frequently asked questions

Applying for a Certificate

1. Who Needs to be Certified?

2. What are the Types of Certificates?

3. What are the Requirements to become Certified?

4. Must I wait until I have completed all requirements for a certificate before applying for a individual evaluation?

5. Is there more than one way to become certified?

6. I am changing careers. Is there an easier way for me to get certified?
    

7. I am a New York City teacher. How do I get my PPT or CPT?

8. Can I apply for a certificate through a local BOCES?

9. I completed my education in another country. How do I apply for a certificate?

10. I hold a certificate from a another state. Do I still have to apply for a New York State teacher certificate?

11. When I apply for certification should I send a personal check or money order?

1. Who Needs to be Certified?
   
   Classroom teachers, administrative and supervisory personnel, and pupil personnel service professionals are required to hold a Certificate issued by New York State in order to be employed in the State's public schools. Certificates are issued in a wide variety of titles in each of these three major categories.  Also, Teaching Assistants must be certified now.  In addition, New York State also requires that Coaches, Visiting Lecturers and teachers of Adult, Community and Continuing Education obtain a Special License. top
   
   
2. What are the Types of Certificates?
   
   The type of certificate issued to you depends upon your educational background and experience. Examples include Initial certificate, Professional certificate, and Teaching Assistant Level III certificate. For a complete list, go to Types of Certificates and Licenses.  top
   
   
3. What are the Requirements to become Certified?
   
   The requirements for certification fall into the following general categories:
   
   • Academic preparation - degree/coursework, student teaching 
     
   • Assessment - selected tests in the New York State Teacher Certification Examination program series 
     
   • Experience - teaching/other work experience 
     
   • Additional requirements - Child Abuse Identification workshop, School Violence Prevention and Intervention (SAVE) workshop, moral character requirement, and fingerprinting. 
     
   

    

4. 
   
   
   Click on icon to Apply Online!

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5. Must I wait until I have completed all requirements for a certificate before applying for a individual evaluation?
   
   No. As long as you hold the minimum degree (usually a bachelor's degree, with a minimum 2.5 GPA) required for a certificate, you may submit an application at any time. Indeed, in order to receive a written evaluation of your status for a certificate you must file such an application. top
   
   
6. Is there more than one way to become certified?
   
   There are a number of pathways to obtaining your New York certification:
   • College teacher preparation program
   • Alternative teacher preparation program
   • Individual Evaluation
   • Interstate Reciprocity
   • National Board Certification

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7. I am changing careers. Is there an easier way for me to get certified?
   
   You may be interested in an alternative teacher certification program specifically designed for career changers. While you must meet all coursework and other requirements, these programs offer a time-shortened, intensive preparation program operated cooperatively by a college and school district.  Alternative programs also allow you to be employed as a teacher while in the program.  top
   
   
8. I am a New York City teacher. How do I get my PPT or CPT?
   
   New York State Education Department does not issue the PPT or CPT. These licenses are issued by the New York City Department of Education (New York City Board of Education) for employment in the City school system.  top
   
   
9. Can I apply for a certificate through a local BOCES?
   
   Regional Certification Offices are located at various BOCES around the state.  You may submit an application through a Regional Certification Office in your local area, and receive expedited processing of your application.  top
   
   
10. I completed my education in another country. How do I apply for a certificate?
    
    You must complete an Application for Initial/Professional Certificate  and $100 fee, accompanied by original credentials of formal schooling (and notarized translations where applicable), verification of required training in the identification and reporting of child abuse and training in school violence prevention and intervention, copies of valid certificates issued by another jurisdiction, and verification of completion of the testing requirement. In order to satisfy the Citizenship Requirement  for a Professional (or Permanent certificate) you must be either a U.S. citizen or have  USCIS Permanent Residence status. 

     

     

    Please note that the Office of Teaching Initiatives can evaluate foreign credentials only for persons seeking State certification. Requests for evaluation of coursework for salary or other purposes should be addressed to the agency or institution most directly involved. top
    
    

11. I hold a certificate from another state. Do I still have to apply for a New York State teacher certificate?
    
    Yes, you must hold a New York State certificate to teach in the State's public schools. Reciprocity under the Interstate Agreement of Qualification of Educational Personnel is limited to coursework requirements only. Also, it applies only to the first-level regular certificate a member state issues. You must complete any examination requirements a member state may have.   top
     
12. When I apply for certification should I send a personal check or money order?

    Always use a postal money order. A postal money order has no expiration date and, as such, insures that you will not be charged for a bad check. top