New York State Certification Requirements

The graduate School of Education has programs leading to initial and professional certification in New York State. When candidates complete a certification program, the Certification Officer (NA 3/213) submits a recommendation to New York State Education Department using the TEACH system. Candidates are also required to apply online for their certificate. The Dean’s Office, in conjunction with the program director and department chair, determines that all program requirements have been met.

In addition to the academic requirements of the education program, candidates must also pass the New York State Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) appropriate to the certificate they seek. The requirements for classroom teachers include a teacher performance assessment, the Educating All Students Test (EAS), and the revised Content Specialty Test(s) (CST). The new examination requirements for the School Building Leadership (SBL) certificate consist of a revised School Building Leader Assessment (SBL) and Educating All Students Test (EAS). Information about the new exam requirements can be found on the CCNY certification website. In addition, candidates enrolled in Bilingual programs are required to take the Bilingual Education Assessment (BEA).
Candidates qualify for the professional certificate after completing their master's or advance degree if they have three years of full-time, legal, and paid teaching experience.