Certification
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The New York State Education Department’s Office of Teaching Initiatives issues all certificates to teach in New York State’s public schools. All information provided on these pages is subject to change, and all users should consult the New York State Education Department’s Office of Teaching Initiatives regularly for updates.

Who needs to be certified?
Classroom teachers, administrative and supervisory personnel, teaching assistants/paraprofessionals, and other school professionals (including guidance counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers) are required to hold a certificate issued by New York State to be employed in New York City public schools. In addition, New York State also requires that coaches; visiting lecturers; and teachers of adult, community, and continuing education obtain a special certificate.


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Teacher and School Professional Certification and Alternative Certification
Please note: School professional certification is slightly different from teaching certification. For more information on school professional certification visit http://eservices.nysed.gov/teach/certhelp/CertRequirementHelp.do.


Teaching Assistant (Paraprofessional) Certification


Principal and Assistant Principal Certification


CLEP: College Level Evaluation Program
Please note: Teachers, school secretaries, and teaching assistants/paraprofessionals can receive college credits by earning qualifying scores on College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests.