Professional Certification

Requirements

Candidates completing a graduate program that is approved by NYSED that leads to Professional Certification can be recommended in some cases by the Office of Field Experiences.  Teacher candidates are responsible for assuring that the graduate programs they are completing have been approved to lead to Professional Certification related to the Initial Certificate they hold.  Teacher candidates are encouraged to consult with the campus Certification Officer and their adviser to assure that their program will lead to Professional Certification. 

Holders of Initial Certificates must obtain a Professional Certificate within five (5) years from the effective date of the Initial Certificate in order to continue to be licensed in the State of New York. Once the Professional Certificate has been obtained, the holder of a Professional Certificate must complete 175 hours of documented professional development every five (5) years in order to keep the Professional Certificate active.

In order for NYSED to award a Professional Certificate, teacher candidates must complete the following requirements:

  1. Complete a relevant master’s degree, approved by NYSED to lead to Professional Certification in the area of the Initial Certificate
  2. Complete the Teacher Certification Authorization Form
  3. Complete the Certification Application through their TEACH account
  4. Complete the appropriate Content Specialty Test if master's degree leads to an additional certificate. Tests are subject to change, please refer to the New York State Teacher Certification Exams website for the most up-to-date information.
  5. Obtain three (3) years of paid teaching experience either as a full-time employee or as a substitute teacher (one full year equals 180 substitute days)
  6. Complete a mentoring program through your school district during the first year of teaching