NYSTCE Test – 7 ‘Basic Facts’ You Need To Prepare And Pass Now…

NYSTCE Test History and Purpose

Use the following NYSTCE test background for your test preparation. This NYSTCE exam info provides a framework that will support good test preparation. It’ll also enhance your effectiveness of your NYSTCE test taking because it provides a deeper understanding of how exam questions are developed and the competencies measured.

Therefore, use these educational and teaching paradigms as you take NYSTCE practice exams and do your test preparation.

In 2009, the New York State Board of Regents made an effort to “transform teaching and learning and school leadership”. The Regents preside over The University of the State of New York and the New York State Education Department. According to the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, the Regents approved initiatives to strengthen exams for teacher certification. These certification changes were included in New York’s Race to the Top application in 2010.

The development of a TPA (Teaching Performance Assessment) began that year. In 2012, the Board of Regents endorsed edTPA as the New York State performance assessment. The final performance assessment was created with Stanford University and the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.

The next step used $10 million of Race to the Top funding. The State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY) worked together with the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities. They recommended that an exam should be established for entry into the profession for teachers and principals. The current New York State Teacher Certification Exams are used “to measure examinees’ knowledge and skills and to determine whether schools, districts, and the State meet the required progress targets specified in the NYS accountability system and in the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015” (www.p12.nysed.gov/assessment/teacher/home.html).

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Development and Creation of NYSTCE Exams

According to the Office of State Assessment, “exams are developed in accordance with national industry and professional standards for educational testing.” The exams continue to evolve. Revisions are now taking place in the area of science education assessments. Certified teachers, administrators, and higher education faculty and administrators may choose to participate in the every portion of the process of test creation by applying on the OSA page at the NYSED.gov site.

NYSTCE Tests – Details Of The Various Exams

New York requires all incoming teachers to pass the edTPA. This a portfolio of planned lessons, student work, and video clips of the candidate teaching and working with students. The cost is $300 (http://edtpa.aacte.org/faq).

Candidates must also pass the Educating All Students (EAS) Test. This test addresses five areas: Diverse Student Populations, English Language Learners, Students with Disabilities and Other Special Learning Needs, Teacher Responsibilities, and School-Home Relationships. This exam is a 2 hour 15 minute exam which costs $92. There are 40 selected-response items and 3 constructed-response items. Take a lot of NYSTCE Educating All Students EAS practice test questions because passive book reading is not enough to pass this assessment.

Finally, content knowledge in the subject(s) candidates wish to teach is tested by a Content Specialty Test (CST). The CSTs align with New York State Common Core Learning Standards. The exams are generally 3 hours and 15 minutes and cost $134. Currently, content areas in science (biology, earth science, chemistry and physics) take 4 hours. However, the tests are in the process of being rewritten to match the 3 hour 15 minute exams taken by other content area candidates.

Most teaching Content Specialty Tests have 90 selected response questions (multiple-choice) and one constructed response question (candidate must create the answer). These tests are for certificates in agriculture, biology, blind/visually impaired, business and marketing, chemistry, dance, deaf/hard of hearing, earth science, ed tech, English/language arts (ELA), English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), family and consumer science, gifted, health, library media specialist, early childhood, childhood, middle childhood, secondary, secondary math, music, PE, physics, social studies, students with disabilities, tech ed, theater, and visual arts.

To ensure you’re fully prepared, get review resources that have constructed response practice questions. For example, if you need to pass the Students With Disabilities test, get a prep guide that has a NYSTCE Student With Disabilities practice test with constructed response questions.

Candidates who plan to teach language courses will have listening, speaking and writing portions on their CST. There are certification exams for the following languages: American Sign Language, Cantonese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Mandarin, Russian and Spanish.

Leadership Position Assessments are two four-hour tests which range from $351-$427. The tests can be taken separately or scheduled in one day with a 40-minute lunch break. The tests are for the positions of school building leader, school district leader and school district business leader.

Note: The goal is to pass each of these NYSTCE exams so certification does not pose a problem. Make use of the best NYSTCE prep books and review materials so you do not need to pay to retake the test and pay hundreds of dollars more in testing fees, prep books and delay your career in education.

NYSTCE “Safety net tests” are designed to aid those students who fail the edTPA. They are only available until 6/30/18. The safety net tests for other exams expire as the revised exams are used. For more information about a particular exam, refer to the nysed.gov website. It’s nice there are safety net NYSTCE tests as an option of last resort. However, taking that route can be very expensive in terms of lost time in advancing your teaching career.

Safety net exams are usually necessary when a New York state teacher certification candidate hasn’t invested time or made a basic financial investment in quality NYSTCE study materials that are commensurate to preparing for a professional career in education that pays $40,000-$80,000 or more per year.

Not taking that NYSTCE prep class or forgoing that NYSTCE practice test that’s $30 could end up costing you full year of critical teaching experience and losing $40,000 in income and benefits.

Depending upon a candidate’s educational background, content and grade level, additional exams may be required. Those tests are the BEAS, or Bilingual Education Assessments; and the CQST, or Communication and Quantitative Skills Test, used as a pathway option for career and technical educators.

NYSTCE Registration

The computer-based tests are offered year-round, Monday through Saturday. Each NYSTCE test is offered at specific times and places. Candidates must register prior to taking any test. To register for an exam, candidates should first create an account at the NYSTCE website. Any questions about specific dates and times for tests are located on that site.

Registration requires Mastercard© or Visa© credit or debit cards. Anyone wishing to pay by check must make specific arrangements to do so.

Accommodations can be requested for those who have disabilities and for nursing mothers. Also, those who may need extra time to take the exam may request alternative arrangements. Register as early as possible prior to the date of the desired site and time, but do not schedule the date and time. Then, file an Alternative Testing Arrangements Request Form, which may also require other documentation. Because the form may take up to three weeks to process, it is important to plan for accommodations early. Candidates will be contacted by email once their request has been processed.

Because tests have written components, it may take up to four weeks for results. Score release dates are tied to testing dates and can be found at the NYSTCE site under “Scores” by expanding the menu.

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“NYSTCE Test Content Breakdown – What You Need To Guide Your Review”

You must get a passing score on your NYSTCE test date to live your passion as a teacher and help students live better lives.





The New York State Teacher Certification Examination (NYSTCE) is the New York state education students and certification candidates must take. While this is a necessary step, there’s no denying that you’re not looking forward to it. After you selected your exam, registered and paid the fees you need to make absolutely sure the preparation guides you use cover the real test.

Testing fees and exam prep aren’t cheap, nor is the cost of failure and delaying your first year New York teacher salary. Therefore, don’t make test prep mistakes that so commonly lead to a failing score.





Test preparation manuals and practice exams are a necessary investment in order to achieve the score results you need. The cost of failure is 433% vs. if you bought all the review manuals and classes on the market and passed. The real cost of failing is devastating to those who’ve had their heart set of teaching. Unfortunately, each year thousands are forced to give up their dream and end up working out of a cubicle they loath in a job they hate.

If you looking for a NYSTCE test focus and don’t have time to waste you’ll see an exam breakdown for each New York State Teacher Certification Examination below. Just think of it as a blueprint for your success – one that will help you jump start your teaching career. Below is a list of the core of what you need to narrow-in while studying. Make sure your practice tests and study guides should cover each competency listed for your examination.

Get A NYSTCE LAST And ATS-W Practice Focus

It’s important to note that any percentages expressed represent how much the competency makes up your overall test score. When possible, it lists the number of exam questions that each section of your exam. This can help give you an accurate idea of what content you need to study and what proficiencies you should focus the majority of your time on.

Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAST): The LAST is an educator assessment that you’ll take to measure your content knowledge of a variety of subjects you studied in college. The exam is made up of 80 selected-response questions and a constructed response. The selected-response questions count for 80% of your final score, while the written response counts for 20%. In order to successfully pass this test, you need a raw score of 220 or more.

You can expect to be tested on the following competencies:

1.) Mathematics

2.) Science

3.) History and Social Science

4.) Art

5.) Literature

6.) Humanities

7.) English/Communication

Here’s a helpful hint: a large majority of questions will focus on Mathematics and English/Communication. If you’re weak in any of these competencies, be sure to strengthen your knowledge in your NYSTCE test prep sessions.

Assessment of Teaching Skills – Written (ATS-W) Elementary: This writing exam is designed to assess how well you write and communicate, which are both essential skills for becoming a New York teacher. There are three sub-practices in the multiple-choice section, which will make up 80% of your total score (80 questions).

The final writing section will make up 20% of your total score. The three sub-practices will include the following: Student Development and Learning; Instruction and Assessment; and The Professional Environment. The writing section will test your instruction and assessment skills.

Assessment of Teaching Skills – Written (ATS-W) Secondary: This New York state teacher certification test is designed to assess your writing and communication skills, which need to be advanced in order to teach at the secondary (high school) level. There are three sub-practices in the multiple-choice section, which will make up 80% of your total score (80 questions). The final writing section will make up 20% of your total score.

Like with the Elementary test, the three sub-practices will include the following: Student Development and Learning; Instruction and Assessment; and The Professional Environment. The writing section will test your instruction and assessment skills.

Links To FREE NYSTCE Test Prep Tips And Tactics:

Now that we’ve discussed what will be on the three required tests, let’s examine the breakdowns for some of the most popular content specialty tests.

See: How To Pass The NYSTCE Exam Easier By Smarter NOT Harder Study

NESINC NYSTCE Preparation WITHOUT A ‘Road Map’ Is Dangerous

Biology: This part of the test framework contains 90 multiple-choice questions and one constructed-response question. This will need to be completed within the allotted four hours. To ace this examination, you must score a minimum of 220 out of a total 300 points. Your NYSTCE study guide should cover the following competencies:

1.) Foundations of Scientific Inquiry (17%)

2.) Cell Biology and Biochemistry (17%)

3.) Genetics and Evolution (15%)

4.) Biological Unity and Diversity and Life Processes (12%)

5.) Human Biology (17%)

6.) Ecology (12%)

The constructed response will focus on foundations of scientific inquiry, and will count for 10% of your total test score. Do weekly sample questions so you get familiar with the format and structure of actual questions.

Business and Marketing: Keep in mind during your NYSTCE test practice this exam contains 90 multiple-choice questions and one constructed-response question. All of these will need to be completed within the allotted four hours. To get a passing score, you must score a minimum of 220 out of a total 300 points.

You should expect to be tested on the following competencies:

• Business Management (15%)

• Marketing (19%)

• Accounting (15%)

• Business Technology and Information Systems (19%)

• Economics, Entrepreneurship, and International Business (11%)

• Quantitative Analysis, Consumer Economics and Career Development (11%)

The constructed response will be on business management, and will account for 10% of your total exam score.

Chemistry: This test design contains 90 multiple-choice questions and one constructed-response question. All of these will need to be completed within the allotted four hours. In order to pass this exam, you must score a minimum of 220 out of a total 300 points.

Be sure your NYSTCE study materials review the following domains:

• Foundations of Scientific Inquiry (19%)

• Matter and Atomic Structure (16%)

• Energy, Chemical Bonds, and Molecular Structure (16%)

• Chemical Reactions (16%)

• Stoichiometry and Solutions (13%)

• Interactions of Chemistry and the Environment 10%)

The constructed response will be on the foundations of scientific inquiry, and will make up 10% of your total New York State Teacher Certification Examination Chemistry score.

A Clear NYSTCE Test Study Guide Framework To Pass

Earth Science: This standardized test contains 90 multiple-choice questions and one constructed-response question. All of these will need to be completed within the allotted four hours. In order to pass the NYSTCE test, you must score a minimum of 220 out of a total 300 points.

You should expect to be tested on the following Earth Science competencies:

• Foundations of Scientific Inquiry (25%)

• Space Systems (18%)

• Atmospheric Systems (22%)

• Geological Systems (14%)

• Water Systems (11%)

The constructed response will focus on geological systems, and will account for 10% of your total score. Concentrate on the major areas of the exam. Then drill down the subsections you’re weakest in professional and content knowledge.

English Language Arts: This New York teaching exam contains 90 multiple-choice questions and one constructed-response question. All of these will need to be completed within the allotted four hours. In order to pass this exam, you must score a minimum of 220 out of a total 300 points.

Your NYSTCE practice test and review guides should cover these English and literature competencies:

• Listening and Speaking (14%)

• Writing (22%)

• Reading (14%)

• Fundamentals of Literature (including Language and History of Literature) (40%)

The constructed response deals with the fundamentals of literature, and will make up a total 10% of your overall score.

Health Education: This teacher certification exam contains 90 multiple-choice questions and one constructed-response question. All of these will need to be completed within the allotted four hours. In order to pass this exam, you must score a minimum of 220 out of a total 300 points.

Regardless of the high registration fees, allocate sufficient funds for preparing properly by getting good practice guides. You should expect to be tested on the following Health Education competencies:

• Personal Health and Fitness (36%)

• Maintaining a Safe and Healthy Environment (18%)

• Health-Related Resources and Skills (22%)

• The Health Education Program (14%)

The constructed response will deal with health-related resources and skills, and will account for 10% of your overall test results.

Literacy: This assessment contains 90 multiple-choice questions and one constructed-response question. All of these will need to be completed within the allotted four hours. In order to pass, you must score a minimum of 220 out of a total 300 points to gain your New York teaching certification.

Include the following Literacy competencies in your study for the NYSTCE test:

• Foundations of Literacy (23%)

• Reading Instruction and Assessment (45%)

• The Role of the Literacy Professional (22%)

The constructed response will deal with the topic of reading instruction and assessment, and will count for 10% of your overall score results.





Prepare For The NYSTCE Exam With These Test Content Percentages In Mind

Mathematics: This is one of the most popular CST exams. This New York State Teacher Certification Examination contains 90 multiple-choice questions and one constructed-response question. All of these will need to be completed within the allotted four hours. In order to pass this exam, you must score a minimum of 220 out of a total 300 points.

You should expect to be tested on the following Mathematical competencies:

• Mathematical Reasoning and Communication (13%)

• Algebra (26%)

• Trigonometry and Calculus (17%)

• Measurement and Geometry (17%)

• Data Analysis, Probability, Statistics, and Discrete Mathematics (17%)

The constructed response portion of this exam will focus on the topic of algebra, and will count for 10% of your overall test score. Be sure use full length NYSTCE Math practice test questions to ensure you’ve maximized your test preparation sesssions.

Multi-Subject: For those New York teacher certification candidates who want to teach a variety of subjects in the classroom, they’ll want to take the Multi-Subject test. This standardized test contains 90 multiple-choice questions and one constructed-response question. All of these will need to be completed within the allotted four hours. In order to pass this exam, you must score a minimum of 220 out of a total 300 points. Make sure the NYSTCE Multi-Subject study guide you use prepares you for the following competencies:

• English Language Arts (21%)

• Mathematics (18%)

• Science and Technology (13%)

• Social Studies (15%)

• The Fine Arts (8%)

• Health and Fitness (8%)

• Family and Consumer Science and Career Development (7%)

The constructed response will cover the foundations of reading, and account for 10% of your total test score.

Music: This popular exam contains 90 multiple-choice questions and one constructed-response question. All of these will need to be completed within the allotted four hours. In order to pass this exam, you must score a minimum of 220 out of a total 300 points. The official NESINC NYSTCE test web site states you’re tested on the following Music competencies:

• Music Theory

• Music Performance

• Listening Skills

• Music History and Culture

The constructed response will be on the topic of music history and culture, and account for 10% of your total score results.

Physics: This teaching assessment contains 90 multiple-choice questions and one constructed-response questions. All of these will need to be completed within the allotted four hours. In order to pass this exam, you must score a minimum of 220 out of a total 300 points.

The following Physics competencies must be included in your NYSTCE study:

• Foundations of Scientific Inquiry

• Mechanics and Thermodynamics

• Electricity and Magnetism

• Waves, Sound, and Light

• Quantum Theory and the Atom

The constructed response will focus on the foundations of scientific inquiry and will account for 10% of your overall test score.

Social Studies: This popular NYSTCE test contains 90 multiple-choice questions and one constructed-response question. All of these will need to be completed within the allotted four hours. In order to pass this New York teacher certification exam, you must score a minimum of 220 out of a total 300 points.

For passing results you must incorporate NYSTCE practice in the following Social Studies competencies:

• History (35%)

• Geography (15%)

• Economics (12%)

• Civics, Citizenship, and Government (16%)

• Social Studies Skills (12%)

The constructed response will focus on history, and will account for 10% of your total Social Studies score.

Practice Material You Need Before NYSTCE Test Date

You have the exact test breakdowns in hand to help you prep. Now it’s time to get a NYSTCE test study guide and practice exam that covers everything you need to pass and get the teaching career you deserve.

Find-out: Could NYSTCE Test Anxiety Sabotage Your Test Score And Teaching Career Dream?…

Author: Mark Dahlson

Last updated: 03/21/2020