STATE KEYBOARD JOBS OPEN FOR FILING HERE

Starting Salary $24G; Hundreds Of Openings; Typing Skills Needed But No Education, Work Experience

Filing is now open for an exam leading to hundreds of entry-level Keyboard Specialist I jobs, the state Department of Civil Service said.

The starting salary is $24,414. Appointees assigned to work in the five boroughs or in Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, or Westchester counties will receive an additional $1,302 annual downstate adjustment.

Hired 728 Last Year

The state hired 728 Keyboard Specialists in 2006, according to a state Civil Service Department spokeswoman. There is a $20 non-refundable filing fee.

Applications must be submitted by Dec. 10 for the Jan. 26 exam. Applications postmarked after the current deadline will be scheduled for the next test date, according to the exam notice. There is no education or work-related requirement.

Most state departments and agencies employ Keyboard Specialists. The jobs are available in many agencies at various locations throughout the state.

Speed Pegged to Accuracy

Candidates must pass a multiple-choice test and a performance exam. The multiple-choice test will cover name- and number-checking, spelling, proper language usage, and grammar, punctuation, and proofreading. The typing performance test uses a standard keyboard, and no prior knowledge of software is required. The exam is five minutes long and is preceded by a three-minute practice session. Individuals must enter as much of a set passage as they can during the allotted time.

Candidates need to type the specific text at a rate of at least 35 words per minute, with at least 96-percent accuracy. For example, if a candidate enters the text at 35 words per minute, the maximum allowable number of errors is seven. All in-between speeds are rounded in the candidate's favor, according to the exam notice. Candidates will be allowed to take the exam a maximum of four times in a row.

The list resulting from the exam will also be used to fill Data Entry Machine Operator Trainee jobs and Law Department Document Specialist Trainee I positions, which pay $23,119 and $24,414, respectively.

Keyboard Specialists work as receptionists at various agencies throughout the state. They type correspondence, documents, records and other written material from drafts, marked copy and recordings. They also review work to ensure correct layout, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Further information and copies of the exam notice can be obtained on-line at www.cs.state.ny.us, or by calling 212-961-4326.