New York Initial Certification

Steps to becoming a teacher in New York:

• Traditional Route 1: New York Initial Teaching Certification


The following are the steps that must be taken in order to earn your initial teaching certification in New York the traditional way (ie. completing a teacher preparation program prior to entering the classroom).

The Initial New York Teacher Certification is valid for 5-years.


• Step 1:
  You must have completed a teacher preparation program from an accredited institution. Teacher Preparation Programs.


• University of Phoenix
• Walden University
• Capella University
• Ashford University


• Step 2:
  You must have an undergraduate GPA of 2.50 or higher.


• Step 3:
  You must pass the LAST exam and whatever other New York State Teacher Certification Examinations apply. Visit their website to find more information.


• Step 4:
  You must complete a fingerprint supported background clearance check.
  
  Find more information at the Office of School Personnel Review and Accountability (OSPRA) Website.


• Step 5:
  Pay a fee of $50 for application processing. Pay online by credit card or through mail by check or money order made payable to the "New York State Education Department"


• Step 6:


Fill out an application online OR, download applications and forms that you can print and send by regular mail. Both options are available here.


Send materials to this address:
New York State Education Department
Office of Teaching Initiatives
P.O. Box 22064
Albany, NY 12201


Or request more information by contacting a representative at the New York Department of Education at (518) 474-3901


• Step 7:
  Sit back and relax!
• Route 2: New York Alternative Teacher Certification


The alternative certification allows the candidate to enter the classroom as a teacher prior to the completion of a teacher preparation program.

The following are the three types of alternative certification available:
• Internship Certification:
This certification is valid for two years.

The candidate is allowed to enter the classroom as a teacher at the request of their teacher preparation institution provided at least 50% of teacher preparation program hours have been completed.

Find more information on the New York Education Department Website.


• Transitional B Certification:
This certification is issued to a school district which allows the district to employ a student who is enrolled in an alternative teacher certification program.

Upon completion of this program, the candidate will be qualified to apply for the Initial New York Certification.


• Transitional C Certification:
This certification allows a school district to employ a student enrolled in a graduate level alternative teacher certification program.

This certification is valid for 3 years. The new teacher should be prepared and qualified to apply for the New York Professional Certification at the conclusion of the teacher preparation program.

Learn about the requirements of another state by clicking on one of the state certification links to your left.

Request information from schools by clicking on the links or school logos below.