NYS Teacher Certification Examinations
In order to be certified as a teacher in New York State, you must pass the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE). These tests include the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test, (LAST), the Assessment of Teaching Skills-Written (ATS-W) and tests of content knowledge in the certificate area, Content Specialty Tests (CST).
The NYSTCE measure a candidate’s knowledge and skills in the liberal arts and sciences, in teaching theory and practice, and in the content area of the candidate's field of certification.
The format of these exams are multiple-choice and essay. Examinees are asked to demonstrate conceptual and analytical skills, critical-thinking and communication skills, and multicultural awareness. The test covers scientific, mathematical, and technological processes; historical and social scientific awareness; artistic expression and the humanities; communication and research skills; and written analysis and expression.
The Elementary ATS–W measures professional and pedagogical knowledge at the Early Childhood (birth–grade 2) and Childhood (grades 1–6) levels.
The Secondary ATS–W measures professional and pedagogical knowledge at the Middle Childhood Education (grades 5–9) and Adolescence Education (grades 7–12) levels.
Requirements for Candidates Graduating Prior to May 1, 2014 (Only)Below please see the New York State Teacher Certification Exam (NYSTCE) requirements for each state approved certification program offered by LIU along with the corresponding NYS certificate(s).
You register for the exams and may download free preparation guides at the NYSTCE website here
LAST – Liberal Arts and Sciences Test
Elem ATS-W - Elementary Assessment of Teaching Skills-Written
Sec ATS-W – Secondary Assessment of Teaching Skills-Written
CST – Content Specialty Test
BEA – Bilingual Education Assessment
The NYSED anticipates that candidates applying for certification on or after May 1, 2014 will be required to take new exams which are listed below, please see details from the NYSED website here and from the NYS Teacher Certification Examinations website here
- Teacher Performance Assessment
- Educating All Students Test
- Academic Literacy Test
- Revised Content Specialty Test(s) (dual program completers will need two CSTs)
The anticipated requirements for candidates graduating or applying for a certificate on or after May 1, 2014 are as follows:
- All candidates for the Initial teaching certificate may take the current Content Specialty Test in their field. Candidates who do not pass the current CST prior to implementation of the new CST will have to pass the new CST.
- Candidates who apply for their first Initial certificate on or after May 1, 2014—including candidates who will graduate from an approved teacher preparation program on or after May 1, 2014—should not take the LAST or the ATS‑W. These candidates will be required to pass the new Teacher Performance Assessment, Educating All Students test, and Academic Literacy Skills Test.
- Candidates who apply for the initial SBL certificate on or after May 1, 2014—including candidates who will graduate from an approved SBL preparation program on or after May 1, 2014—should not take the current SBL exam. These candidates will be required to pass the new SBL exam and the new Educating All Students test.
Below please see the New York State Teacher Certification Exam (NYSTCE) requirements for each state approved certification program offered by LIU along with the corresponding NYS certificate(s).
You register for the exams and may download free preparation guides at the NYSTCE website here
LAST – Liberal Arts and Sciences Test
Elem ATS-W - Elementary Assessment of Teaching Skills-Written
Sec ATS-W – Secondary Assessment of Teaching Skills-Written
CST – Content Specialty Test
BEA – Bilingual Education Assessment
*All tests are not available on all test dates, so please plan accordingly.
For complete information about the New York State Teacher Certification Exams, visit the
New York State Teacher Certification Examinations Web site.
For further information, consult the LIU Post College of Education, Information and Technology Teaching Certification Web portal.
For all questions and concerns related to LIU Post certification programs not addressed above, please contact:
Michael P. Hogan Ph.D.
Certification Officer
College of Education, Information and Technology
LIU Post
720 Northern Boulevard
Brookville, N.Y. 11548-1300
Phone: 516-299-2870, 516-299-2135
E-mail: michael.hogan@liu.edu
CONTACT
College of Education, Information, and Technology
post-educate@liu.edu
EXPLORE
LIU Post Campus Life
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Bursar & Enrollment Services
ADMISSIONS
516-299-2900
post-enroll@liu.edu