Certification

Undergraduate and graduate programs at Syracuse University that include certification will lead to New York State Certification – either Initial Teaching Certification, Professional Teaching Certification, or Permanent Certification.

Questions?

Please email soecareer@syr.edu for questions and assistance with career services and certification.

Quick Links & Forms

• Fingerprinting Process: Information regarding Fingerprinting for NYS Certification
• Certification Requirements: For those unsure of what exams are required for particular certifications
• NYSTCE: Review, Register, Prepare and Practice for the NYS Certification Exams
• TEACH Online Services: Online system for applying and maintaining NYS certification
• Registration Memorandum: for Professional Certification

New York State Teacher Certification

Initial Certification is the first certification one receives, and is effective for 5 years from the issuance date. Requirements:

• Complete School of Education undergraduate or graduate teacher preparation program.
• Pass New York State teacher exams.
• Complete fingerprinting process at least two months prior to graduation.
• Apply for certification before graduation and no later than two years after graduation to be eligible for School of Education’s recommendation through the TEACH Online Services.
• Submit an authorization recommendation form to the Coordinator of Career Services and Certification to receive an institutional recommendation.

Professional Certification is permanent certification. Professional certificate holders must register with the department of education every five years to maintain certification and teach in New York State. Requirements:

• Must be earned before initial certificate expires
• Completion of an eligible master’s degree:
  • Master’s degree leading to professional certification in area of initial certification.
  • Master’s degree in a new certification area.
  • Master’s degree in an unrelated area of study with at least 12 graduate semester hours of content related to the initial certificate. Semester hours can be part of the Master’s or in addition to it.
• Three years full-time teaching employment.
• Mentorship experience.

Required New York State Teacher Certification Exams

Visit the Office of Teaching Initiatives to see which exams you are required to take, which will generally include the edTPA, the Educating All Students test (EAS), and a Content Specialty Test (CST) or School Building Leader assessment (SBL). The NYS Teacher Certification Examinations website has information on test framework, prep and study materials, and registration.

Applying for Certification

If at any point you receive a message stating you have not updated your information, press submit a second time without making any changes. The system should move you onto the next step.

1. Speak with your academic advisor to ensure your degree will be cleared on time.
2. Create an account with NYS TEACH Online Services
3. Select “Apply for Certificate”
4. Create an Applicant Profile & complete the self-reported education section:
   • Institution: Syracuse University
   • Award Title: Degree to be awarded (e.g. Bachelor of Science)
   • Program Title & TEACH Title: Select appropriate option from drop down list
   • Program Code: Refer to program code list for 5-digit program code
   • Major: Education
   • Date Degree Received: leave blank or enter approximate date
   • Date Attended From: First day of the month you began your degree/program
   • Date Attended To: First day of the month you graduate
   • Number of credits: Leave blank or enter anticipated number of credits (it is okay if you don’t
     know the exact number)
5. Select Certificate(s). You can only apply for one certificate at a time. If you are applying for/receiving two certificates, apply first for the certificate in which you are completing your
   edTPA. For Example: An Inclusive Elementary and Special Education student completes their edTPA in Special Education. Therefore, they must apply for the “Student with Disabilities” certification first.
   • Area of Interest: Classroom Teacher
   • Subject Area, Grade Level, and Title: Select appropriate option from drop down list
   • Type of Certificate: Initial (first certificate) or Professional (3 years teaching experience)
   • Click the ADD button.
     Note: TEACH will not allow you to apply for more than one certificate at a time. Complete the process below for your first certificate, including payment, and return to your TEACH Account Homepage to go through the process again for your additional certificate.
6. Select Pathway: After you select your certificate title and type, you will see a list of “Pathways” with associated requirements. You must choose the approved teacher preparation program pathway to match our recommendation for your certification.
7. Complete your application: Continue through the application answering all required questions; sign the affidavit and application; make your payment.
8. Complete the New York Certification Recommendation Authorization Form and submit to the School of Education certification office. An institutional recommendation is required for all students that apply for New York State certification.
   • Recommendation Authorization – Teacher Preparation (pdf)
   • Recommendation Authorization – Educational Leadership (pdf)
   • Recommendation Authorization – School Media (pdf)

Out-of-State Teacher Certification

Each state has specific teacher certification requirements for people applying for certification that already hold certification in New York State. Students seeking out-of-state teacher certification are encouraged to research the state’s requirements and contact Career Services for additional assistance throughout the process, and completion of any required forms.

Certifications & Program Codes by Program