30 minutes
Prepare for New York Certification Exams
Learn about the exams you need to take and how to prepare.
Learn about the exams you need to take and how to prepare.
Before you can teach in New York, you’ll need to pass some tests. If testing stresses you out, you’re not alone. We’re here to help you find the right tools to ace your exams.
For New York teachers, the most relevant tests to receive their NYS Initial Certification will be the Educating All Students test (EAS) and the Content Specialty Test (CST).
We’ll go over each test in detail—what they cover, who they’re for and what resources can help you prepare.
If you have any questions about your teaching program applications, reach out to a TeachNY coach or your program admissions staff for support.
Jump to:
To get certified to teach in New York , you’ll need to pass two exams:
Keep in mind that you may need to take additional certification exams, depending on the subject and grade you want to teach. If you’re unsure of the requirements for a specific certificate, you can search the New York State Office of Teaching Initiatives website for more information.
Your CST will depend on the subject you plan on teaching. You can visit the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations website for a full list of content specialty tests—from English Language Arts to Technology Education — and the passing scores for each.
As of April 2022, the edTPA is no longer required to become a certified teacher in New York. Initially, the teacher performance assessment was used to determine a candidate’s classroom readiness based on New York's state teaching standards. New York teaching programs are now required to merge the edTPA into the candidate’s student teaching or fellowship.
State tests are required—but remember, your scores don’t necessarily reflect the kind of teacher you will be. Your certification tests are just one more step on your way to teaching. You’re on a mission, and you’ve got this!
You’ve worked hard to get where you are. You’ve put together an amazing application, and you’re pretty sure you aced your teaching exams. But just as you’re submitting your materials to your program, you find out that your test scores won’t be available until after the application deadline.
Don’t let this happen to you! Making a test schedule can save you application frustration and stress later on. You’ll want to know:
Once you know these important dates, we recommend adding in at least an extra week or two of cushion. That way, if your test is rescheduled or your testing equipment isn’t working, you won’t be scrambling to take the test in time.
After you register for your test, you can work backward: Figure out how much time you have between now and your testing date. Then, make yourself a study schedule that maps out how and when you’ll study for your exam (more on that in Step 4!)
Check with your teaching program to find out when you need to have taken and passed the subject area exam, and to verify which tests you’ll take.
Educating for All Students (EAS)
If you’re taking the Educating for All Students test, head over to the registration page. There, you will:
If you’re taking the Content Specialty Test, head over to the registration page. There, you will:
Once you’ve registered, list everything you need to do between now and your test day.
Make a study schedule that includes time to:
There are study guides to help you prepare whichever test you're taking. Some come directly from test-makers, while others come from other educational organizations and universities. We’ll share a few resources here.
Free test materials
The New York State Teaching Certification Examinations also provide full-length practice tests starting at $11. Each practice test includes:
240 Tutoring provides digital courses to help you pass your exam. Every course includes:
TeachNY participants receive 50% off:
You’ve registered, studied and taken practice tests—and you’re ready for your exam!
Remember to take care of yourself before your test:
Score availability will depend on which exam you take and when you take it.
On the specified score report date, your test scores will be automatically sent to the NY.gov TEACH system. When you register for your exams, you must provide your name, date of birth, and the last five digits of your social security numbers that match with your NY.gov TEACH account. If your information does not match what’s on your account, you must submit a formal request to change your information.
If you did not pass any one of the New York State Certification exams, you can register again and retake the exam(s) until you receive a passing score.
If you failed a content specialty test, you would have to wait 30-60 days before registering to retake the exam. No worries, though! We have the best resources available for you to pass your exams the first time around.