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Exam Overview
The Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early 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 Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 2) 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 (211) | 40 selected-response + 1 constructed-response | 2 hours | $59 |
| Part Two: Mathematics (246) | 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 (211) | About 70% (40 items) | About 30% (1 assignment) |
| Part Two (246) | About 80% (40 items) | About 20% (1 assignment) |
| Part Three (245) | 100% (40 items) | None |
Part One: Literacy and English Language Arts (211)
| 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 (246)
| Competency | Approx. items | Approx. share of score |
|---|---|---|
| 0001 Number and Operations | 10 SR | 20% |
| 0002 Operations and Algebraic Thinking (including ratios and percents) | 15 SR | 30% |
| 0003 Measurement, Geometry, and Data | 10 SR | 20% |
| 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. Practice with a basic calculator so you are not relying on functions you will not have. Test 246 replaced the former Part Two test (212) and does not include mathematics content above grade 6: expect early number development, place value, fractions, number theory, operations and algebraic thinking, ratios and percents, measurement, geometry, and data, plus instruction items set in prekindergarten through grade 2 classrooms.
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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