2026 Correction Officer Head Cook Examination

Please find the key dates and other information for the entry-level exam.

Key Dates

Application Opening: December 8, 2025
Application Deadline: January 20, 2026
Notice to Appear for Exam: February 6, 2026
Written Examination Date: February 21, 2026
Score Release Date: March 24, 2026
Employment/Experience Last Day to Appeal: April 10, 2026
Eligible List Establishment Date: TBD

Examination Fee: $75
Location: Various Sites across the state
Eligibility: This is an entry-level exam. Please refer to the exam poster/application for specific information.

Next Steps

1. Review the information provided in the:
   • 2026 DOC Head Cook Preparation Guide
2. Apply for the examination when the application is available.
   • You will receive two confirmation emails when you have completed the process: one email confirming your application has been received, and one email confirming your payment has been received.
   • Your application is not complete until you have received both confirmation emails.
   • Late applications will not be accepted after the application deadline.
3. A notice to appear for the examination will be emailed to candidates approximately two weeks before the examination date.  The notice will tell you the location and the time to appear for your examination.  Please check your junk or spam mail folder for the email before contacting this office.
   • All notices are also viewable in your Government Jobs account by selecting your name and then selecting inbox.
4. On the examination date, please make sure you have read and complied with all the instructions provided on the notice to appear.
5. Examination results will be sent by email.
6. Once you have received your score, review the notice in its entirety to make sure all information is accurate.
7. Candidates will be able to view their ranking on the eligible list, once it has been established.
8. If your name is reached for consideration to fill a vacancy after the list has been established, you will be notified by email and provided instructions on how to express interest in the vacancy.

Upcoming Information Sessions

Please find the previous open house list here. 

Note

Please make sure your current email address is associated with your Civil Service online account.  For instructions on how to make changes to your account, click here How to update Your Account Contact Information. All notices are sent by email. Please check your junk or spam mail folder for the email before contacting this office. You are also able to view all email notices sent to you from our office by logging into your Civil Service account and viewing your inbox.

Date published:	September 8, 2025
Last updated:	March 24, 2026