Certification Resources

General pathway to certification

Below are the general requirements for getting New York State (NYS) teacher certification. However, there are other pathways to obtaining your certification as everyone’s situation may be different. Please go to the Search Certification Requirements webpage to identify the specific requirements you must meet for a certification you want to apply for. 

1. Complete an approved teacher preparation program- 

Most applicants complete a teacher preparation program at a college or university in NYS or another state with a reciprocity agreement. This program leads to an institutional recommendation for your initial certificate. Other pathways exist for individuals who did not major in education, hold a certificate from another state, or are seeking a career and technical education (CTE) certificate.

2. New York State Teacher Certification Exam –

Educating All Students Test (EAS)- The Educating All Students test consists of selected-response items and constructed-response items. Each constructed-response item will share scenario-based stimulus material with several selected-response items. The EAS test measures the professional and pedagogical knowledge and skills necessary to teach all students – diverse student populations, English language learners, students with disabilities – effectively in New York State public schools.

• • Offered Computer based
  • Register and preparation materials at NYSTCE
  • Fee $80
  • Minimum Passing Score 500 (Score range 400-600) until revised EAS is operational then passing score returns to 520
  • Test Length – 2 hours, 15 minutes

Content Specialty Test (CST) – The CSTs (except those for languages other than English) consist of multiple-choice questions and a written assignment. The CSTs for languages other than English include recorded listening and/or speaking components and writing components. CSTs measure knowledge and skills in the content area of the candidate’s field of certification.

• • Some offered computer based, some offered paper based
  • Register and preparation materials at NYSTCE
  • Fee $122 – $161 computer based depending on exam, $79 paper based
  • Minimum Passing Score current CSTs 220 (score range 100-300), revised CSTs 520 (Score range 400-600)
  • Test Length – 4 hours to 5 hours 15 minutes depending on exam

3. Mandated Workshops

The following mandated workshops are required:

• • Mandated Reporter Training (Child Abuse Identification workshop)
  • School Violence Prevention (SAVE)
  • DASA/School Bullying Workshop

4. Fingerprint Clearance

All candidates applying for their certification on or after July 1, 2001, must be cleared by the New York State Education Department through a fingerprint-supported criminal history background check.

• • Click on https://uenroll.identogo.com/workflows/14ZGQT to schedule your fingerprinting appointment. 
  • The fingerprint application fee as of January 1, 2025 is $101.25.

5. Apply for certification through the TEACH system

Register for a secure TEACH account on the NYSED website then submit information and other required documentation. 

From initial to professional certification

The initial certificate is your entry-level certification and is typically valid for five years. To advance to a professional certificate, you will need to meet additional requirements within that five-year period.

Professional certificate requirements

• • Experience: Complete at least three years of teaching experience, with one year of mentored experience.
  • Master’s degree: Successfully complete a master’s degree program.
  • Professional development: Complete 175 hours of professional development every five years to maintain the professional certificate.