Teaching Assistants
Current regulations dictate individuals applying for Teaching Assistant certificates must do so directly to the New York State Education Department as a:
- Level I
- Level I Renewal
- Level II
- Level III
- Pre-professional Teaching Assistant
NOTE: Current regulations do not allow any new Temporary Teaching Assistant Licenses to be issued. For more information, go to Teaching Assistants Pursuing Certification.
Coursework Requirement -- College Information
Any coursework credits applicable towards an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree are acceptable provided they are from an accredited college or institution of higher education. See certificate level for specific credit hour requirements.
Testing Requirements
All candidates who apply for a credential to work as a teaching assistant in New York State on or after February 2, 2004 must have achieved a qualifying score on the Asessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (ATAS - formerly the NYSATAS). Candidates who take and achieve a qualifying score on the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST) do not have to take to ATAS. The LAST is also required for classroom teacher certificate. For more information on how to register for the ATAS Exam go to http://www.nystce.nesinc.com/NY14_assistantcertification.asp 
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Questions On Required Fingerprints; Tests; Workshops Etc.
For comprehensive information on these and other topics, go to Index A-Z. Select the area you need.
Professional Development Requirements
All Level 3 certified teaching assistants must meet a professional development requirement in order to maintain the validity of their certificate. Level 3 teaching assistants must complete 75 hours of professional development activities over a five-year period to maintain the validity of their certificate. For more information, go to Professional Development for Teaching Assistant Level III Certificate Holders.
Permanent Residency Requirements
United States citizenship is not required for all types of certification. For more information, go to Citizenship or USCIS Permanent Residency.
For certification as a Continuing Teaching Assistant or a Level 3 Teaching Assistant you must be a lawfully-admitted, permanent resident of the United States.
If you are not a U.S. citizen but have permanent residence status attach one of the following forms of proof of permanent residence status with your application:
- A photocopy of your permanent residency card ("Green Card"); or
- A photocopy of your passport stamped with "Processed for I-551 Temporary Evidence of lawful Admission for Permanent Residence;" or
- A certified and sealed copy of a letter from the United State Citizenship and Immigration
- Services (USCIS), verifying permanent residency.
For the USCIS website, go to: http://uscis.gov .
How to Apply
To apply, go to
to complete your application and pay your fee online.
General Information: If You Currently Hold A Valid Temporary Teaching Assistant License (Valid For 1- Year)
Individuals who hold valid Temporary Teaching Assistant licenses with an effective date prior to February 2, 2004 are eligible for Continuing Certificates. Continuing certificates remain under the regulations in place at the time the Temporary Teaching Assistant licenses was issued. Individuals interested in pursuing the Continuing certificates should contact their superintendents.
Requirements For A Continuing Certificate
- Valid Temporary Teaching Assistant License (as noted above)
- Six semester hours of appropriate collegiate study
- One year of experience as a licensed Teaching Assistant or certified Teacher
- Proof of Permanent Residency Status
Time Validity Of A Continuing Certificate
- This is valid continuously unless the holder has not been regularly employed as a Teaching Assistant in a New York Public School for five consecutive years.
- If a Teaching Assistant with a Continuing Certificate is not employed in a New York Public School for five consecutive years, the certificate lapses. For more information, go to Search for Certification Requirements on the Office of Teaching Initiatives Web site.
For Other Questions
For additional information, go to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) for Teaching Assistants.