Public School Teacher License in New York
Quick Answer
To become a certified teacher in New York, you need a bachelor's degree, an approved preparation program, and passing NYSTCE exam scores (edTPA, EAS, CST). CE is required for renewal. A background check is required. Initial and Professional certificate tiers are available. NYC is the nation's largest school district. Estimated costs are approximately $550 (excluding degree).
- Exam
- NYSTCE (New York State Teacher Certification Examinations)
- Total Cost
- $550 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-5 years (including degree)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 5 years
Requirements
Public School Teacher license in New York
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $50
- Exam Fee
- $300
- Renewal Fee
- $50
- Total Estimated Cost
- $550
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Public School Teacher license in New York. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the New York licensing board.
Public School Teacher Salary in New York
Entry Level
$50,270
Median
$82,480
Experienced
$133,140
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Public School Teacher in New York.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Background check required
- 3
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$50.
- 4
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-5 years (including degree).
Public School Teacher Licensing in New York: What to Know
New York requires a degree, CE for renewal, and a background check. Public school teachers plan and provide instruction in common branch subjects (elementary), academic subjects (secondary), and special subjects (music, PE, special education). The NYS Education Department, Office of Teaching Initiatives handles certification. New York uses its own exam system (NYSTCE) including the edTPA, EAS (Educating All Students), and CST (Content Specialty Tests). New York City is the nation's largest school district. New York has Initial and Professional certificate tiers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Public School Teacher license cost in New York?
- The estimated total cost is $550, including application fees, exam fees ($300), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Public School Teacher license in New York?
- The process typically takes 4-5 years (including degree), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Public School Teacher license in New York?
- You need to pass the NYSTCE (New York State Teacher Certification Examinations). N/A
Considering another state?
Compare Public School Teacher requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.