School of Education

Teacher Certification Checklist

Teacher Certification Checklist for May 30, 2013 Graduates:
What you need to do to receive NYS Initial Certification

For all students graduating after May 30, 2013 there will be some changes to this checklist. For example, the Bullying Prevention Workshop will be required for all students who do not apply for their certification by the end of June, 2013

Complete a New York State Approved Teacher Preparation Program:
Must successfully complete a supervised student teaching or internship course with a grade of B or better, if seeking an institutional recommendation.
Meet all liberal arts and sciences requirements:
Contact your program advisor to learn if you need to have your undergraduate transcript(s) evaluated by the Certification Officer.  If yes, contact the Certification Officer.
Take the New York State Teacher Certification Exams (NYSTCE)
For exams schedules, registration and other testing information please visit the NYSTCE at http://www.nystce.nesinc.com/
LAST - Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST):  For all students
The LAST consists of multiple-choice questions and a written assignment. Examinees are asked to demonstrate conceptual and analytical skills, critical-thinking and communication skills, and multicultural awareness. The test covers scientific, mathematical, and technological processes; historical and social scientific awareness; artistic expression and the humanities; communication and research skills; and written analysis and expression. 

ATS-W – Elementary Assessment of Teaching Skills—Written (ATS–W):
The Elementary ATS–W consists of multiple-choice questions and a written assignment. The Elementary ATS–W measures professional and pedagogical knowledge at the Early Childhood (birth–grade 2) and Childhood (grades 1–6) levels.

The ATS-W – Elementary Assessment of Teaching Skills is for students applying for certification in the following areas:

  • Childhood Education Grades 1-6
  • Early Childhood and Childhood Education Birth to Grade 2
  • Health Education
  • Literacy (all grades)
  • Music
  • Speech
  • Students with Disabilities – Childhood Grades 1-6
  • Students with Disabilities – Early Childhood Birth to Grade 2
  • Visual Arts

ATS-W - Secondary Assessment of Teaching Skills—Written (ATS–W)
The Secondary ATS–W consists of multiple-choice questions and a written assignment. The Secondary ATS–W measures professional and pedagogical knowledge at the Middle Childhood (grades 5–9) and Adolescence (grades 7–12) levels.

ATS-W - Secondary Assessment of Teaching Skills is for students applying for certification in the following areas:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Earth Science
  • English
  • ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages)
  • Foreign Language
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Social Studies
Content Specialty Tests (CSTs)
The CSTs (except those for languages other than English) consist of multiple-choice questions and a written assignment. The CSTs for languages other than English include recorded listening and/or speaking components and writing components. The American Sign Language CST includes video-recorded signing components. CSTs measure knowledge and skills in the content area of the candidate's field of certification. Refer to "Test Selection" for information about specific CST that you are required to take and pass.
Bilingual Education Assessments (BEAs)
The BEAs consists of multiple-choice questions and constructed-response assignments. They include recorded listening and speaking components in English and include listening, speaking, reading, and writing components in the target language. The BEAs are required of candidates seeking a bilingual education extension to a certificate. Refer to "Test Selection" for information about specific BEAs http://www.nystce.nesinc.com/NY15_teachercertification.asp

If you need help preparing for these exams, Lehman College Office of Continuing Education offers PREP workshops for the following NYSTCE:

  • LAST –Liberal Arts and Sciences Test
  • ATS-W –Assessment of Teaching Skills—Written (ATS–W)
  • CST – Content Specialty Test  (Multi Subjects)    

Complete the following mandated workshops:
All of the mandated workshops are offered by the Lehman College Office of Continuing Education (718) 960-8512

  • Child Abuse
  • School Violence
  • Autism (Only candidates who are applying for certification in Speech and Language Disabilities and Students with Disabilities)

Fingerprinting
You will need finger print clearance for New York State Certification.   For more information please visit the NYSED website

Please note: Lehman College School of Education offers fingerprinting on-site twice a year for all student teachers.  All student teachers need fingerprint clearance from either the New York City Department of Education or the New York State Education Department before the start of their student teaching experience.  Any student teaching applicant who has not been fingerprinted will have an opportunity to do so on campus the semester prior to their student teaching course.  For additional information, please contact Elvani Pennil, Coordinator of the Professional Development Network, at elvani.pennil@lehman.cuny.edu.

All applicants must create a NYSED TEACH account to apply for certification.  Visit the NYSED at http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/teach/ for more information.
For questions and assistance with certification, contact the Teacher Certification Office at 718 960-8423.

Last modified: Apr 10, 2013

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