New York State Teacher Certification Examinations
Liberal Arts and Science Test (LAST)
- Required for initial certificate in most titles.
- Covers historical and social-scientific consciousness, scientific and mathematical processes, artistic expression and the humanities.
- Format consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and a written assignment (essay question).
Assessment of Teaching Skills - Written (ATS-W)
- Required for initial certificate.
- Offered in two versions: elementary and secondary. (Candidates for K-12 certificates may elect either version).
- Covers knowledge of the learner, instructional planning and assessment, instructional delivery, and the professional environment.
Content Specialty Test (CST):
- Covers content in the subject or subjects that the corresponding certificate authorizes the holder to teach.
- Format typically consists of multiple choice questions and essay.
- Elementary Education students take “Multi-subject”. Adolescent Education students take the corresponding subject: French, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, or English/Language Arts.
Suggested resources to help you prepare
New York State Teacher Certification Exams (free outlines of what is covered for each test).
NYSTCE: Complete Prep for the LAST, ATS-W and CST (Kaplan Publishing Group)
How to Prepare for the LAST/ATS-W/CST (Barron's Publishing Group)
New York State Education Department
