Initial/Provisional Certification

Students who complete an “approved” teacher preparation program at the University will receive a University recommendation after the submission of the required paperwork, payment, and the award of the degree.

University Requirements

In order to be recommended for initial certification, the following requirements must be received by the Office of Graduate Studies.

1. Application Checklist
2. Release Form
3. $50 University Fee (separate from the fee on TEACH)
4. School Violence Prevention (SAVE) and Child Abuse workshop documentation.

Please mail your University recommendation forms and fee to:
Office of Graduate Studies
UAB 121
1400 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12222

Completion of an “approved” teacher preparation program after 2004 is required before a recommendation can be made. A complete list of teacher preparation programs is available.

New York State Education Department Requirements

1. New York State Certification Exams
2. Fingerprint clearance from the New York State Education Department
3. Application on TEACH (including $50 fee for each certificate you apply for). Please use the information on the “Required Information” sheets for the codes.
   1. Create a TEACH Account: To access your personal information, test scores, fingerprint clearance, and to apply online for fingerprinting and teaching certification you must create a TEACH account. To do so, please visit http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/teach/selfreg.html and follow the instructions.
   2. Edit and update your account including education and employment information. If you do not update your education information, you will not be able to successfully apply.  For your Program Code, please click here.
   3. Apply and pay the State Ed application fee on TEACH. For your Program Code and applicant information, please click here.