1. What do I need to do to become certified to teach in New York State?

• You need to complete a traditional teacher preparation program at a New York State college or university or complete a teacher preparation program in a state with a reciprocity agreement with the state of New York, and
• Pass the New York State Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST), and
• Pass the Assessment of Teaching Skills - Written (ATS-W), and
• Pass the appropriate Content Specialty Test(s) (CST).

2. I am a certified teacher in a state other than New York. What must I do to become certified in New York State?

• Apply for a Certificate to the SED Office of Teaching Initiatives, and
• Pass the New York State Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST), and
• Pass the Assessment of Teaching Skills - Written (ATS-W), and
• Pass the appropriate Content Specialty Test(s) (CST) within two years of receiving your certificate.

3. I want to obtain a bilingual education extension to a teaching certificate. What must I do to do this?

You are required to achieve a passing score on the Bilingual Education Assessment (BFA) in the target language of instruction.

4. I am changing careers. Is there an easier way for me to get certified?

No. You must meet all coursework, examination workshop and other requirements specified in regulations. However, you may be interested in an alternative teacher certification program specifically designed for career changers. These programs offer a time-shortened, intensive preparation program operated cooperatively by a college and school district.

5. When are the next tests going to be given?

Please visit http://www.nystce.nesinc.com/NY14_testdates.asp

6. What are the New York State teacher certification test registration fees?

7. How do I pay for the New York State teacher certification test registration fee?

The fees for Internet registration, telephone registration, and changes to registration made on the Internet must be paid using a credit card (VISA or MasterCard only) or a debit or check card that carries the VISA or MasterCard logo and that can be used without the entry of a personal identification number (PIN). Bank cards without a VISA or MasterCard logo cannot be accepted. The merchant name that will appear on your credit card statement is "NES-Test Fee."

The fees for registration by U.S. mail and other services requested by mail ("Additional Service Fees" in the table above) must be paid by personal check, cashier's check, or money order. Fees for additional copies of your test results must be paid by cashier's check or money order; personal checks are not accepted. Checks and money orders should be made payable to National Evaluation Systems, Inc., in U.S. dollars. Please write the last four digits of your social security number on your payment. Do not send cash.

8. Are calculators allowed?...and if so, what kind are allowed?

Examinees taking the CSTs in Chemistry (007) and Physics (009) will be provided with one of the following models of scientific calculators at the test administration. The models distributed are subject to change; directions for use will not be provided at the test site. You may not use your own calculator or calculator manual for these tests.

• Texas Instruments TI-30X
• Texas Instruments TI-30X Solar
• Texas Instruments TI-30Xa
• Texas Instruments TI-30Xs
• Texas Instruments TI-30XIIs

9. Who can I contact if I have further questions about teaching in New York State?

New York State Education Department
89 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12234
(518) 474-3852
http://ohe32.nysed.gov/tcert/