An examinee’s performance on a NYSTCE test is evaluated against an established standard. The passing requirement for each test is established by the New York State Commissioner of Education based on the professional judgments and recommendations of New York State educators.

For consistency, test scores for all tests other than the Assessment of Teaching Skills—Performance (ATS–P) (video) are reported using the same scale. The total test score is reported in a range from 100 to 300 and is based on performance on all sections of the test. An examinee’s multiple-choice score and scores on any constructed-response assignments are combined to obtain the total test score. A score of 220 represents the minimum passing score for each test. An examinee with a total test score of 220 or above passes the test. An examinee with a total test score below 220 does not pass the test. For more information about score reporting, visit the NYSTCE Web site and select “Score Reporting.”

If your test contains one or more constructed-response assignments, you must complete them according to the instructions that are provided in your test booklet. If you do not respond to a constructed-response assignment or if your response is

• unrelated to the assigned topic or off-task,
• illegible or inaudible,
• not in the required language, or
• lacking a sufficient amount of original work to score,

then that assignment will be reported as unscorable. If your constructed-response assignment is unscorable, your test will be unscorable and you will not pass.

Your pass/fail status is based on your performance on the total test at a single test administration. You cannot combine results on sections of a test across administrations.

Examinees who have completed the ATS–P (video) will receive a score report indicating a “pass” or “not pass” status. Examinees who do not pass will receive information regarding the specific requirements that were not met.


Retaking the NYSTCE

Candidates who do not pass a test may retake it as often as necessary until a passing score is achieved. Candidates must reregister each time they retake a test. Candidates who have passed a NYSTCE test have met that part of the testing requirement for certification and, therefore, are not eligible to retake the test.


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