Statement Regarding NYS Initial Certification Via Individual Evaluation (for MSED General Education Students Only)

The Individual Evaluation pathway for New York State initial teacher certification is one of several ways that initial certification may be obtained. This option is designed for individuals with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a liberal arts field who seek initial teacher certification in an area for which certification by individual evaluation is available. Since the New York State Education Department (NYSED) makes changes to available pathways based on teacher supply and demand information, interested candidates should consult NYSED’s Search Certification Requirements webpage at https://eservices.nysed.gov/teach/certhelp/CertRequirementHelp.do to determine whether the certificate titles they wish to pursue are available through the individual evaluation application process. Students are responsible for meeting all state certification requirements and must apply directly to New York State for certification. It is imperative to work with an academic advisor and a BOCES regional certification officer.

Please note that students pursuing initial certification through individual evaluation are not completing a state-approved and registered teacher preparation program leading to institutional recommendation for New York State initial teacher certification. Instead, they are completing courses that they need for fulfillment of state certification requirements, as confirmed through an independent transcript review by a state certification evaluator or a BOCES regional certification officer.