Candidates seeking teaching certification prior to February 2, 2004, must complete the New York State Teacher Certification Examination Series (NYSTCE), which includes the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST) and the Assessment of Teaching Skills – Written (ATS-W). It is necessary to pass these tests to obtain provisional certification and be eligible to teach in public schools in New York State. To later obtain permanent certification, candidates will also take the Content Specialty Test (CST) and the Assessment of Teaching Skills - Performance (ATS-P).

The Liberal Arts and Sciences Test consists of multiple-choice test questions and a written performance assessment. Candidates taking the test are asked to demonstrate conceptual and analytical skills, critical-thinking and communication skills, and multicultural awareness. The test covers scientific and mathematical processes, historical and social scientific awareness, artistic expression and the humanities, communication skills, and written analysis and expression. The LAST is required for a provisional certificate.

There are two versions of the Assessment of Teaching Skills-Written, elementary and secondary. Both versions consist of multiple choice test questions and a written assignment. These tests address knowledge of the learner, instructional planning and assessment, instructional delivery, and the professional environment. The ATS-W is required for a provisional certificate.

The Content Specialty Test for mathematics contains multiple choice questions. Scientific calculators are provided for the mathematics test. The CST is required for a permanent certificate.

The Assessment of Teaching Skills – Performance is a thirty-minute video of the candidate teaching in a classroom. Candidates are advised to apply for the ATS-P after one to two years of teaching experience to allow sufficient time for teaching skills to mature. The ATS-P is required of individuals seeking permanent certification.

Most candidates take the LAST in their sophomore or junior year and the ATS-W in the junior or senior year. The CST may be taken either before or after graduation, as it is not required for provisional certification. (Some students find it advantageous to take the CST while they are still in school.) The ATS-P is a video of the teacher’s classroom performance and is usually scheduled after a year of teaching experience. The CST and the ATS-P must be completed before applying for permanent certification.

The LAST, ATS-W and CST tests are administered at sites throughout New York State in October, January and April. (Geneseo is one of those test sites.) The regular registration deadlines are about six weeks before the administration of the tests.

The tests are also available in July, but at a limited number of sites and at higher fees. Rochester is the closest summer testing site.

Registration booklets are available in the SUNY Geneseo Career Services Office, Blake A104. The booklets include registration forms along with test descriptions, fees, and advice on preparing for the tests.