The ethics requirement varies from state to state.  I was originally planning to sit for the exam in Louisiana, where there is no ethics requirement, but a change in residency forced me to sit for the exam in Tennessee where applicants must pass an ethics exam before getting certified.  From what I've heard, the exam is no biggie.  The material can be learned in a day, and candidates are granted multiple attempts.  I suppose the extra expense and the hassle involved kind of stinks, but oh well--I'm sure it's good to review all that stuff.  I know that California and several other states require an ethics exam, but several states do not.  I've never heard of an ethics requirement for the state of New York, and I just glanced over a webpage describing the New York CPA licensing requirements (http://www.op.nysed.gov/cpalic.htm) and I saw no mention of an ethics requirement.  You'll probably want to double check, but I think you're in the clear!  (Lucky you!!)  :)

Good luck with the rest of the exam!