New York Teacher Licensure
As a New York Teacher, you are required to hold a New York State certificate in order to be employed by the state's public schools. You are encouraged to work towards completing your renewal requirements one to two years prior to your certificate's expiration date to prevent risk in employment. If you have additional questions, please contact your Credentialing Consultant.
Alternative Teaching Certification
Applying for an Alternative Teacher Certificate:
What are the requirements?
There are two main types of alternative teaching licenses in New York: the Transitional B Certificate and the Transitional C Certificate. Both transitional certificates lead to an Initial Teaching Certificate once all prerequisites have been met. You can find further detailed information about alternative pathways through the Office of Teaching Initiatives. National Heritage Academies do not offer Transitional A Certificates.
Transitional B Certificate
Those who hold an undergraduate degree with a major in the subject they intend to teach will typically follow the Transitional B program. In the Transitional B program, candidates enroll in an NYS Registered Alternative Program and complete teacher preparation before earning an institutional recommendation for the Transitional B Certificate. Candidates may then teach in the classroom while meeting the other requirements for a teaching certificate, which include:
- Passing the Educating All Students (EAS) New York State Teacher Certification Exam
- Passing the Content Specialty Test (CST) in the subject(s) to be taught
- Completing the Dignity for All Students Act workshop
- Completing the fingerprint clearance process
Candidates have three years to complete these requirements with the Transitional B certificate before applying for initial certification.
Transitional C Certificate
Those who hold a graduate degree in the subject of for which they are seeking certification typically follow a Transitional C program. Transitional C NYS Registered Programs for those who already hold a graduate degree are typically post-graduate certificates. While enrolled in the program, Transitional C certificate holders must complete the initial requirements for licensure, which include:
- Passing the Educating All Students (EAS) New York State Teacher Certification Exam
- Passing the Content Specialty Test (CST) in the subject(s) to be taught
- Completing the Dignity for All Students Act workshop
- Completing the fingerprint clearance process
After completing the Transitional C program and certification requirements, new teachers will be issued a Professional Certificate instead of an Initial Certificate as highly qualified educators.
For more details on these steps click here.
Where can I apply?
To apply for an alternative certificate, click here.
New York Teacher Certification
Use the tabs below to locate information regarding New York's certifications, licenses, and permits:
Department of Education - Click Here
Alternative Permits Available - Click Here
Renewing your Certification - Click Here
Cost Related to Certifications - Click Here
Reciprocity - Click Here
To visit the New York State Education Department Website - Click Here