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Exam Overview
The Multi-Subject: Teachers of Childhood test is part of the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE®) program, administered by Pearson for the New York State Education Department (NYSED). Passing it is one of the requirements for the Childhood Education (Grades 1–6) certificate. The test is computer-based and offered by appointment year-round, Monday through Saturday (excluding some holidays), at Pearson test centers.
| Part | Items | Testing time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part One: Literacy and English Language Arts (221) | 40 selected-response + 1 constructed-response | 2 hours | $59 |
| Part Two: Mathematics (222) | 40 selected-response + 1 constructed-response | 2 hours, 15 minutes | $59 |
| Part Three: Arts and Sciences (245) | 40 selected-response | 1 hour | $43 |
| All three parts in one appointment | 120 selected-response + 2 constructed-response | 5 hours, 30 minutes (includes a 15-minute break between Parts One and Two) | $161 |
Scoring
NYSTCE results are reported on a scale of 400 to 600, and the passing score is 520 on each part. Each part is scored on its own; a high score on one part cannot make up for a low score on another. In Parts One and Two, the selected-response items and the constructed-response assignment are combined into one scaled score according to the weights below. Part Three has no constructed-response assignment.
| Part | Selected-response share | Constructed-response share |
|---|---|---|
| Part One (221) | About 70% (40 items) | About 30% (1 assignment) |
| Part Two (222) | About 80% (40 items) | About 20% (1 assignment) |
| Part Three (245) | 100% (40 items) | None |
Part One: Literacy and English Language Arts (221)
| Competency | Approx. items | Approx. share of score |
|---|---|---|
| 0001 Knowledge of Literacy and Language Arts | 17 SR | 30% |
| 0002 Instruction in Foundational Literacy Skills | 17 SR | 30% |
| 0003 Instruction in English Language Arts | 6 SR | 10% |
| 0004 Analysis, Synthesis, and Application | 1 CR | 30% |
Part Two: Mathematics (222)
| Competency | Approx. items | Approx. share of score |
|---|---|---|
| 0001 Number and Operations | 3 SR | 5% |
| 0002 Ratios and Proportional Relationships and Number Systems | 15 SR | 30% |
| 0003 Algebra, Measurement, Geometry, and Data | 17 SR | 35% |
| 0004 Instruction in Mathematics | 5 SR | 10% |
| 0005 Analysis, Synthesis, and Application | 1 CR | 20% |
An on-screen standard four-function calculator is available during Part Two, and a formula sheet is provided. Practice with a basic calculator so you are not relying on functions (square roots, exponents, memory keys) you will not have. Note how much of the math part targets ratios, proportional reasoning, the real number system, algebra, geometry, and data: content that reaches into the upper-elementary and middle grades.
Part Three: Arts and Sciences (245)
| Competency | Approx. items | Approx. share of score |
|---|---|---|
| 0001 Science and Technology | 16 SR | 40% |
| 0002 Social Studies | 16 SR | 40% |
| 0003 Fine Arts, Health and Fitness, Family and Consumer Science, and Career Development | 8 SR | 20% |
Part Three is shared by several Multi-Subject certificates, so the same 245 test also appears in other Multi-Subject test combinations. With only one hour for 40 items, pacing matters: aim for about 1 minute 15 seconds per item and flag anything that needs a second look.
Testing Policies
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Delivery | Computer-based test (CBT) by appointment at Pearson test centers; bring the identification required by NYSTCE policy |
| Score reports | Parts One and Two are reported on a four-week schedule; Part Three on a two-week schedule (published score-report dates appear on the NYSTCE website) |
| Retakes | You must wait 30 days after taking a part before retaking that same part |
| Calculator | Part Two only: an on-screen four-function calculator is provided; personal calculators are not allowed |
| Accommodations | Alternative testing arrangements can be requested in advance through the NYSTCE website |
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