NYSTCE

Overview

The New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) are the tests that candidates in New York State take to qualify for teaching, teaching assistant and school leadership certificates. The New York State Education Department sets the requirements, and the site and testing are run jointly with Pearson.

There is no single NYSTCE paper. Which tests you take depends on the certificate you are seeking, and a candidate usually sits several of them.

Who can apply

Anyone seeking a New York State certificate that requires NYSTCE tests can register. The tests you need depend on the certificate:

The official page notes that the Board of Regents amended the safety-net rules in 2018. Confirm your own requirements on the official page and with the Office of Teaching Initiatives before registering.

Exam pattern

The NYSTCE is a family of tests rather than one exam.

Core tests

Teaching assistant tests

Leadership tests

Content Specialty Tests. More than 40 subject tests (some listed in two versions during the 2026 transition) cover areas such as English Language Arts, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, languages including Spanish, French and Mandarin, Computer Science, Physical Education and Visual Arts.

Bilingual Education Assessments. The official list shows more than 30 languages.

NYSTCE Flex. This is a portfolio-based option, not a sitting. It is described in the next section.

Question types, number of questions and time limits differ by test. Each test has its own framework and study guide on the official site.

NYSTCE Flex

Flex is for candidates who narrowly miss a required CST. It is open for English Language Arts, Mathematics, and the mathematics component of the Multi-Subject certificates (Early Childhood, Childhood, Middle Childhood and Secondary).

To qualify, you must have scored within 0.5 standard error of measurement of the passing mark on a current version of the CST. Eligible candidates see Flex as an option when they register.

Instead of multiple-choice questions, candidates submit written analyses through Pearson's ePortfolio system, following the NYSTCE Flex Handbook and the template for the assessment. Passing Flex meets the content specialty requirement for an initial New York State certificate, although other tests may still be required.

Marking and results

Scores are posted online at 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the score report date set for each test. The site publishes a schedule of test date ranges and matching score release dates for 2026 and 2027.

Scores go to you, to the New York State Education Department, and to any institutions you named at registration. They reach the Department through the Social Security number entered at registration and are added automatically to your certification file.

Score reports stay in your account for 2 years after the test. Scores can be delayed for new or redeveloped tests while passing standards are set, or by registration or payment problems. An unpaid balance owed to Evaluation Systems can lead to scores being voided permanently.

Important dates

Most NYSTCE tests are offered year-round by appointment, Monday to Saturday, excluding some holidays, at flexible times and locations. The test dates page does not list individual dates. You pick a test in the registration tool to see its dates and sites.

Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (095) was offered through 9 August 2026. Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction (519) has been offered since 27 January 2026.

How to apply

Register through your account on the official site. Before registering, check which tests you need, and read the testing, registration and score reporting policies, since you must acknowledge them. Fees, rescheduling, cancellation, identification and retake rules are set out in these policies, and some are listed per test, so read the policy for your own test.

Online proctored testing has been introduced for some tests. At the time of review, the only test listed for it is Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction (519). You need a desktop or laptop (no tablets or touch screens) with a single monitor, plus an external mouse, keyboard and webcam if you use a laptop with an external monitor. Run the system test first. Tests that need a scanner or audio cannot be taken remotely.

Candidates who need alternative testing arrangements can apply through the official page for them.

After the exam

Your scores are filed with the Education Department for your certification application. Some CSTs and the School Building Leader assessment have safety nets. Details are published by the Office of Teaching Initiatives at the Education Department and change over time.

Preparation tips

• Start with the framework for your test to see what content it covers.

• Use the study guide for your test and the full-length practice tests the site provides.

• The site also offers testing tutorials, an explanation of score reports and Right Start interactive courses. It does not state their cost, so check before buying.

• Some mathematics and science tests supply an on-screen calculator, while others expect you to bring a graphing calculator. Check the day-of-test information for your test.