New Certification Regulations

New York State Teacher Certification will change on February 2, 2004. Students should be aware of their graduation date and check with their adviser to make sure they are enrolled in a curriculum, which meets the current regulations (for applicants completing all requirements and applying on or before 2/1/04) or the new regulations (for applicants completing all requirements on or after 2/2/04.) The important date is when the complete application is filed with the New York State Education Department including the completion of any required tests.

Applications filed on or before February 1, 2004 - Current Regulations for Provisional and Permanent Certificates

Provisional Certificate - the first teaching certificate (valid for five years) obtained by a candidate who has met the requirements of the current regulations. Requirements include the completion of a program registered under the current regulations and passing scores on the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST) and the Assessment of Teaching Skills Written (ATS-W).*

Candidates currently enrolled in programs registered under the current regulations must apply and qualify for the Provisional Certificate by February 1, 2004. No Provisional Certificates will be issued after this date.

Though the Provisional Certificate is valid for five years from its effective date and is renewable subject to the approval of the commissioner for good cause, the commissioner will not accept applications for renewals which are submitted after February 1, 2004.

*Note: Even if students complete all the requirements of a program registered as leading to the new Initial Certificate, pass the required examinations and apply for certification on or before February 1, 2004, they will still receive a Provisional Certificate.

Permanent Certificate - the final teaching certificate obtained by a candidate who has met the requirements of the current regulations. Requirements include an appropriate master’s degree, two years of teaching experience and passing scores on the Content Specialty Test (CST) and the Assessment of Teaching Skills-Performance (video) (ATS-P). Holders of the Permanent Certificate will not be required to complete 175 hours of professional development every five years.

Applications filed on or after February 2, 2004 - New Regulations for Initial and Professional Certificates

Initial Certificate - the first teaching certificate (valid for three years) obtained by a candidate who has met the requirements of the new regulations. Requirements include the completion of a program registered under the new regulations and passing scores on the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST), the Assessment of Teaching Skills Written (ATS-W) and the Content Specialty Test (CST).

The Initial Certificate will be issued only to students completing programs that are now registered as leading to the Initial Certificate. If any students are expected to complete a program and apply for certification on or after February 2, 2004, they must enroll in a program leading to the Initial Certificate.

Candidates receiving an Initial Certificate will need to qualify for the new Professional Certificate.

Professional Certificate - the final teaching certificate obtained by a candidate that qualifies that individual to teach in the public schools of New York State who has met the requirements of the new regulations. Requirements include an appropriate master's degree and three years of teaching experience including one year of mentored teaching experience. Holders of the Professional Certificate will be required to complete 175 hours of professional development every five years.