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

New York Secondary 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 7-12. Requires state teaching certificate.

What the New York data shows for Secondary School Teachers

New York's path to secondary school teacher licensure runs through board-approved instruction and a passing score on State Subject Area Exam (Praxis II or equivalent), plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. New York folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Bachelors Degree plus Subject Certification".

Upfront cost is $162, with renewal running $103 on a 5-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 150-hour continuing-education requirement per 5-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

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

Licensing Requirements in New York

Education / Training Hours
Bachelors Degree plus Subject Certification
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State Subject Area Exam (Praxis II 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 Secondary 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 Secondary School Teacher in New York? ▼
In New York, the license path calls for, a passing score on State Subject Area Exam (Praxis II or equivalent), and a $162 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Secondary School Teacher in New York? ▼
New York licenses secondary school teachers who complete its requirements and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the New York licensing board.
Can I transfer my Secondary School Teacher license to New York from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for secondary 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 Secondary School Teacher licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the secondary school teacher licensing process in New York. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Secondary School Teacher in New York? ▼
New York ties continued secondary school teacher licensure to 150 continuing-education hours, due every 5 years, alongside a $103 renewal fee.

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.