What are the Tests?
There are (at least) two NYSTCE (New York State Teacher Certification Exams) tests that will need to be successfully completed before gaining initial certification.
- EAS - Educating All Students Test: designed for teachers and school building leaders to ensure they understand how to address the learning needs of diverse student populations.
- CST - Revised Content Specialty Tests: will be aligned with the NYS Learning Standards, including the NextGen, and are designed to assess knowledge in content area of certification.
These tests currently consist of multiple choice questions (application of teaching concepts and content knowledge questions) as well as a writing section (For Example: You’re given a case about a student struggling in a content area. Explain how you would accommodate their needs and defend your approach). Testing is available year-round by appointment Monday - Saturday, excluding some holidays, and registration can only be done on internet by selecting "Register Now" on the NYSTCE website.
Creating an NYSTCE Account
You will need an account to register and take any required tests. You should NOT use your Fredonia email address when creating an account, as there is a chance that you may be locked out of your NYSTCE account after you've graduated from SUNY Fredonia. In addition, it is also mandatory that your name appears the same on both your NYSTCE and your TEACH accounts so that your official exam scores transmit and match properly. Any discrepancies in spelling, middle initial, or typo could cause the system to fail to link your test scores to your certification profile.
Registration can be done here.
Important Notes on Testing
- Register at least three days in advance, to allow for time to process your application. It is also generally recommended to register as early as possible, as seating is limited (especially on days off from school) and is subject to change. Before you register, you can check the seat availability and review testing locations at the testing centers.
- When you receive your scores, it is the STUDENT'S responsibility to retain copies of their scores. The College of Education does not receive individual score reports for teacher candidates.
- You will receive your score report approximately 4-6 weeks after taking the exam. Score reporting dates can be found on the NYSTCE website here. Within your score report, you will find the score you received, as well as directions on how to interpret the score.
- As long as you have appropriate documentation, testing accommodations are permitted. Directions for applying for testing accommodations can be found HERE. (<--- put a link here)
The Tests You Are Responsible For Are as Follows:
Initial Certification: Your Area of Study – Grades 7-12
- Educating All Students Test (EAS) - (201)
- Content Specialty Test (CST)
1. Take the CST in the subject area for which you are seeking certification
Initial Certification: Childhood — Grades 1-6
(For those getting a Middle School Extension, the Initial Certification will be in your area of study – Grades 7 - 9 {ex. Mathematics – Grades 7 - 9})
- Educating All Students Test (EAS) - (201)
- Content Specialty Test (CST)
1. Multi-Subject: Teachers of Childhood (Grade 1 - Grade 6) - (Three part test - 221/222/245)
(If you are getting a 7-9 Middle School Extension, you will also need to take the CST in the content area of the 7 - 9 Middle School Extension)
Initial Certifications: Childhood — Grades 1 - 6 AND Students with Disabilities — Grades 1 - 6
(For those getting a Middle School Extension, the Initial Certification will be in your area of study – Grades 7 - 9 {ex. Mathematics – Grades 7 - 9})
- Educating All Students Test (EAS) - (201)
- Content Specialty Tests (CST)
1. Multi-Subject: Teachers of Childhood (Grade 1 - Grade 6) - (Three part test - 221/222/245)
2. Students with Disabilities - (060)
(If you are getting a 7 - 9 Middle School Extension, you will also need to take the CST in the content area of the 7 - 9 Middle School Extension
Initial Certification: Early Childhood — Birth - Grade 2 AND Initial Certification: Childhood — Grades 1 - 6
- Educating All Students Test (EAS) - (201)
- Content Specialty Tests (CST)
1. Multi-Subject: Teachers of Childhood (Grade 1 - Grade 6) - (Three part test - 221/222/245*)
2. Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth - Grade 2) - (Three part test - 211/246/245*)
*HOWEVER* it will only be required to take and pass Part 3 once. (Part 3 is the same for both tests)
Initial Certification: Middle Childhood Mathematics – Grades 5-9
- Educating All Students Test (EAS) - (201)
- Content Specialty Test (CST)
1. Math - (004)
Initial Certification: Music Pre K - 12
- Educating All Students Test (EAS) - (201)
- Content Specialty Test (CST)
1. Music CST - (165)
Initial Certifications: Childhood — Grades 1 - 6 AND Students with Disabilities — All Grades
As of the date of last update, you will need:
- Educating All Students Test (EAS) - (201)
- Content Specialty Tests (CST)
1. Multi-Subject: Teachers of Childhood (Grade 1 - Grade 6) - (Three part test - 221/222/245)
2. Students with Disabilities - (060)
**Updated 9/30/26**
For Initial/Professional Certification: Bilingual Education:
- Bilingual Education Assessment (BEA)
1. Take the BEA in the language area for which you are seeking certification
For Initial/Professional Certification: ESOL: (Option 1, Option 2, Advanced Certificate)
- Educating All Students Test (EAS) - (201) (if not previously taken)
- Content Specialty Test (CST)
1. ESOL (116)
Initial/Professional Certification: Literacy — All Grades
- Content Specialty Tests (CST)
1. Literacy (065)
For Initial/Professional Certification: School Building Leader:
- Educating All Students Test (EAS) - (201) (if not previously taken)
- School Leadership Assessment: "Revised (May 2019) School Building Leader" - (109/110)
For Professional Certification: School District Leader:
- Educating All Students Test (EAS) - (201) (if not previously taken)
- School Leadership Assessment: "School District Leader" - (103/104)
Initial/Professional Certification: Speech and Language Disabilities:
- Educating All Students Test (EAS) - (201) (for Initial certification)
- PRAXIS II (required for Professional certification)