Certification
Requirements: Initial TA Certificate
Valid for 5 Years
Requirements:
- Paid application on file: How to Apply for a TA Certificate
- Conferral of a High School Diploma or GED
- A passing score on the Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction or the ATAS exam.
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All workshops required for certification.
- Please see our website for workshop information: Workshops Required for Educator Certification
- Workshops must be completed through a NYS Approved Provider.
- All workshop completion will be reported by the workshop provider. We will not accept certificates of completion from applicants.
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Fingerprint clearance
- All fingerprinting must be completed by IdentoGO and only for certification, not "employment".
- Please use this link to set up a fingerprint appointment: https://www.nysed.gov/educator-integrity/fingerprinting
FAQ:
Q: What do I do once I receive my TA Initial Certification?
A: If you plan to only work at the TA Initial level, you must complete 100 hours of CTLE over the course of five years. If you want to proceed directly to the TA Pre-Professional or Professional Certificate, you will need to fulfill the requirements during the five years that your TA Initial certification is valid.
Q: Do I have to move the TA Initial certificate to the Pre-Professional Certificate?
A: No, you can obtain the Initial TA Renewal every five years. You must complete 100 hours of CTLE over the course of the five years you were certified in order to get the Renewal.
Q: Do I have to apply for the TA Initial, or will I automatically get it?
A: You must apply each time you want to renew the Initial. You will attest to having completed the 100 hours of CTLE at that time.
Last Updated:
July 9, 2026
