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Exam Overview
The NYSTCE Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction (519) test is a computer-based test of about 80 selected- response questions. Each question has four answer choices and one correct answer. Some questions may be unscored pretest items that are being tried out for future forms; they look like every other question, so answer every item with equal
NYSTCE Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction (519), National Evaluation Series
Content-knowledge requirement for New York State Teaching Assistant certification
Computer-based; about 80 selected-response questions with four choices
2 hours 15 minutes in total: 15 minutes for the tutorial and nondisclosure agreement, 2 hours of testing
Pearson VUE computer-based testing centers or online proctoring (no breaks with online proctoring)
Reference None; no calculator or formula sheet is provided materials
Scaled score of 205 (the passing score was 220 for earlier test dates)
Computer-based testers see a scaled score at the end of the test; the official score report is released within two
Content domain Competencies
0001 Word structure and context clues · 0002 Main idea and supporting details · 0003 Basic
0004 Standard written English usage · 0005 Grammatical structure · 0006 Elements of effective
0007 Number properties and operations · 0008 Algebraic principles and data analysis · 0009
0010 Supporting literacy and language arts instruction · 0011 Supporting mathematics
Support instruction · 0012 The role of a paraprofessional
How the Test Is Scored
Your number of correct answers is converted to a scaled score. NES tests report scaled scores on a range of 100 to 300, and a scaled score of 205 or higher passes test 519. There is no penalty for a wrong answer, so never leave a question blank. If you do not pass, your score report shows your performance in each content domain, which tells you where to focus before you retake the test.
word meaning from structure and context, main idea and purpose, supporting details, inferences, fact and opinion, and information in charts, tables and maps spelling, capitalization, punctuation, verb forms, pronouns, agreement, sentence errors and the elements of effective paragraphs and essays
Classroom support
helping students with literacy and mathematics, observing and reporting progress, and working within the teaching assistant's role with confidentiality and professionalism
Teaching Assistant Certification in New York
New York issues several Teaching Assistant certificates (Level I, Level II, Level III and Pre-Professional), each with its own education and experience requirements. In addition to the passing test score, candidates generally complete the required workshops, such as Child Abuse Identification and Reporting, School Violence Prevention and Intervention, and the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) training, and receive fingerprint clearance. Check the New York State Education Department's certification requirements for the certificate you are seeking.
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