Certification Information
Certification in New York State
St. Lawrence University's undergraduate and graduate programs to prepare teachers, counselors, and educational leaders are registered programs at the New York State Education Department (NYSED). Students completing the programs are recommended by the University to NYSED for certification. Applications for certification using this pathway via NYSED's TEACH website are much more efficiently processed than the other two pathways (transcript evaluation and interstate reciprocity). Individuals seeking certification by other pathways may find additional information at the NYSED website.
When applying for NYS certification on the TEACH website, insert the appropriate program code listed here:
NYSED Program Codes for St. Lawrence University Programs.
After completing the certification application on the TEACH website, submit the following webform to request the university's recommendation for the certificate:
University Recommendation Request
Requirements for all NY Certificates
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Academic requirements for specific NY certificates
• Fingerprint Clearance
• Mandated 2-hr. Workshop on Identification and Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse
• Mandated 2-hr. workshop on Prevention of School Violence
• NYSTCE testing for initial certification in teaching and educational leadership
NOTE: In 2008-2009, 100 percent of St. Lawrence University teacher education students passed the NYSTCE Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST) and 100 percent passed the NYSTCE Written Assessment of Teaching Skill (ATS-W) on the first time they took the exam. Data regarding achievement of St. Lawrence University students on the NYSTCE Content Specialty Tests (CST) in specified subject matter areas are not available for 2008-2009.
Certification in Other US States and Jurisdictions
Individuals seeking certification in other US states should contact the State Education Department of the specific state for information about how to apply. Two pathways to certification are available:
- transcript evaluation by that State Education Department - send official transcripts directly to that state' education department with application materials.
- interstate reciprocity - possess a valid New York State certificate and submit a copy of it to the other state's Education Department along with the application materials. Currently, the New York State Education Department reciprocates with 45 other US states and territories. No additional academic requirements are necessary for initial teaching certification, but that state's testing is required.
Certification in Canada
Individuals seeking certification in Canada should contact the certification agency for each separate province. For individuals trained at St. Lawrence (i.e, outside of a Canada), the individual must present a valid New York State certificate along with other appropriate application materials. One does not need to be a US citizen or a US permanent resident (green card) to receive an initial New York State certificate. Requirements for certification in Canadian provinces vary, so it is important for individuals to check with the provincial certification agency for details.