PEF Region 8 Coordinator Danielle Bridger, left, joins elected officials and others to cut the ribbon opening the new testing facility on May 6, 2026.
May 7, 2026 — The New York State Department of Civil Service (DCS) unveiled a computer-based testing center on May 6. The new examination center is 1 of 12 planned centers to be opened across New York State. Located in downtown Cohoes, N.Y., DCS will begin holding examinations at the new location immediately.
“The Cohoes computer-based testing center is a great start as New York implements what PEF has long demanded – modernization that allows for efficient, accessible and convenient ways for qualified candidates to enter or remain in the State’s civil service system,” said PEF President Wayne Spence in a press release about the opening sent out by DCS. “We believe a robust civil service system rooted in the merit and fitness of candidates is critical to maintaining a state workforce and protecting it from favoritism and political patronage. PEF thanks Commissioner Hogues and Governor Hochul for their efforts, and looks forward to the other 11 centers coming online soon.”
The new computer-based examination center replaces the old model of civil service exams, which brought job seekers to schools across the region to take written paper exams. While the system has been in place for decades, the complaints of uncomfortable seats, lack of temperature control, and inconvenient scheduling led DCS to look into bringing the process into the 21st century.
“This center will make a difference in the lives of State workers looking to advance their careers,” said DCS Commissioner Timothy Hogues. “Computer-based testing provides modern and convenient access to taking promotion examinations.”
Commissioner Hogues credited PEF and President Wayne Spence with advocating for upgrades for test takers to have the best accommodations possible.
“I really appreciate the conversations we’ve had with PEF President Spence,” said Commissioner Hogues. “And as these centers open across the state, civil service promotion exams will be offered more frequently, (and) more efficiently.”
In addition to brightly colored blue-green walls and carpeting—as opposed to the “government beige” that Commissioner Hogues recalled—the center offers three classrooms capable of fitting up to 150 test takers, as well as several reasonable accommodation rooms for those who need it. Additionally, the center also offers a lactation room, for testers who may be breastfeeding at the time of examination.
At the ribbon cutting ceremony, members of the legislature championed the new center, calling it a pathway to advancement.
“Today, with the opening of this new computer-based test center here in Cohoes, we are not simply cutting a ribbon. We are opening the door for people to come in,” said New York State Senator Robert Jackson. “A door to opportunity, a door the advancement, a door to a modern, accessible and fair civil service system for the people who serve our state and who hope to serve.”
Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato echoed Senator Jackson’s sentiments but acknowledged that this process took time, care and money.
“We fought for the money to get here and to open up opportunities, and I am proud to be here today,” said Assemblymember Pheffer Amato. “This is the start of many more opportunities that we’re bringing to this state together. Jobs and careers in government are fabulous. We’re living proof of that and we have to get that next generation here.”
Assemblymember John McDonald recalled his father—a 43-year PEF member—often taking advancement tests. He said that access is critical to ensuring that things move quickly and that every generation looking to work in the public sector has a chance.
“There’s different generations of people in the workforce and all have the opportunity for advancement,” said Assemblymember McDonald. “We need to make sure that the tools of the trade reflect the needs of the people who are taking these exams.”
