I Have Teacher Certification From Another State or Territory

If you are licensed to teach in another U.S. state or territory, you may be eligible for a teaching certificate from the New York State Education Department (NYSED). We suggest that you submit your application to teach at New York City Public Schools and apply for your certificate from NYSED simultaneously. 

Here are the most common pathways for out-of-state teachers to secure New York State certification: 

Endorsement of a Classroom Teaching Certificate 

• Possess a valid, comparable teaching certificate  
• Completed three+ years of certified public school teaching in another US state or territory 

Completion of a College Teacher Education Program:  

• Completed a comparable, approved teacher preparation program from an accredited college or university located in another US state or territory
• If you are completing—or recently completed—a teacher preparation program, and will receive your teacher certification by September 2025, you must obtain an On Track Letter completed by your college or university.   

Individual Evaluation: 

• If the above options are not possible, you may submit your credentials to NYSED  
• NYSED will determine if you meet the requirements for certification 
• See here for more information about the NYSED Individual Evaluation process

Learn More 

• Visit the NYSED website for a comprehensive summary of all the requirements for out-of-state candidates to teach at New York City Public Schools. 
• Review the How to Apply and New York State Certification sections of the Online Support Center.