New York requires teachers to hold a valid certificate before teaching in its public schools. The New York State Education Department (NYSED), Office of Teaching Initiatives, oversees certification through the TEACH online system. This guide walks you through the main steps, typical requirements, and the NYSTCE exam process.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state licensing authority before applying.
Quick Overview
- DegreeBachelor's
- ExamNYSTCE
- Professional Cert.CTLE Required
- Authorityhighered.nysed.gov
Figures come from official sources and can change. Always confirm with the licensing authority before applying.
3 Steps to Licensure
- 1
Meet the requirements
Requirements for New York teacher certification typically include:
- A bachelor's degree.
- Completion of a NYSED-registered teacher preparation program, which since April 27, 2022 must embed its own teacher performance assessment into student teaching and clinical practice.
- Passing the required NYSTCE assessments for your certificate title.
- Fingerprint and background clearance.
Exact requirements vary by certificate title and subject or grade band; confirm your specific path using NYSED's Search Certification Requirements tool.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with NYSED before applying.
- 2
Submit your application
The application process for a New York teaching certificate generally involves these steps:
- Earn a bachelor's degree and complete a NYSED-registered teacher preparation program.
- Pass the required NYSTCE assessments for your certificate title, administered by Pearson/National Evaluation Series (nesinc), such as the Educating All Students (EAS) test and the relevant Content Specialty Test (CST).
- Complete fingerprint and background clearance.
- Apply for certification through the TEACH online system.
Steps can change, so verify the current process with NYSED.
- 3
Pass the teacher exam
New York uses the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) program, administered by Pearson/National Evaluation Series (nesinc), not edTPA. Depending on the certificate, candidates may need the Educating All Students (EAS) test, Content Specialty Tests (CSTs) for the subject area, School Leadership Assessments (for administrative certificates), Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction or the Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (ATAS) for teaching-assistant certificates, a Bilingual Education Assessment, the Communication and Quantitative Skills Test (CQST, only for the CTE Transitional A - Option B pathway), or the Speech-Language Pathology Praxis test (ETS, for the Professional Speech and Language Disabilities certificate only). NYSTCE science content tests (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics) are scheduled to retire August 9, 2026, replaced by new NES-branded exams, and new CST English Language Arts (613) and Mathematics (614) exams are scheduled to begin rolling out in summer/fall 2026. Always confirm exam requirements with NYSED or the NYSTCE testing contractor, because tests and policies can change.
License Types
Professional Certificate
Advanced New York teaching certificate after Initial certificate experience and requirements.
- Full classroom authority
- Renewable via CTLE
Initial Certificate
Entry-level New York teaching certificate for new teachers.
- Entry level
- Path to professional
Details
Experience
New York's initial path runs through a NYSED-registered teacher preparation program on top of a bachelor's degree. Since April 27, 2022, these programs must embed their own teacher performance assessment into student teaching and clinical practice, replacing the previously required edTPA. Progression from the Initial Certificate to the Professional Certificate generally requires a period of mentored teaching experience; exact terms vary by certificate title, so confirm specifics using the Search Certification Requirements tool. Out-of-state exams may be accepted toward New York certification under NYSED's Out-of-State Exam policy.
Details
Fees
NYSTCE per-test fees are set by the testing contractor and published at nystce.nesinc.com; NYSED does not publish a single flat figure across all certificate titles. Certificate application fees are handled through the TEACH online system. Always confirm current fee amounts with NYSED or the NYSTCE testing contractor before submitting payment.
Details
Renewal
Professional Certificates require Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) under NYSED's professional development mandate. Specific hour requirements vary; confirm the current CTLE requirements at highered.nysed.gov. Requirements can change; always confirm renewal requirements with NYSED before your renewal deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Who issues teaching certificates in New York?
The New York State Education Department (NYSED), through its Office of Teaching Initiatives, using the TEACH online system. Always verify the current process with NYSED, since rules can change.
Do I need to take the edTPA to become certified in New York?
No. edTPA was eliminated as a certification requirement effective April 27, 2022, following a New York State Board of Regents vote. NY-registered teacher preparation programs must instead embed their own teacher performance assessment into student teaching and clinical practice.
What exams do I need for a New York teaching certificate?
The New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE), administered by Pearson/National Evaluation Series (nesinc). Depending on the certificate, this can include the Educating All Students (EAS) test and Content Specialty Tests (CSTs) for the subject area. Praxis, via ETS, is retained only for the Speech-Language Pathology area.
Are New York's teacher certification exams changing soon?
Yes. NYSTCE science content tests (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics) are scheduled to retire August 9, 2026, replaced by new NES-branded exams, and new CST English Language Arts (613) and Mathematics (614) exams are scheduled to begin rolling out in summer/fall 2026. Confirm current requirements at nystce.nesinc.com closer to your exam date.
How does the Professional Certificate renew?
Through Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) under NYSED's professional development mandate. Specific hour requirements vary; confirm current CTLE requirements at highered.nysed.gov.
