School Counselor Content Specialty Test (CST) Requirement Guidelines
It is anticipated that the new School Counselor Content Specialty Test (CST) will become operational on February 26, 2024. The guidelines for when candidates must pass the School Counselor CST are below by certificate type. Information about the test, including the test framework, is available on the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) website.
Initial School Counselor Certificate: Candidates who apply and pay the fee for the Initial School Counselor certificate by February 26, 2024, and complete all requirements for the certificate other than the CST requirement prior to such date, are not required to take and pass the School Counselor CST. On the other hand, candidates who do not apply and pay the fee for the Initial School Counselor certificate and complete all requirements other than the CST requirement by February 26, 2024, must take and pass the School Counselor CST for Initial certification.
Professional School Counselor Certificate through a Certificate Progression pathway: Candidates who seek Professional School Counselor certification through a “Certificate Progression” pathway do not need to pass the School Counselor CST, including those who did not take and pass the School Counselor CST for Initial School Counselor certification.
Professional School Counselor Certificate not through a Certificate Progression pathway: For candidates who seek Professional School Counselor certification through a pathway other than a “Certification Progression” pathway, if they apply and pay the fee for the certificate by February 26, 2024, and complete all requirements for the certificate other than the CST requirement prior to such date, they are not required to take and pass the School Counselor CST. On the other hand, if they do not apply and pay the fee for the certificate on or after February 26, 2024, or do not complete all requirements for the certificate other than the CST requirement on or after such date, they must take and pass the School Counselor CST for Professional Certification through a pathway other than a “Certification Progression” pathway.