Examinations

1. What Tests do I need to take to be certified as a teacher in New York State?
   Effective February 2, 2004, to receive an initial New York State teaching certificate in most fields, you are required to achieve passing scores on the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST), the elementary or secondary version of the Assessment of Teaching Skills-Written (ATS-W), and a Content Specialty Test (CST) in the area of certification that you will be applying for. Registration bulletins for these examinations are available in the Certification and Educational Support Services office or can be obtained from http://www.nystce.nesinc.com. For previously certified teachers who will be applying for additional certification you will need to verify which examinations are required.
   
   
2. When and where are the tests administered?
   The tests are offered several times each year at a variety of test sites in New York State, one site in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and one site in Toronto, Ontario. Some tests are offered in other states once a year. See the Registration Bulletin for specific information on locations, special testing accommodations, and registration procedures. Call National Evaluation Systems at (413) 256-2882 for information regarding test administrations at military bases.
   
   
3. Can I obtain a testing accommodation for my disability?
   Yes. Special accommodations may be provided with appropriate documentation.
   
   

Preparation

1. When should I take the tests?
   A candidate may attempt any of the required tests at any time. Here are some guidelines:
   • Liberal Arts and Sciences Test
     Sophomore or junior year, after completion of most basic liberal arts and sciences course work.
     
     
   • Assessment of Teaching Skills-Written
     Upon completion of Pedagogy coursework and field experiences, as well as perhaps student teaching.
     
     
   • Content Specialty Test
     May be completed in the junior year to help a candidate determine if additional coursework in the area of concentration is needed.
     
     
   • Assessment of Teaching Skills-Performance
     Recommended only after two or more years of classroom experience. Candidates should have knowledge of teaching skills, and the ability to apply those skills effectively within the classroom. It is advisable to allow time to make practice tapes, have them reviewed by peers, and improve teaching skills, if necessary. Candidates holding a Provisional New York State certificate should submit the videotape no later than six months before their Provisional certificate expires to allow for timely scoring.
     
     
   • Language Proficiency Assessments
     At any time, once the candidate has achieved fluency in the language.
     
2. How should I prepare for the tests?
   Preparation Guides are available for all NYSTCE tests. The guides contain complete content outlines for tests, sample test questions, and general advice on how to prepare for the tests. These guides are available free of charge at the NYSTCE website: http://www.nystce.nesinc.com.

Registration and Fees

1. How do I register for the teacher certification exams?
   Register by Mail: The registration bulletin is available through most New York State institutions of higher education with approved teacher education programs. A copy may also be obtained online from National Evaluation Systems (NES) or the Office of Teaching Initiatives.
   
   Register by Internet: To register online go to http://www.nystce.nesinc.com.
   
   
2. How much do the NYSTCEs cost?

   LAST	$ 88
   ATS-W	$ 88
   CST	$ 88
   ATS-P	$ 145
   BEAs	$ 88
   ATAS	$ 35

   Additional fee for late or emergency registration.
   
   
3. If I apply for the NYSTCE tests, do I also have to apply separately for certification?
   Yes. Although test scores are automatically reported to the Office of Teaching Initiatives, a separate application for certificate, with the supporting credentials, must also be filed with the Office of Teaching Initiatives.
   
   
4. Where can I get a Registration Bulletin and application form?
   The Registration Bulletin is now available online. It is also available through most New York State institutions of higher education with approved teacher education programs. Single copies may also be obtained from National Evaluation Systems (NES) or the Office of Teaching Initiatives
   
   National Evaluation Systems, Inc.
   P.O. Box 660
   Amherst, MA 01004-9008
   Telephone: (413) 256-2882
   (800) 309-5225 - Automatic information service
   TTY for the deaf: (413) 256-8032

Test Scores

1. What is a "passing" score on these tests?

   LAST	220
   ATS-W	220
   CST	220
   ATS-P	P (Pass)
   BEAs	220
   ATAS	220

   Note: Each test is scored separately, and once the qualifying score has been achieved, it satisfies that portion of the requirement.
   
   
2. If I lose a score report where can I get another copy?
   The Office of Teaching does not offer the service of providing test scores to applicants. Duplicate copies of score reports are available from National Evaluation Systems, Inc. (NES) up to three years after the respective score report mailing date. To request a duplicate, complete the "Additional Score Report Request Form" from the test Registration Bulletin and follow the directions on the form. The fee for this service is $15 payable by cashier's check or money order to NES.
   
   
3. If I don't pass a test on the first try, how often may I retake it?
   There is no restriction on the number of times a test may be taken.
   
   
4. Can I just retake the parts of a test I don't do well on?
   No. For each attempt, a candidate must take a test in its entirety, since passing standards are set on the total test rather than on sub area or partial scores. Candidates receive sub area information on the score report, but this is provided only to help the candidate prepare effectively if the test must be taken again.
   
   
5. How are test scores reported to the State Education Department?
   Test scores are automatically reported by social security number to the Office of Teaching Initiatives after each test administration even if a candidate has not yet made a formal application for a certificate.
   
   
6. Can I substitute qualifying scores for coursework or student teaching?
   No. The tests must be passed in addition to the education and classroom experience requirements for each title.