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Exam Overview
The NYSTCE School Counselor (193) test is part of the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) program. The New York State Education Department (NYSED) sets the requirements, and the tests are developed and delivered for NYSED by Evaluation Systems, part of Pearson. The School Counselor CST became operational on February 26, 2024 (the CST start date used below).
Test Format
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | Computer-based test (CBT): 90 selected-response questions and 1 constructed-response assignment |
| Answer choices | Four choices per selected-response question; choose the one best answer |
| Time | 3 hours 30 minutes total appointment: 15 minutes for the tutorial and nondisclosure agreement, plus 3 hours 15 minutes of testing time |
| Suggested split | Up to about 135 minutes for the selected-response questions and up to about 60 minutes for the constructed response; you manage your own time |
| Score | Total score reported on a 400–600 scale; 520 or higher passes |
| Fee | $122 |
| Where and when | Pearson test centers in New York State and nationwide, by appointment year-round, Monday through Saturday (excluding some holidays) |
| Unscored questions | The test may include questions being tried out for future use; they do not affect your score |
Competencies and Weighting
| Competency | Title | Questions | Share of Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0001 | Foundations and Theories of School Counseling | 10 | 9% |
| 0002 | Human Development and Learning | 11 | 10% |
| 0003 | Development, Management, and Evaluation of a Data-Driven School Counseling Program | 13 | 11% |
| 0004 | Assessment and Intervention to Address Individual, Group, and Schoolwide Needs | 13 | 11% |
| 0005 | Individual Planning to Promote College and Career Readiness | 11 | 10% |
| 0006 | Responsive Services and Crisis Prevention and Intervention | 11 | 10% |
| 0007 | Consultation and Collaboration for a Supportive School Environment | 11 | 10% |
| 0008 | Legal, Ethical, and Professional Standards Guiding School Counseling | 10 | 9% |
| 0009 | Analysis, Synthesis, and Application | 1 constructed response | 20% |
How the Test Is Scored
Your selected-response score is based on the number of questions you answer correctly; there is no penalty for guessing, so answer every question. The constructed response is scored by at least two qualified New York educators, who do not know whose response they are reading, on a four-point scale. They judge how completely you fulfill the assignment, how accurately you apply school counseling knowledge, and how well you support your points with specific examples and reasoning. A blank, off-topic, or unreadable response cannot be scored, and a candidate whose response is unscorable cannot pass the test.
Who Must Take the Test
| Certificate | When the CST is required |
|---|---|
| Initial School Counselor certificate | Required unless you applied, paid the fee, and met all other requirements on or before the CST start date |
| Professional School Counselor certificate (Certificate Progression pathway) | Not required |
| Professional School Counselor certificate (other pathways) | Required if you applied and paid after the CST start date |
Retakes
If you do not pass, you may register again, but the NYSTCE program requires a waiting period before you can retake the same test (generally at least 30 days after your previous attempt). Check the current retake policy on the NYSTCE website when you register, and use your score report's competency results to focus your study.
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