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OFFICE OF TEACHING INITIATIVES
Teaching in New York
Certification
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frequently asked questions
The frequently asked questions have been sorted by topic. Please
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the topic you are interested to view the frequently questions and answers that
relate to that topic.
General Information
- What tests do I have to take to be certified as a teacher in New York
State?
Candidates for certification must achieve qualifying scores
on the appropriate tests in the New York State Teacher Certification
Examination (NYSTCE) Program, listed below.
Exception: Candidates who are certified by the National Board for
Professional Teaching Standards in a title which is the same as or
comparable to a New York State title are exempt from the testing
requirements.
To see which tests are required for the specific certificate title and
type you are interested click on the icon below:
For specific information about the tests go to
http://www.nystce.nesinc.com/.
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- When and where are the tests administered?
The tests are offered several times each year at a variety of test sites
in New York State, one site in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and one site in Toronto, Ontario. Some tests are offered in other states once a year. See the Registration Bulletin for specific information on locations, special testing accommodations, and registration procedures. Call National Evaluation Systems at (413) 256-2882 for information regarding test administrations at military bases.
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- Can I obtain a testing accommodation for my disability?
Yes. Special accommodations may be provided with appropriate documentation.
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Regulation Changes
- What if regulations have changed since I applied for a Provisional
certificate?
Requirements for a Permanent certificate are those that were in effect
as of the effective date of a candidate's Provisional certificate (or certificate
of qualification), provided that the Provisional certificate has not expired.
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- Can I use test scores from the February 14, 2004 NYSTCE test administration
to qualify for a Provisional certificate with an issue date of February 1,
2004?
Yes, you may qualify for a Provisional certificate using test scores from
the February 2004 test administration, as long as you have applied for and
completed all other requirements for a Provisional certificate prior to February
2, 2004.
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- Is the Assessment of Teaching Skills-Performance (ATS-P) eliminated
come 2004?
No, the ATS-P will continue to be a requirement for a Permanent teaching
certificate. As long as an individual holds a valid Provisional certificate,
he/she can obtain a Permanent certificate in accordance with requirements
in effect when the Provisional certificate was granted, even though
the Permanent certificate will be issued after February 2, 2004.
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- I am applying for an Initial certificate in childhood education (grades
1-6). My undergraduate major is math. Am I free to choose either the Multi-Subject
Content Specialty Test (CST) or the Math CST?
No. In order to qualify for the childhood education certificate, you must
take the Multi-Subject CST, regardless of your major.
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Preparation
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When should I take the tests?
A candidate may attempt any of the required tests at any time. Here are
some guidelines:
- Liberal Arts and Sciences Test
Sophomore or junior year, after completion of most basic liberal arts and
sciences course work.
- Assessment of Teaching Skills-Written
Upon completion of Pedagogy coursework and field experiences, as well as
perhaps student teaching.
- Content Specialty Test
May be completed in the junior year to help a candidate determine if additional
coursework in the area of concentration is needed.
- Assessment of Teaching Skills-Performance
Recommended only after two or more years of classroom experience. Candidates
should have knowledge of teaching skills, and the ability to apply those
skills effectively within the classroom. It is advisable to allow time to
make practice tapes, have them reviewed by peers, and improve teaching skills,
if necessary. Candidates holding a Provisional New York State certificate
should submit the videotape no later than six months before their Provisional
certificate expires to allow for timely scoring.
- Language Proficiency Assessments
At any time, once the candidate has achieved fluency in the language.
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- How should I prepare for the tests?
Preparation Guides are available for all NYSTCE tests. The guides
contain complete content outlines for tests, sample test questions, and general
advice on how to prepare for the tests. These guides are available free
of charge at the NYSTCE website:
www.nystce.nesinc.com.
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Registration and Fees
- How do I register for the teacher certification exams?
Register by Mail: The registration bulletin is available through
most New York State institutions of higher education with approved teacher
education programs. A copy may also be obtained online from
National Evaluation Systems (NES)
or the Office of Teaching Initiatives.
Register by Internet: To register online to go
www.nystce.nesinc.com.
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- How much do the NYSTCEs cost?
LAST
ATS-W
CST
ATS-P
BEAs
ATAS |
$ 88
$ 88
$ 88
$ 145
$ 88
$ 35 |
Additional fee for late or emergency registration.
- If I apply for the NYSTCE tests, do I also have to apply separately
for certification?
Yes. Although test scores are automatically reported to the Office of Teaching
Initiatives, a separate application for certificate, with the supporting credentials,
must also be filed with the Office of Teaching Initiatives.
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Where can I get a Registration Bulletin and application form?
The Registration Bulletin is
now available online. It is also available through most New York
State institutions of higher education with approved teacher education programs.
Single copies may also be obtained from National Evaluation Systems (NES)
or the Office of Teaching Initiatives. For multiple copies of the Registration
bulletin, contact NES.
National Evaluation Systems, Inc.
P.O. Box 660
Amherst, MA 01004-9008
Telephone: (413) 256-2882
(800) 309-5225 - Automatic information service
TTY for the deaf: (413) 256-8032
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Test Scores
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Can I use test scores from the February 14, 2004 NYSTCE
test administration to qualify for a Provisional certificate with an issue
date of February 1, 2004?
Yes, you may qualify for a Provisional certificate using test scores from
the February 2004 test administration, as long as you have applied for and
completed all other requirements for a Provisional certificate prior to February
2, 2004.
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What is a "passing" score on these tests?
LAST
ATS-W
CST
ATS-P
BEAs
ATAS |
220
220
220
P (Pass)
220
220 |
Note: Each test is scored separately, and once the qualifying score has
been achieved, it satisfies that portion of the requirement.
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If I lose a score report where can I get another copy?
The Office of Teaching does not offer the service of providing test scores
to applicants. Duplicate copies of score reports are available from National
Evaluation Systems, Inc. (NES) up to three years after the respective score
report mailing date. To request a duplicate, complete the "Additional Score
Report Request Form" from the test
Registration Bulletin and follow the directions on the form. The fee for
this service is $15 payable by cashier's check or money order to NES.
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If I don't pass a test on the first try, how often may I retake it?
There is no restriction on the number of times a test may be taken.
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- Can I just retake the parts of a test I don't do well on?
No. For each attempt, a candidate must take a test in its entirety, since
passing standards are set on the total test rather than on sub area or partial
scores. Candidates receive sub area information on the score report, but this is provided only to help the candidate prepare effectively if the test must
be taken again.
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How are test scores reported to the State Education Department?
Test scores are automatically reported by social security number to the
Office of Teaching Initiatives after each test administration even if a candidate
has not yet made a formal application for a certificate.
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Can I substitute qualifying scores for coursework or student teaching?
No. The tests must be passed in addition to the education and classroom
experience requirements for each title.
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- If I already possess a certificate based upon NTE scores, must I take
the NYSTCEs to obtain an additional certificate in another title?
Yes.
All candidates for a certificate must now take the NYSTCE tests.
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Applicants from Other States
- Does the reciprocity agreement among states affect the testing requirements?
The reciprocity agreement (Interstate Certification Compact) stipulates
that study and/or experience completed in another certifying jurisdiction
satisfies New York's study and experience requirements only. Achievement of
qualifying scores on the NYSTCE tests is an additional requirement for certification
in New York State.
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- How do these test requirements affect applicants from other states?
Candidates must generally come to New York State to complete the tests. However, some test administrations are offered in other states; Puerto Rico; and Toronto, Ontario. Go to http://www.nystce.nesinc.com for complete information about test offerings and administrations at these locations. Tests are
also administered on U.S. Military bases worldwide. Call National Evaluation Systems at (413) 256-2882 for further information.
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Fingerprints
- Do I have to bring a set of my fingerprints to the exam?
No, your thumbprint will be taken at the test site as part of the identification
verification process. If you do not allow your thumbprint to be taken, you
may be denied admission to the test or your score may be voided without refund
or credit.
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