Prepare for New York Certification Exams
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.
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New York State Teacher Certification Requirements
To get certified to teach in New York , you’ll need to pass two exams:
- The Educating All Students Test (EAS) - This measures your knowledge, skills, and ability to teach all students, including students with disabilities, English language learners, and students from diverse backgrounds.
- The Content Specialty Test (CST)- This determines your proficiency in your area of certification. In other words, it’s a test to show that you know your subject well enough to teach it.
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.
What content specialty test do I take?
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.
Is the Educative Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) still a certification requirement?
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.
Getting test-ready
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Step one: Remember why you're doing this
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!
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Step two: Make a schedule
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:
- Your program’s application deadline.
- Which tests your program requires.
- The dates that your test is offered.
- How long it takes to get your scores after you’ve taken the test.
- How far in advance the test-maker requires you to register before you take your test.
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!) - 3
Step three: Register for your test
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:
- Click Register Now.
- Select Create Account.
- After you’ve created an account, select Register for an EAS Test.
- To find the test you need, choose New York as the certifying state.
- Check the box next to the test you need to take. Then you’ll be able to choose your testing location, date, and time. You’ll choose the date and time separately for each test you’ve selected (most people only need to take one test).
- Verify your information and pay for your exam. The EAS exam currently costs $80.
Content Specialty Test (CST)
If you’re taking the Content Specialty Test, head over to the registration page. There, you will:
- Scroll and select the content test that fits the subject you plan on teaching.
- Click Register Now.
- Select Create Account.
- After you’ve created an account, select Register.
- To find the test you need, choose New York as the certifying state.
- Check the box next to the test you need to take. Then you’ll be able to choose your testing location, date, and time. You’ll choose the date and time separately for each test you’ve selected (most people only need to take one test).
- Verify your information and pay for your exam. All content exams currently costs $122.
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Step four: Plan your study time
Once you’ve registered, list everything you need to do between now and your test day.
Make a study schedule that includes time to:
- Research test prep resources. Figure out what study materials you want to use, and give yourself plenty of time to order the right books, manuals or other resources (see our resource list below).
- Study your subject matter. This is where you’ll spend most of your time. Plan regular time to look over study guides, revisit textbooks or old class assignments, review flashcards, work with a study group… There are lots of ways to get the material down! The most important thing is to pace yourself so you’re not cramming at the last minute.
- Take practice tests. Even if you know all the information, you’ll want to get used to the test structure and questions. Practice tests can help you know what to expect on test day and learn how to approach questions you’re unsure of.
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Step five: Gather your study materials
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
- For the certification exams, we recommend looking at the test design and framework to understand how long the test is, how many questions are in each section, and how each section is graded.
- Before you purchase any test prep materials, check with your program to see if there are any free study guides and test prep options available.
- Check out study guides that include test preparation materials, sample questions, and video tutorials.
Paid test prep options
The New York State Teaching Certification Examinations also provide full-length practice tests starting at $11. Each practice test includes:
- 120-day online access
- Sample test questions
- Feedback on your test performance
- Explanations for correct responses
On Test Day
You’ve registered, studied and taken practice tests—and you’re ready for your exam!
How should I prepare for test day?
Remember to take care of yourself before your test:
- Verify your test location. Even if you think you know where your exam is being held, double-check that the test center schedule hasn’t changed.
- Get plenty of sleep the night before.
- Eat a decent breakfast the day of the test.
- Bring a water bottle.
- Show up early. If you’re late for your test, you won’t be allowed in. Hanging outside the testing center for 20 extra minutes is better than stressing yourself out minutes before you have to think critically for an exam.
- Dress in layers. Test centers can be chilly, and you’d rather be able to remove a jacket than be uncomfortable for the duration of your exam.
- Bring the required materials. You’ll need identification when you arrive for your test. Depending on your specific exam, you may also need other materials, like a calculator.
Getting Your Scores
When can I see my scores?
Score availability will depend on which exam you take and when you take it.
- Educating for All Students (EAS): You can check out the score reports page to see when you can access your score based on your test date.
- Content Speciality Test (CST): Your score availability depends on which exam you took. You can visit the score reports page and check the report dates based on the specific CST exam you took.
How do I read my scores?
- Educating for All Students (EAS): The scaled scores range from 400 to 600. The minimum passing score is 520. You can check this sample score report to see what to expect when you receive your results.
- Content Speciality Test (CST): The scaled scores range from 400 to 600. The minimum passing score is 520. You can check this sample score report as a reference.
How do I report my scores?
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 need to retake the exam
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.