Q&A
Bridge exams and timeline for exam results and hiring
0:42:12
ยท
3 min
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about bridge exams and the timeline for releasing exam results and hiring. Commissioner Porter provides information on:
- Bridge exams allowing applicants to take one exam for multiple positions
- Success of the bridge exam model since 2019
- Timeline for releasing exam results (approximately 139 business days or 6 months)
- Efforts to streamline and fast-track exam establishment
Additional details:
- Bridge exams have a flat $40 rate for up to 10 examinations
- DCAS's goal for exam administration is 290 days, which they are currently under
- Single-part exams can be processed in 3-4 months
- Agencies can request candidate data for immediate hiring needs before list establishment
Carmen N. De La Rosa
0:42:12
Great.
0:42:13
In past year, you've spoken about the new practice of administering the bridge exams, which allow applicants to take one exam and apply for multiple positions.
0:42:21
As you discussed in in your upcoming as you discussed your upcoming year's examination schedule with agencies, do you intend to continue administering bridge exams?
0:42:31
Has the feedback on these exams been positive enough that you would consider increasing the number of bridge exams administered every year?
Katrina Porter
0:42:39
Yes.
0:42:39
So, we've administered bridge exams every year since fiscal year since calendar year 2019.
0:42:45
And we we have seen that there is, interest in this particular exam model.
0:42:51
You know, it's one exam, one application fee.
0:42:54
It's a flat $40 rate, for up to, 10 examinations.
0:43:00
And so we've seen great success with this model, and we do intend to continue to, administer bridge exams in the future.
0:43:06
Good.
Carmen N. De La Rosa
0:43:07
Okay.
0:43:07
According to the 2024 mayor's management report, it took approximately a 139 business days, around 6 months, for DCAS to release exam results to applicants.
0:43:18
As we approach the release the release of the 2025 MMR, has DCAS made any progress in reducing the time required to process, and process of releasing the exam scores?
0:43:31
And has there been any progress in reducing the time between the release of an eligible list and the median time for an applicant to be hired?
Katrina Porter
0:43:39
So I do want to mention that our, goal for exam administration is 290 days, so we're well under our target for exam, establishments.
0:43:50
We have seen, some success in, the streamlining and fast tracking exam, establishment for what we call single part exams.
0:43:59
This is an exam that just has one exam component, be it multiple choice or education and experience.
0:44:05
We've been able to get that that timeline down to about, 3 to 4 months.
0:44:11
So, and we, we're always looking for opportunities to streamline the exam development process so that we can get those exams out more quickly.
0:44:19
It is important to mention that there are legally mandated, activities that need to happen such as the protest review session that take time.
0:44:28
But if an agency has an immediate hiring need, we can work with them to get them, candidates before the list is established.
Carmen N. De La Rosa
0:44:36
Great.
0:44:36
I mean, I think one of the things that always is surprising for the council and when we hear about the 6 month period is, like, what kind of person can wait 6 months, you know, to actually start working?
0:44:50
And the economic hardships.
0:44:52
Right?
0:44:52
You're already coming if you if you weren't employed, if you were unemployed, or you're coming from a place where you haven't had income and then you gotta wait kind of 6 months, you know, it it would seem to me that we lose some talent that can accept a job immediately in another sector.
0:45:09
So, you know, that's always something that's in the back of our heads as we think about the process.
Katrina Porter
0:45:14
So something that I will mention is, like, if there is an immediate hire if an agency has an immediate hiring need
Oren Barzilay
0:45:20
Mhmm.
Katrina Porter
0:45:20
They have vacancies and they don't have candidates and we just administered an exam, we can provide them with data so that they can start to engage with those candidates right away so that they don't lose the top talent.
Spanish Interpreter
0:45:31
Okay.
Katrina Porter
0:45:31
The exam schedule, though, it's a preemptive measure, right?
0:45:34
So these exams are for, you know, really for future needs, but we are flexible in that way where we provide agencies with data all the time to
Carmen N. De La Rosa
0:45:43
help them fill their vacancies.