You’ll have to earn a degree to teach most subjects. Choose a major that matches the subject you want to teach. 

Many programs combine a teaching certificate with a bachelor’s degree, so you can get certified while you finish your undergraduate coursework.

If you have vocational experience, you may also be able to teach a Career & Technical Education subject without a degree.

The teaching certificate you earn will depend on the subject and grade level you want to teach. At any level, getting certified in a shortage area subject—such as special education, science or bilingual education—provides more job opportunities.

Explore your certification options at our Certification Areas page.

Keep in mind that you can often accomplish steps 1 and 2 at the same time!

It is important to check with your advisor to make sure the teaching program at your school offers your chosen certification area.

If you’re not already enrolled in a college with a teaching program, you can find programs with the TeachNY Program Explorer.

As a future teacher, you’ll need to pass a few tests to show you’re ready to teach your own classroom. Getting certified in New York usually includes one or more exams from the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) program.

Testing requirements can also vary based on the specific certificate you decide to pursue, such as math or elementary education.

Almost there! First, your teaching program will need to confirm you’re eligible to apply for your certificate. Once you get confirmation, you’ll create an NY.gov ID TEACH account to submit your certificate application.

You’ll need to submit the teaching certificate application fee and documentation of your education and test scores. This could include:

• Official transcripts from all degree programs you’ve completed (bachelor’s, master’s and other post-high school programs). 
• Official test scores from your certification exams.
• Verification from your teaching program that you’re eligible to apply for certification.