The NYSTCE can be taken as early as desired. You may find it advantageous to take the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST) during your sophomore or junior year and the Assessment of Teaching Skills—Written (ATS–W) during your senior year. The Content Specialty Tests (CSTs) could be taken in either your junior or senior year. This recommended schedule will allow you to prepare for one test at a time and will give you an opportunity to retake any of the tests, if needed, before completing your teacher preparation program.

If you are required to take the Assessment of Teaching Skills—Performance (ATS–P) (video), it is recommended that you wait until you have acquired one to two years of teaching experience to allow sufficient time for your teaching skills to develop. If you hold a provisional New York State certificate, it is recommended that you submit your video recording and related documentation no later than one year before the expiration of your provisional certificate to allow time for the scoring of your ATS–P (video) materials.

The ATAS must be taken in order to obtain certification as a teaching assistant.


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