Professional Certification: NY Teaching Certificates

This page offers a broad overview geared towards students researching Adelphi’s online graduate degrees in education. Please visit the New York State Education Department (NYSED) teacher certification page to view full, official details for certification and check for recently updated information.

Already know the type of certificate you need?

Use the links below to access info specific to your certification needs.

I need an initial certificate.
I need a professional certificate.

NYSED Certification Overview

In New York State, all teachers and administrators, as well as many school personnel, must be certified. You cannot teach in NYS public schools without certification.

There are many different types of NYS teaching certificates and licenses, but general requirements include:

A college degree
- Most initial certificates require an undergraduate degree
- Professional certificates require a graduate degree
Certification exams
Workshops
Classroom teaching experience
Mentored experience (teaching supervised by an experienced teacher)
Fingerprint clearance
U.S. citizenship or INS Permanent Residence status

Many certificates have additional requirements, such as taking classes in specific subject areas or gaining additional on-site experience. You can check the requirements for your area of interest at the NYSED website.

Initial and Professional Teaching Certificates

Two important certificates for teachers in New York are the initial certificate and the professional certificate. Think of these as entry-level and advanced credentials, respectively.

A key difference between them is the required education: initial certificate holders need to complete a program that leads to certification, while professional certificate holders must have a master’s degree and three or more years of paid, full-time teaching experience.

Initial Certificate

An initial certificate is the first step for teachers, administrators and other school personnel. This is a starter credential that is good for five years. During this time, you must complete the necessary requirements and apply for a professional certificate. In some cases, you may qualify for a time extension so that your initial certificate is valid beyond five years.

Pathways to Initial Certification

While all certifications are issued by the NYSED, there are multiple pathways to certification. These pathways depend on your previous experience and how you would like to earn your certificate.

The NYSED Office of Teaching Initiatives website lays out 10 potential pathways, which are based on your educational and professional experience. Two common pathways to an initial certificate are:

Completing an approved teacher preparation program, such as the Adelphi online Master of Arts in Art Education
Fulfilling the requirements independently and being evaluated by a regional certification office

Professional Certificate

The next step for initial certificate holders who want a career working in schools is to obtain a permanent certificate. This credential is a lifetime qualification, though professional certificate holders must complete a certain number of hours of continuing teacher and leader education (CTLE) every five years.

To move to a professional certificate, you must have:

Current initial certificate
Paid, full-time school teaching experience (usually three years required)
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university

For specific subject-area requirements, use the certification search tool at the NYSED website.

The Certificate Progression Pathway

Graduate students in the Adelphi MA in Educational Technology (MA in EdTech) and in the MA in Art Education (MA in Art Ed) who want to teach in New York State usually proceed to their professional certificate through the pathway known as the “Certificate Progression Pathway.”

These students hold an initial certificate in the state and have the required two years of teaching experience. Once they earn their master’s through Adelphi, they apply for their professional certificate themselves directly through the NY Education Department’s online NYS TEACH system.

Get the Information You Need

To learn more about Adelphi University’s Online Master of Arts in Educational Technology program and download a brochure, fill out the fields to request information or call us at 516.619.2209 to talk with one of our enrollment specialists.

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Phone*

By checking this box, I authorize Adelphi University and its representatives to contact me via text messages. Participation is voluntary. Message and data rates may apply. Messages may be sent using an autodialer or other automated system for the selection or dialing of numbers. This consent is not required as a condition of enrollment. Reply STOP to opt out. Terms.

By checking this box, I consent to receiving autodialed informational and marketing calls, including those using prerecorded, artificial, or interactive voice technology, from Adelphi University and its representatives. This consent is not required as a condition of enrollment. Terms.

Adelphi University has engaged AllCampus to help support your educational journey. AllCampus will contact you shortly in response to your request for information. About AllCampus. Privacy Policy. You may opt out of receiving communications at any time.

* All Fields are Required. Your Privacy is Protected. Are you enrolling from outside the US? Click here.

Your Certification Plans: How Adelphi’s Master’s Programs Fit

Certificate	MA in Art Education	MA in Educational Technology
Initial Certificate	Yes	No
Professional Certificate	Yes	Yes

I Need an Initial Certificate

The MA in Art Education qualifies. It includes the fieldwork required for a Visual Arts Pre-K–12 initial teaching certificate. Students take courses online and complete fieldwork in person in a New York K-12 classroom. Adelphi works with you to secure that placement. Learn more about the MA in Art Education.

I Need a Professional Certificate

Both programs meet the master’s degree requirement for a professional certificate set out by New York State.

The MA in EdTech applies to all content areas except the STEM pathway. Learn more about the MA in Educational Technology.
The MA in Art Ed applies specifically to Visual Arts Pre-K–12. Learn more about the MA in Art Education.

How to Get Started With Your Education Master’s at Adelphi

At Adelphi, we understand that certification is one of many reasons why our students choose to earn an advanced degree. In our education master’s programs, you’ll have many opportunities to shape the degree to your own goals and unique teaching style, while also meeting all the requirements you need to earn professional credentials.

To get started, download the program brochure for the MA in Educational Technology or download the program brochure for the MA in Art Education. You can also talk with an Adelphi enrollment specialist by calling 516.619.2209.

Resources

NYS Licensure and Certification Types from the Adelphi College of Education and Health Sciences
Certification requirements search from the NYSED
Professional certification requirements FAQ page from the New York State United Teachers