Customer Care Phone Number

Introduction: Navigating the application fee refund policy for the NYC School Safety Agent Exam (No. 6325) can be confusing. This guide explains exactly who qualifies for a refund, the strict deadlines you must meet, and the critical steps to get your $54 application fee back. The key takeaway: refunds are rare and typically only granted under specific, documented circumstances; knowing the rules before you apply is essential.

1. ELIGIBILITY & DEADLINE DECODER

Understanding if you qualify for a refund is the first crucial step. The policy is strict, and most application fees are non-refundable.

Quick-Reference Eligibility Table

Application Fee Refund Decision Flowchart

flowchart TD
    A[Paid $54 Application Fee] --> B{Why are you<br>seeking a refund?};
    B --> C[“Changed Mind /<br>‘Not Qualified’”];
    B --> D[“Missed Exam Due to<br>Eligible Special Circumstance”];
    B --> E[“Violated Test Rules<br>(e.g., used phone)”];
    C --> F[“Refund: NO<br>Fee is forfeited.”];
    D --> G[“Contact ACES immediately!<br>Email: testingaccommodations@dcas.nyc.gov”];
    E --> H[“Refund: NO<br>Fee is forfeited & score nullified.”];
    G --> I{“Submit Required<br>Documentation?”};
    I -- Yes --> J[“Refund/Transfer: LIKELY<br>Fee applied to make-up test.”];
    I -- No --> K[“Refund: NO<br>Treated as a 'No-Show'.”];

2. STEP-BY-STEP CLAIM PROCESS (For Eligible Scenarios)

If you miss your exam for a qualifying reason (see Section 4), follow these steps meticulously.

Step 1: Immediate Notification

• Action: Contact DCAS’s Administration, Customer, and Exam Support (ACES) unit as soon as possible after realizing you cannot test.
• Method: Email testingaccommodations@dcas.nyc.gov.
• Content: State your full name, OASys Profile ID, Exam No. (6325), and the reason for missing the test.
• Pitfall to Avoid: Waiting. Delayed notification is a primary reason for denial.

Step 2: Gather & Submit Documentation

• Required Proof: You must provide verifiable documentation for your claim.
• Examples:
  • Military Orders: Official copy.
  • Court Subpoena: Signed by the court.
  • Medical Emergency: Doctor’s note on letterhead (for you, or in case of bereavement for an immediate family member).
  • On-the-Job Injury: City agency documentation.
• Pitfall to Avoid: Submitting vague or insufficient proof. A note saying “unable to attend” is not enough.

Step 3: Follow ACES Instructions

• Action: ACES will review your request and, if approved, provide instructions for rescheduling (a make-up test).
• Key Point: The fee is typically transferred to the new test date rather than refunded as a cash payment.
• Pitfall to Avoid: Assuming approval. Do not assume your request is granted until you receive official confirmation and a new admission notice.

Step 4: Attend the Make-Up Test

• Action: Once rescheduled, you must attend the make-up exam. The same strict test-day rules apply.
• Pitfall to Avoid: Missing the make-up test. This will almost certainly result in permanent forfeiture of your fee.

3. REFUND SCENARIOS: WHAT’S COVERED VS. WHAT’S NOT

This table outlines common situations based on the official Notice of Examination.

4. PRO TIPS & COMMON REJECTION REASONS

Maximize Your Chances & Avoid Denial:

• Apply with Certainty: Only submit your application and payment when you are sure you meet the qualifications and can commit to the expected test period (starting March 23, 2026).
• Document Everything: If an emergency arises, start collecting official documentation immediately.
• Use a Fee Waiver if Eligible: Veterans, unemployed individuals, and those receiving public assistance may qualify for a fee waiver. This is the only sure way to avoid losing money if you are later disqualified. Apply for the waiver during the initial application via OASys.
• Know the Test Rules: A single mistake with your phone can cost you $54 and your chance at the job. Leave all electronics at home.

Most Common Reasons for Refund Denial:

1. Insufficient or Late Documentation: The #1 reason. Your word is not enough.
2. Missing the Deadline: Not contacting ACES promptly after the incident.
3. Not a Qualifying Reason: Personal travel, work conflicts (unless for City employment), or minor illness without a doctor’s note are not valid excuses.
4. Being Deemed “Not Qualified”: It is your responsibility to verify eligibility before applying. No refunds are given for this.

Appeal Procedure:
If your make-up request is denied, you can attempt to appeal by:

1. Replying to the denial email from ACES with further clarifying evidence.
2. Contacting DCAS via the general portal at nyc.gov/CivilServiceNowNYC.
3. Be persistent, polite, and factual. Cite the specific “Make-up Test” reasons from the official notice (Section 4 in the provided document).

5. TIMELINE & WHAT TO EXPECT

Typical Process for an Approved Make-Up/Refund Request:

[Application & Payment] → [Miss Exam for Valid Reason] → [Immediate Email to ACES with Docs]
         ↓                                                            ↓
[Original Test Date]                                         [ACES Review (5-10 business days)]
                                                                 ↓
                                                  [Approval & Rescheduling Instructions]
                                                                 ↓
                                                       [Make-Up Test Date Scheduled]

• Processing Time: Allow 5-10 business days for ACES to review your request.
• How to Check Status: Follow up via email if you haven’t heard back within two weeks.
• Escalation Path: If communication stalls, use the nyc.gov/CivilServiceNowNYC portal and select the most relevant subject (“Exam Testing” or “Special Accommodations”).

Key Takeaways Summary

• The $54 application fee for Exam No. 6325 is generally NON-REFUNDABLE.
• The 2% service fee for card payments is always nonrefundable.
• Refunds/transfers are only considered for specific, documented life events (military, court, medical) as outlined in the “Make-up Test” section of the notice.
• Rule violations on test day result in automatic forfeiture of your fee.
• Act fast and document thoroughly if you have a valid reason for missing the exam.

Official Contact Information

• Make-Up Test & Accommodations: testingaccommodations@dcas.nyc.gov
• General DCAS Exam Inquiries: nyc.gov/CivilServiceNowNYC
• OASys Technical Support: Check your OASys dashboard or email confirmation receipts.
• Phone Information Line: 212-669-1357 (for exam/list status, not for refund requests).

Next Steps/Recommended Actions:

1. Before applying, double-check you meet all Education and Experience Requirements.
2. Check if you qualify for a Fee Waiver to eliminate financial risk.
3. Mark the test window (starting March 23, 2026) in your calendar and plan accordingly.
4. Save a PDF copy of your application receipt and the Notice of Examination (Exam No. 6325) for your records.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes based on the “Amended Notice – January 28, 2026” for Exam No. 6325. Refund policies are set by the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and are subject to change. Always refer to the most current official notice at nyc.gov/examsforjobs or the DCAS website for authoritative information. This article does not constitute legal or official advice.