Elementary School Teacher / New York
2026 data New York board official source

New York Elementary School Teacher License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Instructs students in grades K-6. Requires state teaching certificate.

What the New York data shows for Elementary School Teachers

To practice as an elementary school teacher in New York, the state licensing board requires board-approved training, a passing score on State Teaching Certification Exam (Praxis or equivalent). A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under New York's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Bachelors Degree in Education".

Budget $162 to get started, plus $103 at each renewal on a 5-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 150 hours of continuing education per 5-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

For elementary school teachers, the reciprocity picture is: State-specific — NASDTEC agreements between some states.

Licensing Requirements in New York

Education / Training Hours
Bachelors Degree in Education
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State Teaching Certification Exam (Praxis or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$162
Renewal Fee
$103
Renewal Cycle
Every 5 years
Continuing Education
150 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

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Compare all states for Elementary School Teacher All New York licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with New York licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Elementary School Teacher in New York? ▼
New York's requirements cover, the State Teaching Certification Exam (Praxis or equivalent) exam, and an initial fee of $162. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as an Elementary School Teacher in New York? ▼
To become a licensed elementary school teacher in New York, you must meet the state's requirements. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the New York licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Elementary School Teacher license to New York from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for elementary school teachers: State-specific — NASDTEC agreements between some states. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the New York licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does New York require a background check for Elementary School Teacher licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for elementary school teacher licensing in New York. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Elementary School Teacher in New York? ▼
To stay licensed as an elementary school teacher in New York, plan on 150 hours of continuing education per 5-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $103.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.