Teacher certification tests in New York
New York uses its own New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE), delivered by Pearson. For an Initial certificate you pass two kinds of test: the Educating All Students (EAS) test and a Content Specialty Test (CST) in your subject. The edTPA is no longer a state requirement.
From NYSED and Board of Regents announcements and New York educator preparation programs’ published requirements. Checked October 12, 2026. Check NYSED’s certification requirements search for your exact certificate.
What you need
| Requirement | What it is |
|---|---|
| Educating All Students (EAS) | Every candidate: teaching English language learners and students with disabilities |
| Content Specialty Test (CST) | The subject and grade band you’ll be certified in; some certificates need more than one |
| Teacher performance assessment | Set by your preparation program since September 2023, replacing the state edTPA |
| Required workshops | Training such as child abuse identification, school violence prevention and the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) |
Tests New York no longer requires
- edTPA: eliminated as a certification requirement in April 2022.
- Academic Literacy Skills Test (ALST): dropped by the Board of Regents, which noted the cost and the number of exams candidates faced.
Common questions
Does New York use Praxis?
No. New York uses its own NYSTCE program, delivered by Pearson.
Can I be recommended before passing my exams?
Your preparation program can recommend you before you’ve passed every exam, but NYSED won’t issue the certificate until you have qualifying scores.
Official source & community discussion
NYSTCE: tests and registration (official) →
See related questions on Quora →