What is an eligible list?

An eligible list is a listing of candidates who successfully passed an examination and who have met the minimum requirements of the position title. The candidates' names are placed on a list, which is called an "eligible list," in descending final score order.

How long does an eligible list last?

An eligible list lasts for one year from the date it was established, unless extended by the Vice Chancellor, or unless a different length of time is given in the notice of examination. However, an eligible list cannot be in existence more than four years. A continuous recruitment eligible list expires after two years.

What types of eligible lists are there?

There are four types of eligible lists:

1. Open-Competitive — A University-wide open-competitive eligible list or a list for each borough is derived from the open-competitive examination. The eligible list is used to fill vacancies and/or to displace provisional employees serving in a title.
2. Promotional — Promotional Unit Lists are derived from the promotional examination; each college has its own eligible list. The eligible list is made up of permanent employees serving in an eligible lower title at the college. At the request of a College President the Vice Chancellor can merge the promotion unit lists within a borough or boroughs to meet recruitment difficulties. A promotional unit list must be used before an open competitive list.
3. Continuous Recruitment - Your name will be inserted on the existing eligible list according to your final score, in descending final score order. Your name may remain on the eligible list for a period of up to two years.
4. Preferred — Contains the names of employees in the competitive class who had permanent appointments and are displaced from their position through a reduction in staff or other similar action. Preferred lists have precedence over all other lists and must be used first. The "rule of three" does not apply.

When does an eligible list have to be used?

An eligible list must be used if it has three or more names on it.

Do all eligibles get appointed?

Placement on an eligible list does not guarantee that you will be appointed from the list. When your name is reached on the list you will be invited for an interview and possible appointment. (Please refer to "The Rule of Three" below.)

What is "The Rule of Three"?

"The Rule of Three" is a requirement of the civil service law governing candidate selection: a selection must be made among eligibles whose final score is equal to or higher than the third highest standing eligible that is willing to accept appointment or promotion.

What happens to my name on an eligible list if I decline an offer of appointment?

If you decline an offer of appointment, your name is removed from the eligible list. If you request restoration and that request is approved, your name may be restored to the end of the eligible list.

What happens if I am considered and not selected?

If you are considered and not selected, your name is removed from the eligible list. If you request restoration and that request is approved, your name will be restored to its original place on the eligible list.

What if I fail to reply to a letter of interview or fail to appear for a scheduled interview?

Refusal to respond to an offer or to accept an offer within ten days when made by mail or within two days when made by telephone shall be counted as a declination. Consequently, your name will be removed from the eligible list. If your name is later restored to the list, it will be restored to the end of the list.

How can I be restored to the eligible list after removal?

To request restoration to the list, you must send in a written request within ten days from the interview date asking that your name be restored to the eligible list. Send your request to:

Human Resource Management Services Office Attn: Certification Unit 535 East 80th Street, 4th Floor New York, New York 10021

If your request is approved, your name will be restored to the list.

How many times can I request that my name be restored to an eligible list?

Your name can be restored up to three times, but the eligible list has to still be active.