Revised Science Content Specialty Tests (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics)
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) continues to move forward with enhancements to the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) to strengthen alignment with nationally recognized assessments. As part of this initiative, several NYSTCE exams are transitioning to Pearson’s National Evaluation Series (NES).
The following NYSTCE science content tests will be retired on August 9, 2026:
- Biology (160)
- Chemistry (161)
- Earth Science (162)
- Physics (163)
In other words, the last day to take one of these tests is August 9, 2026.
These tests will continue to be acceptable for all applications submitted prior to August 10, 2029. All applications submitted on or after August 10, 2029 will require the candidate to pass the NES version of the exam or use a different option to satisfy the exam requirement (such as the exam waiver, out-of-state exam, etc.). More information on those options can be found on our Testing webpage.
Please note that an application has not been submitted until the application fee has been paid.