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How Saratoga Springs uses state exam scores and credits for hiring
Summary
At the Nov. 27 meeting staff explained that the state grades competitive exams (usually within 3–6 months), scores are straight percentages (70–100), there is no local curve or extra credit, and veteran and limited seniority credits can apply.
Commissioners used the Nov. 27 meeting to ask how competitive and promotional civil service exams are evaluated and how points are applied. Carissa Salvo, staff coordinator, explained that New York State grades most exams and releases scores after a 3–6 month period; local offices do not add extra points or curves to state-graded competitive exams.
Salvo said veteran credits may provide an additional 5–10 points depending on status, and that promotional exams can include seniority credits applied according to a published table. She described certification practice: the city certifies the top candidates within defined grade brackets (the "top three" tier used for interviews), and once candidates fall into that certified bracket relative score among them does not change the certified list order. "We do not offer any additional points," Salvo said, and she noted there is no curve and no extra local credit.
The exchange included commissioner questions about how scores matter once candidates are within the certified top brackets and clarified that the state grading process and veteran/seniority credits are the principal determinants for certification and appointment.
