Civil Service Rules

These Civil Service Rules have been adopted by the Civil Service Board in accordance with the authority and responsibility vested in the Board by the Charter of the City of New Haven. These Rules govern appointments, promotions and other matters for the classified service for the City.

View Civil Service Rules

The Civil Service System regulates hiring, promotion and other aspects of employment with the City of New Haven. The system is governed by local Charter and Ordinances, as well as the Civil Service Rules, which outline Civil Service procedures. The Rules are in place to help ensure that the hiring process is competitive and fair.

Generally, the City uses examinations to measure a potential candidate's "merit" for the particular position. After each exam, the City establishes an "eligibility" list. This list consists of all candidates who pass the exam by rank order and is available to each City agency with open positions in the corresponding title. Candidates are contacted for interviews as the needs of these agencies require. Current policy requires agencies to review the top three scorers remaining on the list for appointment to a vacant position, a procedure known as the Rule of Three.

Some positions available within the City do not require an examination. See all job opportunities listed on our City Job Postings page

Civil Service Board

The Civil Service Board is established by the City of New Haven in the City Charter, Article XXX. The Board is an autonomous body of City of New Haven citizens. Duties of the Civil Service Board include creating new positions, revising existing ones, and certifying eligibility lists. To learn more about Boards and Commissions and how to become involved, visit Boards and Commissions.

Meeting Schedule

When: Fourth Wednesday of each month, unless otherwise scheduled. All projected meeting dates for the calendar year are tentative until confirmed by official meeting notice posted in the City/Town Clerk's Office and on the City Website 24 hours in advance of each meeting.

Where: Virtually / Zoom (meeting info available on each posted Meeting Notice)unless otherwise noted.

Agendas & Minutes can be viewed on the Civil Service Commission page.

Civil Service Eligibility Lists can be found HERE

Civil Service-Related Forms

Please visit the Human Resources Forms page HERE

Available Forms include:

Application for Domiciled (Resident) Preference Points

Transfer Request Form