About NYSTCE Flex

A flexible testing option for eligible teacher candidates

The New York State Education Department is pleased to announce the availability of a portfolio-based assessment option, NYSTCE Flex, for certification candidates who narrowly miss the passing score on a required Content Specialty Test (CST). Candidates who score within .5 standard error of measurement (SEM) of the passing mark may use NYSTCE Flex to demonstrate their depth of content and pedagogical knowledge to meet the content specialty certification examination requirement for certification.

The NYSTCE Flex assessment option is currently available for the following fields:

• Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) Part Two: Mathematics ONLY
• Multi-Subject: Teachers of Childhood (Grade 1–Grade 6) Part Two: Mathematics ONLY

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a NYSTCE Flex assessment, you must meet the following requirements:

1. You took and did not pass the current version of one of the NYSTCE content specialty tests noted above on or after the date indicated on the corresponding NYSTCE Flex assessment page.
2. Your score on that test is within .5 SEM to the passing score. The score required to be eligible for a specific NYSTCE Flex assessment is noted on each NYSTCE Flex assessment page.

If you meet these eligibility criteria, then a NYSTCE Flex assessment will automatically be an available option when you register for a test. There is no separate action that you are required to take. If you do not meet these eligibility criteria, then you will not be able to register for NYSTCE Flex.

NYSTCE Flex Assessment Overview

Candidates will follow the directions in the NYSTCE Flex Handbook and the assessment-specific template to provide an analysis of a NYSTCE test competency to demonstrate the depth of their content knowledge. Candidates will provide a written submission to demonstrate their content knowledge.

After registering for NYSTCE Flex, candidates will gain access to Pearson's ePortfolio system, where they will upload and submit their work. Candidates who pass NYSTCE Flex will meet the relevant content specialty test requirement for an Academic PreK–12 educator certificate (first New York State certificate); however, they may still need to take and pass additional content specialty tests as required for their certification area.

To learn more about a specific NYSTCE Flex assessment and to access the assessment materials, please visit the NYSTCE Flex assessment page.