Required Exams

You must pass either the Educating All Students Exam (EAS) or all three parts of the Content Specialty Test (CST) for Early Childhood in order to be admitted into student teaching. Based on data we have about pass rates in teacher certification tests at the undergraduate level and content covered in your different classes, we recommend that you follow this sequence for taking  your exams: 

Prior to Admission | First Semester:
CST Multi-subject Arts & Sciences (#245)

End of the First Semester:
Educating All Students

End of the Second Semester:
CST Multi-subject Literacy B-2nd (#211) 
CST Multi-subject Math B-2nd (#212)

Last Semester:
Complete final requirements including the ATSW or edTPA and any outstanding tests.
  

Fast Facts About the Content Specialty Test (CST)

The CST Multi-Subject is now taken in three parts: 

• ​​Literacy (#211)
• Math (#212)
• Arts & Sciences (#245)

Previously, the CST combined the three sections into a 4.5 hour test. Now that the test is taken in parts, starting with Arts & Sciences is a great way to "get your feet wet" and practice the whole testing process. The arts and sciences subtest is like the general ed core and addresses basic background knowledge across disciplines. It is not dependent on the knowledge you will obtain from the EDCE classes taken once you are admitted to the ECE Program. 

CST Literacy: Much of what is covered on this exam is covered in  your two-semester language and literacy sequence coursework at CWE. 

CST Math: Due to the extensive math content covered in this exam, you may need additional preparation to review advanced math and geometry as part of your preparation for that exam.

Fast Facts About the Educating All Students (EAS) Test

The EAS is the same for all teacher certification candidates regardless of grade level or discipline. You will see questions about how to accommodate your teaching in classrooms from K-12 grade. To prepare for this exam, consider how you will support all learners to access your curriculum as a lead general education teacher. 

Final Requirements: Due to COVID-19, the state revised its final requirements for certification. Before COVID-19, teacher candidates had to complete and pass the edTPA teaching portfolio. A temporary requirement in lieu of edTPA is the Assessment of Teaching Skills - Written (ATSW) for elementary school teachers. Check with advisors and professors in the ECE to make sure you are up-to-date with these ever-changing requirements. 

Registering for Exams: To register for exams, you need to create a user name and password on the New York State Teacher Certification Exam (NYSTCE) website. 

Preparation: There are many resources available through City College, CUNY, and online to help you prepare for exams, and some resources are much better than others. We recommend that you avoid paying for test preparation and try using free resources instead. One exception is the full practice tests for Literacy, Math and the EAS, which are available on the NYSTCE website for $14 each. Make sure the CST tests you select are for ECE (#211 and #212) and not Childhood Education (#221 and #222). The EAS practice exam is the same for everyone. 

Practice: http://www.nystce.nesinc.com/PageView.aspx?f=HTML_FRAG/GENRB_NYSTCEPractice.html

New York State Teacher Certification Exams (LENGHT | PRICE):
Educating All Students (135 min. | $80)
Content Specialty Test 211 – ELA (120 min. | $59)
Content Specialty Test 212 – Math (135 min. | $59)
Content Specialty Test 245 – Arts & Sciences (60 min. | $43)
ATSW Safety Net Instead of edTPA (240 min. | $119)
(currently expiring in May 2022)