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New York State Teacher Certification Examinations NYSTCE)

The NYS Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) are required:

  • For teacher certification in New York State
  • To ensure that teachers have the appropriate level of knowledge and skills necessary to teach in NYS schools

The tests:

  • Are o ffered several times each year
  • Should be taken one at a time
  • Should be taken early, in case of a need to re-test
  • May be allowed to be taken as many times as needed until passing scores are achieved

The NYS Education Department suggests taking:

  • The LAST during your sophomore or junior year
  • The ATS-W during your senior year
  • The CST in either your junior or senior year

The Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST)

  • Is required for the Initial Certificate in most titles
  • Covers: science, math, history, and art
  • Consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and a written assignment (essay question)

The Assessment of Teaching Skills-Written (ATS-W)

  • Is required for the Initial Certificate in most titles
  • Is offered in 2 versions: elementary and secondary. (Candidates for K-12 certificates may choose either version)
  • Covers knowledge of the learner, instructional planning and assessment, instructional delivery, and the professional environment
  • Consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and an extended written response

The Content Specialty Test (CST)

  • Is required for the Initial Certificate (except for Speech and Hearing Disabilities)
  • Is required for the Professional Certificate for Speech and Hearing Disabilities
  • Covers content in the subject or subjects to be taught
  • Typically consists of multiple choice questions. Tests in languages other than English involve audiotaped listening and speaking sections

The Bilingual Education Assessment (BEA)

  • Is required for bilingual education extensions
  • Consists of multiple-choice test questions, audiotaped listening and speaking components in English and in the target language, and reading and writing components in the target language
  • Is NOT required if you are seeking a bilingual education extension to a certificate, and have passed a CST in the target language

Registration Information:

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  • You can register by mail, phone, or online. For further information on how to register, log on to www.nystce.nesinc.com or call: 1-800-309-5225

Test Preparation Assistance and Information:

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