How to Become a Teacher Assistant
If you’re interested in supporting students and making a difference in the classroom, becoming a certified Teacher Assistant is a great place to start.
This page outlines the steps, requirements, and resources you’ll need to begin your certification journey in New York State.
Teaching Assistant Certification Levels
Level I
Level I is the entry-level certificate for individuals beginning a career as a Teaching Assistant in New York State. It is valid for three years and is not renewable. To qualify, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a New York State–approved Teaching Assistant Preparation course, and pass the Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (ATAS) exam. This level is ideal for those just starting out, with the expectation to progress to Level II or III.
NYSED Level I Teaching Assistant
Level II
Level II is a transitional certificate available to those who have already earned Level I and want to continue working while advancing toward Level III. It is valid for three years and is also nonrenewable. Applicants must have one year of experience as a Teaching Assistant and complete nine college semester hours toward the required 18 for Level III. This level allows educators to continue gaining classroom experience while making progress toward full certification.
NYSED Level II Teaching Assistant
Level III
Level III is the highest level of Teaching Assistant certification and is continuously valid, provided the certificate holder completes required professional development every five years. To qualify, applicants must have at least one year of experience under a Level I or II certificate, complete 18 college semester hours, and meet all workshop and fingerprinting requirements. Level III Teaching Assistants are fully certified to work under the supervision of a licensed teacher and play a critical role in supporting instruction in New York State schools.
Level III Certification Maintenance
Upon obtaining Level 3 certification, Teaching Assistants will complete 100 clock hours of professional development every 5 years to keep their certificate valid.
Getting Started (Level I)
To begin the Teacher Assistant Certification and achieve Level I Certification, applicants must meet the following requirements. Level I is valid for 3 years.
- Copy of High School Diploma or High School Transcripts (must write your ss# and date of birth on the copy of your high school diploma – if your high school diploma has a last name different than your current one, must include a photocopy of name change, i.e. marriage certificate, etc)
- Child Abuse Workshop Certificate (NYS Mandated Reporter)-Free- NOTE: Make sure to request the State Education Department Form for certification.
- School Violence Workshop Certificate - available online through the Jefferson Lewis BOCES – click here to register
- Dignity for All Students Act Workshop (DASA) – available through the Jefferson Lewis BOCES – click here to register
- Teacher Assistant Certification Exam (ATAS) – (NYS TCE) to register
- You must register and pay before you can choose a time and location.
- Fingerprint Clearance – Applicants can register online here to be fingerprinted. (Approximately $102.00)
Next Steps
After meeting the requirments listed under Getting Started above, Create TEACH Account – TCERT
Apply for Level I Certificate
Log on and apply for Level I certificate – ($35)
Choose BOCES to do the evaluation – you will find BOCES under the COUNTY button NOT the DISTRICT button (Jefferson County)
Submit Documentation
Send documents as outlined above to:
Teacher Certification Office
BOCES
20104 St. Rt. 3
Watertown, NY 13601
Advancing to Professional
If you hold (or held) a New York State Initial Certificate and you want to advance to the Professional Certificate, there are three pathway options.
Pathway 1
Approved Teacher Preparation Program – Certificate Progression
(If your New York State college is entering a recommendation on your TEACH account for the Professional certificate)
Pathway 2
NYS Professional License Certificate Progression (Speech and Language Disabilities applicants only)
Pathway 3
Certificate Progression (all others)
For more detail and to begin Professional Certificate application process visit NYSED
Question? Contact Us
BOCES Regional Certification Office
20104 State Route 3
Watertown, N.Y. 13601
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