service Commission. Refer to this link for information on taking the Binghamton Police Exam: https://joinbpd.com

Candidates can cross-file so that you can take one exam but be qualified for multiple exam lists.  For example, if you wish to take the Police Officer exam, but also want to qualify for the Deputy Sheriff exam and the Binghamton Police exam, you must 'cross-file' for all tests.  Cross-filing requires you to submit the respective exam application and fees for each exam, but on the exam date, you only need to take the one exam.  That exam's score will count on all cross-filed lists.  Be sure to follow the directions from the Broome County Office of Personnel on how to cross-file.

You must file your application with the processing fee or waiver by the date specified on the exam announcement. 

Thoroughly read all of the Instructions and requirements for the exam which are outlined in the exam announcement.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Age: Candidates must be at least 19 years of age on or before the date of the written examination. Eligibility for appointment begins when the candidate reaches age 20. Candidates who reach their 35th birthday on or before the date of written examination are not qualified except as follows:* Candidates may have a period of military duty or terminal leave up to six years, as defined in Section 243(10-a) of the Military Law, deducted from their age for purposes of determining whether they meet the age requirement.
2. Education: Candidates must possess a high school graduate or hold an equivalency diploma
3. Driver's License: Candidates must possess a VALID New York State Operator's License at the time of appointment.
4. Citizenship: United States citizenship is required at time of appointment. It is not necessary for admission to the examination.

Once you pass the written Civil Service examinations, you must pass a physical fitness screening test in order to be placed on a list of eligible candidates for Police Officer.   

The PT Exam components:

1. Core Body | The requirement is for a number of bent-leg sit-ups to be performed in one minute.
2. Upper Body | This test measures muscular endurance of the upper body – (anterior deltoid, pectorals major and triceps). The requirement is for a number of full body repetitions that a candidate must complete without breaks.
3. Cardiovascular Capacity | 1.5 mile run: the requirement is for the attainment of a score calculated in minutes and seconds.

Minimum Passing Scores:

AGE/SEX     SIT-UP     PUSH-UP     1.5 MI RUN

MALE

Up to 29          38                 29                  12:38

30-39                35                 24                  12:58

FEMALE

Up to 29           32                  15                 14:50

30-39                 25                  11                 15:43

The minimum passing scores, depending on age and sex, represent the fortieth (40th) percentile of physical fitness as established by the Cooper Institute. Failure on a part of qualifying test will remove your name from further consideration for appointment.  Failure to appear for a scheduled physical fitness screening test will remove your name from further consideration for appointment.

Candidates may be subject to additional physical fitness screening tests annually to remain on the list of eligible candidates. 

TIP: Candidates seriously interested in employment should train to be capable of performing much higher than the minimum standards stated above.  If hired, recruits in the police academy will be tested periodically and must pass the minimum standard to maintain employment.  A recruit who is only capable of performing the minimum standard may struggle to maintain composure during the physically and mentally demanding academy.  

Local police agencies may mail Canvass Letters to or otherwise contact candidates based on qualifying test score brackets.  A canvass is conducted as an inquiry into your interest in a position as a police officer with the specific police agency that contacts you.  If you receive a Canvass Letter, you must complete the form properly and return the letter by the return date in order to be advance to the next step.  Failure to return a properly completed letter, or returning a letter indicating that you are not interested in the position will result in the removal of the candidate from the eligibility list.  

If your home address and/or contact information changes after your initial application, make sure you update your address and/or contact information with the Broome County Office of Personnel.

Candidates who return the canvass letter and are interested in a position may be contacted by an police agency for an interview.  An oral interview will be conducted by the police administration to assess the candidate's personal accomplishments, abilities, values, strengths, weaknesses, interpersonal skills, oral communication skills, and other personality-related questions.  Scenario-based questions will also be asked to help evaluation problem solving skills. 

A thorough investigation is conducted by Detectives to determine not only if the candidate meets the requirements to become a police officer, but to also help identify traits, past behavior, character references, and moral standards of the candidate which may or may not support the candidate's qualifications of becoming a police officer.  The investigation will dig deep into the following aspects of the candidate's personal life, including interviews with family, friends, neighbors, as well as former employers and co-workers.

1. Education 
2. Employment History 
3. Family & Friends
4. Criminal Record
5. Driving Record
6. Credit History
7. Military Service

• Information provided by the candidate in the background check will be verified for accuracy

Candidates are required to complete a psychological exam and medical exam to determine if they are able to perform the duties of the job.

Click the link below to learn more about the Medical and Physical Fitness Standards and Procedures for Police Officer Candidates:

Upon the successful completion of all prior steps, the Department can make offers of employment.  Candidates who accept the position will be hired by the agency and become a probationary police officer recruit.  The recruit officer must complete the Basic Course for Police Officers "Police Academy" within one year of appointment and pass the subsequent field training period in order to attain permanent Police Officer status.