Free Practice Questions for NYC Sanitation Worker
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Key Facts: NYC Sanitation Worker Exam
$54
DCAS Filing Fee
NYC DCAS notice of examination
70
Passing Score
NYC DCAS
80-100
Multiple-Choice Items
NYC DCAS
3-3.5 hours
Testing Window
NYC DCAS
Class B CDL
Required at Appointment
NYC DSNY
5 boroughs
DSNY Service Area
NYC DSNY
The NYC Sanitation Worker Exam is a NYC DCAS multiple-choice exam for entry-level DSNY hiring. Candidates pay a $54 DCAS filing fee and need a score of 70 to pass. The test runs 80-100 items in 3-3.5 hours and covers written comprehension, information ordering, memory, NYC spatial orientation, problem sensitivity, and mechanical reasoning. A NY State Class B CDL with no air-brake restriction is required by the time of appointment. Exam numbers rotate per filing period.
Sample NYC Sanitation Worker Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to review concepts for the NYC Sanitation Worker exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Passage: "DSNY (NYC Department of Sanitation) operates the largest municipal sanitation force in the world. Sanitation Workers (SWs) collect refuse, recycling, and organics; clear snow; and maintain equipment. Workers report to the assigned garage at the start of each shift to receive route assignments." According to the passage, where do Sanitation Workers begin each shift?
2Passage: "Sanitation Workers operating a rear-loading collection truck must always maintain three points of contact when mounting or dismounting the riding step. Workers may not ride the step when the truck is backing up or when the truck speed exceeds 10 miles per hour." According to the passage, when is riding the rear step prohibited?
3Passage: "During snow operations, DSNY plows are dispatched to primary streets first, secondary streets next, and tertiary streets last. Salt spreaders precede plows on icy primaries. Workers must complete a pre-trip inspection of the plow blade, spreader, and chains before leaving the garage." In what order are streets plowed?
4Passage: "Alternate side parking (ASP) regulations in NYC allow DSNY mechanical brooms to clean curbs on a posted schedule. Vehicles parked in violation may be ticketed by DSNY enforcement agents. SWs are not responsible for issuing parking tickets — that is the role of DSNY enforcement." Who issues parking tickets under ASP?
5Passage: "A Sanitation Worker who observes a leaking propane tank in a curbside refuse pile must not load it into the truck. The worker should notify the supervisor, tag the location, and request HazMat response." What is the first step when a leaking propane tank is observed?
6Passage: "Refuse collection routes are assigned to a two-person crew: one operator (driver) and one loader. The operator is responsible for vehicle operation; the loader is responsible for emptying receptacles into the hopper. Crews rotate roles per the garage roster." The loader's primary responsibility is:
7Passage: "DSNY workers must wear high-visibility outer garments (Class 2 or Class 3) at all times when working in or near the roadway. Outer garments must remain visible — workers may not wear coats over them." Which of the following is NOT permitted?
8Passage: "During a 12-hour snow shift, Sanitation Workers must take a 30-minute lunch break and may take two additional 15-minute relief breaks. Breaks must be coordinated with the supervisor and must not leave any plow route uncovered." What is the maximum total break time on a 12-hour snow shift?
9Passage: "All DSNY collection trucks are equipped with a backup alarm. The alarm must sound continuously when the truck is in reverse. A Sanitation Worker may not use a personal music device, including headphones, while loading." Which of the following is permitted under the passage?
10Passage: "DSNY enforces a strict no-idling policy: collection trucks may not idle for more than 3 minutes unless actively loading or in queue at a transfer station. Violations are recorded on the truck's electronic logging device." A truck idling for 4 minutes at a coffee stop is:
About the NYC Sanitation Worker Exam
The NYC Sanitation Worker Exam is the NYC DCAS multiple-choice exam used to establish the eligibility list for entry-level DSNY Sanitation Worker hires. The test typically runs 80-100 items over 3-3.5 hours and measures written comprehension, information ordering, memory, spatial orientation in NYC contexts, problem sensitivity, and mechanical reasoning. Exam numbers rotate per filing period.
Exam sponsor: NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), proctored at a DCAS computer-based testing center. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.
Questions
100 questions
Time Limit
3-3.5 hours
Passing Score
70
Reported exam pass rate: Not published. DCAS and DSNY do not publish a single first-time pass-rate percentage for the sanitation worker exam. Exam sponsor website
Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.
Our practice resources: topics covered
We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.
Written Comprehension
DSNY procedural passages, sanitation rules, and NYC operations passages with fact-extraction and inference items
Information Ordering
Applying rules and procedures in the correct sequence for routing, collection priority, and equipment operation
Memory
Recall of addresses, route details, signs, equipment markings, and supervisor instructions
Spatial Orientation (NYC)
NYC street grid, maps, and route-diagram navigation across the five boroughs
Problem Sensitivity
Recognizing when something is wrong on a route — hazards, blocked streets, equipment issues, or rule violations
Mechanical Reasoning
Collection-truck mechanics, hopper and packer operation, levers, gears, hydraulics, and basic vehicle maintenance
Preparing for the NYC Sanitation Worker Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 70
- Exam length: 100 questions
- Time limit: 3-3.5 hours
- Exam / certification fees: $54 filing fee Official sources
Using Our Practice Resources
- Work through all 200 available questions
- Review every answer and explanation
- Track weak areas and revisit them
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
NYC Sanitation Worker: Suggested Study Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NYC Sanitation Worker Exam?
The NYC Sanitation Worker Exam is the NYC DCAS multiple-choice exam used to establish the eligibility list for entry-level DSNY Sanitation Worker hires. It typically includes 80-100 items administered over 3-3.5 hours and rotates exam numbers per filing period.
Who administers the NYC Sanitation Worker Exam?
The exam is administered by the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) at proctored computer-based testing centers. DSNY uses the resulting eligibility list to make appointments.
How much does the NYC Sanitation Worker Exam cost?
The DCAS filing fee is $54. Candidates are responsible for their own travel to and from the testing center.
What score do I need to pass?
A passing score of 70 is required on the NYC Sanitation Worker Exam. Additional ranking factors such as veterans' preference and residency credits can affect a candidate's standing on the eligibility list.
What sections are on the exam?
The exam measures written comprehension, information ordering, memory, spatial orientation in NYC contexts, problem sensitivity, and mechanical reasoning. The total testing window is typically 3-3.5 hours for 80-100 multiple-choice items.
Do I need a CDL to take the exam?
You do not need a CDL to sit for the exam, but candidates must possess a valid NY State Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL) with no air-brake restriction by the time of appointment to DSNY.
Can I retake the NYC Sanitation Worker Exam?
Retakes occur on the next published NYC Sanitation Worker exam number. Candidates who do not pass — or who are not reached on the current eligibility list — file again when DCAS opens the next sanitation worker exam window.
Is the exam available remotely?
No. The NYC Sanitation Worker Exam is administered in person at DCAS-proctored CBT centers in New York City.