Pathway to Teacher Certification
New York State public schools require certification for all teachers, administrators, and pupil personnel service providers (school counselors, psychologists, social workers). You’ll find detailed information on the certification process outlined below at the New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) .
How to Apply for Teacher Certification
- Complete your program of study at Ģý.
- Register on NYSED’s . You will apply for certification through the system. Through your TEACH profile and account, you will be able to view your exam results, apply for fingerprint clearance, confirm receipt of your recommendation for certification from Ģý, and monitor the status of your application.
- Use the NYSED’s drop-down search function to review the requirements for the type of certification for which you’ll be applying. This “preparation pathway” includes a list of all necessary exams, workshops, security clearance, and documentation.
- Prepare for and pass all exams required for the certification you’re seeking, such as the ALST (Academic Literacy Skills Test), EAS (Educating All Students) Exam, edTPA assessment (during your semester of student teaching), and CST (Content Specific Test).
Note: Consult the for current information on any safety nets that may be in effect for specific exams in regard to re-testing after failure to pass, minimum grade requirements, etc. - Complete all required workshops: DASA (Dignity for All Students Act), Child Abuse, and SAVE (Safe Schools Against Violence in Education). Child Abuse and SAVE may be taken .
- If your fingerprints have not already been processed and cleared by NYSED, apply for fingerprinting through .
- Apply and pay for your certification at the time you apply for graduation. Submit all required supporting documentation.
- Ģý will recommend you for certification, usually within a week of your graduation.
- You will receive your certification within a few days after the Ģý recommendation has been submitted, assuming you have met all requirements. It will appear on your TEACH account.
Important Links
Exam Information and Preparation Guides
Contact Us
Kristen Schaefer
Director of Field Placements and Certification
Tel 516.686.1286
Fax 516.686.7655
kschae04@nyit.edu