Certificate Types for Teaching Assistants

certification

It is important for members to know which certificate(s) they possess and how to maintain these credentials in order to protect their career and livelihood. Local leaders should be aware of the variety of certificate types and the purpose and validity of each certificate. If you should have any questions about certification or these certificate types, please contact NYSUT Research & Educational Services.

Certificate Types for Teaching Assistants

CERTIFICATE

PURPOSE

NOTES

Continuing Certificate

Final credential

  • Continuously valid unless you have not been employed as a TA for five consecutive years

Level I

Entry credential for TA

  • Valid for three years
  • Can renew once if need additional time to meet experience requirement for Level II or Level III
  • No longer available after 9/30/2025

Level II

Progressive credential after Level I

  • Available until 8/31/2028
  • Valid for three years – not renewable

Level III

Final credential after Level I or Level II

  • Available until 8/31/2031 
  • Continuously valid with fulfillment of professional development requirement

Initial

Entry credential for TA

  • Available beginning 10/1/2025 
  • Valid for five (5) years
  • Continuously renewable with satisfaction of 100 CTLE hours and application fee

Professional

Advanced-Level credential after Initial TA

  • Available begining 10/1/2025
  • Continuously valid with fulfillment of 100 CTLE hours professional development requirement

Pre-Professional

Progressive credential after Level I, Level I, Level III, Inital TA

  • for TAs planning to become teachers
  • Valid for five years
  • May be renewed once if 30 credits were completed under certificate