Experience It.

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