New York Paraprofessional Requirements
A complete guide to paraprofessional qualification in the Empire State. Required assessments, qualifications, career pathways, and salary information.
New York Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
205 on the Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction (519) test for tests taken on or after Sept. 28, 2026 (220 for tests taken through Sept. 27, 2026); an earlier ATAS (095) pass still counts
Exam and minimum vary by state or district. Verify the current requirement.
Test Duration
2 hours
Total testing time
Test Sections
4
Reading, Writing, and Mathematics
Test Fee
$49
NYSTCE test fee for the Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction (519) test. The Teaching Assistant certificate application fee is separate and is paid through the NYSED TEACH Online System (see NYSED for current amounts).
School Districts
686
Regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22)
Background Check
Required
Mandatory fingerprint-based state and national criminal history background check processed by the New York State Education Department's Office of School Personnel Review and Accountability (OSPRA) through IdentoGO.
Governing Body
New York State Education Department (NYSED), Office of Teaching Initiatives. New York requires a mandatory, state-issued Teaching Assistant Certificate managed through the TEACH Online System. Since October 1, 2025, new applicants start with the Initial TA certificate and can move to the Pre-Professional or Professional TA certificate; the older Level I, II and III certificates are being phased out. Applicants need fingerprint clearance and three required workshops: Child Abuse Identification, School Violence Intervention and Prevention (SAVE), and Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) training.
Alternative Qualifications
- Initial Teaching Assistant certificate (new applicants since October 1, 2025): passing score on the ATAS or the Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction test, plus the three required workshops and fingerprint clearance
- Level II Teaching Assistant certificate (older structure): Level I plus one year of TA experience and 9 college credits; Level III: one year and 18 semester hours
- Pre-Professional Teaching Assistant certificate: one year of TA experience under a New York TA certificate, a passing score on the ATAS or the Foundations test, the workshops, fingerprint clearance, and enrollment in a registered teacher preparation or teaching assistant program (or 18 semester hours of qualifying coursework)
Annual Pay (Middle 50%)
Teaching assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in New York
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), New York requires that all paraprofessionals who provide instructional support in Title I-funded programs meet rigorous standards of qualification.
ESSA Compliance and State Standards
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) establishes federal requirements that paraprofessionals working in Title I programs must meet one of three qualification pathways: hold a degree, complete college coursework, or pass a formal assessment.
New York's Centralized Certification Approach
New York stands out nationally by requiring a formal, state-issued Teaching Assistant Certificate for anyone in an instructional support role. The New York State Education Department (NYSED) manages this through its Office of Teaching Initiatives. Whether you plan to work in the New York City DOE, a Long Island suburban district, or a small rural school in the Adirondacks, you need the same certificate.
The system is tiered into multiple levels: an entry-level certificate, continuing professional levels (for experienced paraprofessionals with college credits), and a Pre-Professional certificate for those enrolled in teacher preparation programs. This design creates a built-in career ladder that rewards continued education and professional growth. Since October 1, 2025, new applicants receive renamed certificates: Initial, Pre-Professional and Professional.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in New York
State education codes and federal ESSA guidelines establish clear standards for all instructional paraprofessionals working in Title I programs.
The Tiered Certificate System
New applicants since October 1, 2025 receive the Initial, Pre-Professional and Professional certificates. The Professional TA certificate does not expire; one route needs 18 semester hours (9 in a set pedagogical core) plus three years of TA experience, and other routes use a bachelor's degree or a registered teaching assistant program. The Level I, II and III certificates below still apply to Level I holders, who can move to Level II (paid application on file by August 31, 2028), Level III (by August 31, 2031), or the Initial TA certificate.
Level I Teaching Assistant Certificate (Entry Point)
This was the entry credential for new instructional paraprofessionals until applications closed on September 30, 2025. Level I holders can move to Level II, Level III, or the Initial TA certificate.
- Hold a high school diploma or GED
- Pass the Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (ATAS, 095), now retired and replaced by the Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction (519) test
- Complete the three required workshops with NYSED-approved providers: Child Abuse Identification and Reporting (about two hours), School Violence Intervention and Prevention (SAVE), and DASA training (at least six clock hours)
- Complete the fingerprint-based background check through IdentoGO (processed by NYSED's OSPRA office)
Level II Teaching Assistant Certificate (Continuing Professional)
For paraprofessionals who have gained experience and started their college education. Valid for three years and issued only once.
- Hold a valid Level I Teaching Assistant Certificate
- Complete at least one year of experience as a licensed Teaching Assistant
- Complete at least 9 college credits
Level III Teaching Assistant Certificate (Career Professional)
The highest of the older levels, for career paraprofessionals. It does not expire, but you must register with NYSED every five years and complete 100 hours of continuing education (CTLE) in each registration period.
- Hold a valid Level I or Level II certificate
- Complete at least one year of experience as a licensed Teaching Assistant
- Complete at least 18 semester hours of college study from an accredited institution
Pre-Professional Teaching Assistant Certificate (Aspiring Teachers)
Designed for people who are on a clear path to becoming a certified teacher. Valid for five years and renewable.
- Have one year of experience under a New York Teaching Assistant certificate
- Pass the ATAS or the Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction test
- Complete the three required workshops and the fingerprint background check
- Be enrolled in a registered teacher preparation program or a registered teaching assistant program, or have 18 semester hours of qualifying coursework
About the LAST Alternative
A score on the discontinued Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST) no longer qualifies anyone new: Level I applications closed on September 30, 2025, and the newer certificates require the ATAS or the Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction test.
Who Needs a Teaching Assistant Certificate in New York?
The Teaching Assistant certificate is required for any individual employed in a New York public school whose duties are primarily instructional in nature, working under the supervision of a certified teacher. This applies across all of the state's roughly 686 regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22) and its 37 BOCES.
Must Hold a Certificate
- • Instructional Teaching Assistants: The general title for aides providing academic support in classrooms
- • Special Education Teaching Assistants: The largest category of TAs in New York, supporting students with IEPs
- • ENL Teaching Assistants: Assistants who provide language and academic support to English learners (English as a New Language)
- • Title I Teaching Assistants: Aides hired to provide targeted academic interventions in Title I programs
- • Pre-K Teaching Assistants: Aides working in New York's Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) programs
Different Requirements
- • Teacher Aides: A legally distinct role in New York. Teacher Aides perform non-instructional duties (clerical, supervisory) and do not need a TA certificate, though they do need a fingerprint background check
- • Substitute Teachers: Require a separate teaching certificate or substitute teaching license
- • Personal Care Assistants: Staff whose duties are strictly physical or health-related (feeding, toileting) follow separate district guidelines
The Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction (519) Test: What You Need to Know
New York's Teaching Assistant test is now the NES Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction (519). It replaced the Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (ATAS, 095), which has retired; a passing ATAS score you already have still counts for TA certificates that list it. The 519 test has 80 selected-response items and 2 hours of testing time, at a computer-based test center or online with a proctor, and the test fee is $49. The passing score is 205 for tests taken on or after September 28, 2026, and 220 for tests taken through September 27, 2026. The test has four content domains, each about 25% of the score:
Four Content Domains (About 25% Each)
- Domain 1: Literacy
- Domain 2: Language Arts
- Domain 3: Numeracy
- Domain 4: Instructional Support
After the Test: Scores and Next Steps
Once you have your score, here is what comes next.
If You Passed
- Step 1: Log into your TEACH account. Confirm that your passing score appears there before you apply.
- Step 2: Submit your certificate application. Apply for your Teaching Assistant certificate through the TEACH system. Make sure your workshop completions and fingerprint clearance are already on file.
- Step 3: Search for open positions. Start looking on OLAS (for most districts outside NYC), the NYC DOE website, and BOCES websites while your certificate processes.
- Step 4: Finalize employment. Once your certificate is officially issued and shows up in TEACH, your employment with the hiring district can be finalized.
If You Need to Retake
- Step 1: Review your score report. Look at which content domains were weakest. Was it literacy, language arts, numeracy or instructional support? This tells you where to focus.
- Step 2: Check the retake policy. The NYSTCE website explains when you can take the test again. Check it before you register.
- Step 3: Build a targeted study plan. Use the time before your next attempt to work on your weakest domain.
- Step 4: Register for a new test date. Schedule through the NYSTCE website.
Preparing for the Foundations (519) Test
The amount of time you need depends on where you are academically. If you finished college coursework recently, a couple of weeks of review might be enough. If it has been a while since you have solved algebra problems or worked on grammar, plan for more time.
Recommended Study Timelines
Quick Refresher
Best if you recently finished college coursework or feel confident in reading, writing, and math. Focus on practice tests and a quick review of the four content domains.
Solid Preparation
The right timeline for most people. Gives you enough room to work through a study guide, take several practice tests, and spend real time on your weakest domain.
In-Depth Review
If math or writing feel unfamiliar, give yourself this extra time. The test covers literacy, language arts, numeracy and instructional support, so there is a lot of ground to cover.
Free Study Resources
- NYSTCE preparation materials: The NYSTCE website has a preparation page for the Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction (519) test with the test framework and a sample question for each competency. Start here so you know what each content domain covers.
- Khan Academy: Free and self-paced. Great for math review from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. Also has grammar and writing exercises.
- New York Public Library databases: Your library card gives you access to LearningExpress Library, which includes practice tests and skill-building courses. This applies to NYPL, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library, as well as many county library systems upstate.
- Online practice tests: Free paraprofessional practice questions from test-prep sites can help you review reading, writing, and math. They are not written for the 519 test, so use them alongside the official NYSTCE materials.
Paid Study Options
You do not need to spend money to pass, but some people prefer the structure that comes with a paid resource.
- Study guide books ($20-40): Look for ones that specifically cover the New York Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction (519) test. Available on Amazon and at bookstores.
- Online prep courses ($50-150): These typically include video lessons, quizzes, and full-length practice tests. Helpful if you learn better with guided instruction than textbook study.
New York-Specific Tip
Check the date you plan to test. The passing score is 205 for tests taken on or after September 28, 2026, and 220 for tests taken through September 27, 2026.
Test Day: What to Expect in New York
The Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction (519) test is given at computer-based test centers in New York State and nationwide, or online with a remote proctor. Knowing what to expect beforehand takes some of the nervousness out of it. NYSTCE decides where the test is offered, so check its test-center finder rather than assuming a site listed here is still current.
What to Bring
The NYSTCE program lists the identification it accepts in your registration confirmation and test-day instructions. Check yours against that list before test day.
Bring your confirmation email or number from NYSTCE. Having it printed is a good backup.
Testing rooms are often cold. A light jacket or sweater lets you adjust without being distracted.
What NOT to Bring
Check-In Procedure
- 1 Follow the NYSTCE check-in instructions. The NYSTCE program, run by Pearson, states how early to arrive and what identification to present in your registration confirmation and its test-day instructions. Read them before you leave.
- 2 Store personal items. You will be given a locker or cubby for your phone, bag, and other belongings. Nothing goes into the testing room with you.
- 3 Receive scratch materials. You will be given a dry-erase board or scratch paper and a pen. The proctor will walk you through the testing rules before you begin.
Tips for During the Test
Watch your time
You have 2 hours of testing time for 80 questions. Pace yourself and leave a few minutes at the end to review.
Read carefully
Many wrong answers come from misreading the question. Pay attention to words like "not," "except," and "best." They change the meaning entirely.
Eliminate wrong answers
On multiple-choice questions, ruling out answers you know are wrong improves your odds, even when you are unsure about the right one.
About New York Testing Locations
The test is given at computer-based test centers in New York State and nationwide, not at school district offices. You can also take it online with a remote proctor, including from home. Review the system and testing-environment requirements on the NYSTCE website before test day. Online proctored testing allows no breaks.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in New York
Paraprofessional salaries vary by district, experience level, and role specialization.
Middle 50% of Earners
Top 10% Earn
Pay by District
Pay is set by each district's contract; ask the district for its teaching assistant salary schedule.
The Union Contract
In many New York districts, pay is set by a collective bargaining agreement. These are public documents, and they often contain salary schedules with:
Steps: Rows that correspond to years of service. You automatically move to the next step each year, receiving a raise.
Lanes and Differentials: Columns based on educational attainment. Many contracts also include differentials for holding a master's degree.
Typical Benefits Package
High-Demand Roles
Special Education Teaching Assistants: By a wide margin, the most in-demand role across the state. There is constant need for TAs to work with students who have a range of disabilities.
ENL Teaching Assistants: With growing immigrant communities across New York, bilingual TAs (especially Spanish/English) are in very high demand.
Bilingual TAs in NYC: TAs who are fluent in Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese), Bengali, or Russian are needed in New York City schools.
New York Test Centers
Where you can test depends on the testing program your state uses. Check with the state agency named above or the hiring district for approved test sites.
Practical notes
- • Use OLAS (Online Application System for Educators) to find Teaching Assistant jobs in most districts outside NYC
- • The NYC Department of Education has its own separate hiring system for all five boroughs
- • The 37 BOCES (Boards of Cooperative Educational Services) are major employers of TAs, especially for special education roles
How to Register for an Assessment in New York
The process in New York is sequential and state-centric. You need to follow the steps in order.
Complete the Three Required Workshops
Start by completing three workshops with NYSED-approved providers: Child Abuse Identification and Reporting (about two hours), School Violence Intervention and Prevention (SAVE), and DASA training (at least six clock hours). The provider reports your completion to NYSED; NYSED does not accept certificates of completion from applicants.
Get Your Background Check Clearance
Go to the NYSED OSPRA website, create an account, and follow the instructions to schedule a fingerprinting appointment with IdentoGO. Fingerprint for certification, not employment. The fingerprint application fee as of October 1, 2026 is $107.50. Your clearance must be on file before NYSED will issue a certificate.
Study for and Pass the Foundations (519) Test
With the administrative steps underway, focus on exam preparation. Register for the Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction (519) test through the NYSTCE website; the passing score is 205 for tests taken on or after September 28, 2026.
Create Your TEACH Account and Apply
Go to the NYSED website and create your TEACH Online System account. This is where your certification history will live. Submit the application for your Initial Teaching Assistant certificate. Your workshop completions, test score, and fingerprint clearance will be linked to your account. Pay the application fee online.
Search for Jobs and Finalize Employment
While your certificate processes, search for open Teaching Assistant positions on OLAS (most districts), the NYC DOE website, and BOCES websites. After a successful interview, the district will extend a conditional offer pending your certificate. Once the certificate is issued in TEACH, your employment is finalized.
Pathway to a Teaching Career
The tiered Teaching Assistant certificate system is designed to move you toward a full teaching career. The progression from the Initial certificate to the Pre-Professional and Professional certificates encourages you to keep earning college credits, putting you on a path to a bachelor's degree and teacher certification.
Some New York colleges offer registered teaching assistant programs and teacher preparation programs that lead to the Pre-Professional and Professional TA certificates and to teaching certification.
If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can enroll in a Transitional B or other alternative certification program. Your hands-on classroom experience as a licensed TA will make you a strong candidate.
Frequently Asked Questions - New York Paraprofessionals
What is the difference between a "Teaching Assistant" and a "Teacher Aide" in New York?
This is an important legal distinction. A Teaching Assistant is a certified professional who provides direct instructional services to students under a teacher's supervision. A Teacher Aide performs non-instructional duties like clerical work, distributing materials, or cafeteria and playground supervision. Teacher Aides are not required to hold a Teaching Assistant certificate, and the pay, responsibilities, and qualifications are completely different.
What is a BOCES?
A Board of Cooperative Educational Services is a regional public education agency. There are 37 BOCES in New York, and they provide shared services to their component school districts, most notably career and technical education (CTE) and special education services for students with high needs. They are major employers of Teaching Assistants.
What is the TEACH system?
The TEACH Online System is the official portal for NYSED's Office of Teaching Initiatives. It is where you apply for your certificate, check your application status, and view your certification history. Every certified educator in New York has a TEACH account.
How do I renew my Teaching Assistant Certificate?
Level II is issued once for three years and moves you toward Level III or the newer certificates. Level III and Professional TA holders register every five years and complete 100 hours of Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) in each period. Initial TA holders renew every five years after 100 hours of CTLE.
How long does it take to get certified?
The timeline varies by state and district and includes background check clearance. Ask your district or state education agency for the current steps.
Can I work while completing my certification?
Some districts allow provisional or probationary employment while you complete requirements, but this varies by district policy.
Can my New York Teaching Assistant Certificate be used in another state?
No. The NYSED Teaching Assistant Certificate is valid only in New York State public schools. If you move to another state, you will need to meet that state's specific requirements, which may include a different exam or different credentials. However, within New York, your certificate is recognized by every public school district and every BOCES.
Ready to Start Your New York Paraprofessional Career?
Take practice tests and prepare for success on your assessment.