New York State Certification Exam Frequently Asked Questions - Certification and Educational Support Services

Frequently Asked Questions

To register for the exams, exam schedule and test frameworks, visit www.nystce.nesinc.com

Attention Candidates graduating May 2014 or after:We anticipate that Teacher and school building leader candidates applying for certification on or after May 1st, 2014 will be required to take certain new exams. At the February 2012 meeting, the New York State Board of Regents approved a change to the implementation schedule for the new testing requirements for the initial certification of teachers and school building leaders. Please contact the Office of Educational Support Services at (516) 463-5747 or the state website.

What Tests do I need to take to be certified as a teacher in New York State?

To receive an initial New York State teaching certificate in most fields, candidates are required to achieve passing scores on the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST), the elementary or the secondary version of the Assessment of Teaching Skills—Written (ATS–W), and a Content Specialty Test (CST) in their area of certification sought. For SDBL, SBL/SDL you must take the appropriate School Leadership Assessment. Flyers with information for all examinations are available in the Office of Educational Support Services 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. To view required testing for you certification, go to www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/ then go to “certification” and “Search Certification Requirements”

Upcoming Changes in New York State testing: We anticipate Teacher and school building leader candidates applying for certification on or after May 1st,2014 will be required to take certain new exams. At the February 2012 meeting,the New York State Board of Regents approved a change to the implementation schedule for the new testing requirements for the initial certifiation of teachers and school building leaders.Please contact the Office of Educational Support Services at (516) 463-5747 or the state website

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. Visit www.nystce.nesinc or call National Evaluation Systems Pearson’s at (413) 256-2882 for test registration, administration procedures and score reporting.

Is Computer-based testing available?

The following NYSTCE tests are offered on the computer in addition to the regularly scheduled paper-based test administrations:

Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST)
Elementary Assessment of Teaching Skills—Written (ATS–W)
Secondary Assessment of Teaching Skills—Written (ATS–W)
Multi-Subject Content Specialty Test (CST)
Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (ATAS)
School Leadership Assessments (computer only)

Computer-based testing (CBT) is available Monday through Saturday (excluding holidays) at Pearson Professional Centers. Visit www.nystce.nesinc.com for specifics on computer-based testing to see if it is right for you.

In computer-based testing, examinees complete the tests by selecting answers on-screen to multiple-choice questions and typing responses to constructed-response assignments. Score reports will be available on the NYSTCE Web site within 30 days of the test date. When you register, you may also sign up to receive your scores by e-mail when they are released

Before registering for a computer-based test, you should note the following:

Test fees are higher for computer-based tests than for paper-based tests.
Registration for computer-based testing is by Internet only; payment must be made by VISA or MasterCard.
Test appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and seating is limited.
You must wait 30 days after taking a computer-based test before retaking the same test on computer.

Can I obtain a testing accommodation for my disability?

Yes. Special accommodations may be provided with appropriate documentation.

Preparation

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.
Language Proficiency Assessments
At any time, once the candidate has achieved fluency in the language.

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 test frameworks are available free of charge at the NYSTCE website: http://www.nystce.nesinc.com. NYSTCE also offers online practice tests for certain exam titles. Please visit the NYSTCE website home page for additional information/fees.

Registration and Fees

How do I register for the test?

Internet Registration
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Internet registration must be completed by 5:00 p.m. eastern time on the registration deadline to be eligible for that registration period (must create an account)

U.S. Mail Registration
Registration forms must be postmarked by the regular registration deadline or received by 5:00 p.m. eastern time on the late registration deadline.

Telephone Registration
1-413-256-2882
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. eastern time, Monday–Friday, excluding holidays.

Registration for NYSTCE computer-based testing is available only on the NYSTCE Web site.

How much do the NYSTCEs cost?

NYSTCE Fees for Paper-Based Testing

Test Registration Fees
Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST)	$79
Assessment of Teaching Skills—Written (ATS–W)	$79
Content Specialty Test (CST)	$79
Bilingual Education Assessment (BEA)	$79

NYSTCE Fees for Computer-Based Testing

Test Registration Fees
Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST)	$149
Assessment of Teaching Skills—Written (ATS–W)	$149
Content Specialty Test (CST)	$149

For Additional Service Fees, withdrawal/refund policies and payment methods/policies visit http://www.nystce.nesinc.com/NY15_testfees.asp

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.

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 take

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.

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

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.

Information obtained from www.nystce.nesins.com Please visit the NYSTCE website for additional information/updates regarding New York State testing requirements.