Tests for Teacher Certification

The NYSTCE program includes the following tests that measure a candidate's knowledge and skills in the liberal arts and sciences, in teaching theory and practice, and in the content area of the candidate's field of certification.

Note: The NYSTCE program is being updated and new testing requirements are being phased in. Refer to "Who Is Required to Take the Tests?" for information.

Test Test Description
Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST)
 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.
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.
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.
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 CSTs.
Bilingual Education Assessments (BEAs) The BEAs consist 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.
Communication and Quantitative Skills Test (CQST)
 The CQST consists of multiple-choice questions. The CQST is one of the requirements for a Transitional A certificate and an initial certificate (nondegree route) in career and technical education subjects.
Assessment of Teaching Skills—Performance (ATS–P) (Video)
 The ATS–P (video) requires a candidate to submit a 20- to 30-minute video-recorded sample of his or her teaching performance in a classroom of students who are part of the candidate's regular teaching assignment. Refer to the separate ATS–P registration bulletin available on the NYSTCE Web site for more information about the ATS–P.

All NYSTCE tests may include questions that will not count toward candidates' scores. These questions are placed on the test to collect information about how well they perform under actual testing conditions.

2012–2013 NYSTCE Registration Bulletin
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