The Teaching Assistant certificate authorizes individuals to provide direct instructional services to students under the general supervision of a certified teacher. There are six certificate levels issued: Initial, Level I, Level II, Level III, Pre-Professional and Professional.
In order to qualify for certification, you must pass the Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction and successfully complete the Child Abuse Identification (2nd Update), School Violence Prevention and Intervention, and Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) workshops. Then you must apply via the State Education Department for State certification as a Teaching Assistant.
What are the types of certificates?
Initial Teaching Assistant
The Initial Teaching Assistant certificate is the newest entry-level certificate for teacher assistants, and replaces the Level I certificate. This certificate permits the holder to provide direct instructional services to students under the general supervision of a licensed or certified teacher. It is valid for five years and requires 100 hours of CTLE over the course of the five years in order for your license to be renewed upon expiration.
Level I Teaching Assistant - No longer available. Phased out December 31, 2025.
The Level I Teaching Assistant is the entry-level certificate for teacher assistants. This certificate permits the holder to provide direct instructional services to students under the general supervision of a licensed or certified teacher. It is valid for three years, with the possibility of renewal for three additional years to meet the experience requirement for the Level II teaching assistant certificate.
Level II Teaching Assistant Certificate
The Level II Teaching Assistant certificate is the second-level certificate for teaching assistants. This certificate permits the holder to provide direct instructional services to students under the general supervision of a licensed or certified teacher. It is Valid for three years and not renewable, and leads to the Level III Teaching Assistant certificate.
Level III Teaching Assistant Certificate
The Level III Teaching Assistant certificate is the third-level certificate for teaching assistants. This certificate permits the holder to provide direct instructional services to students under the general supervision of a licensed or certified teacher. It is continuously valid with completion of the required professional development hours every five years. The five-year professional development cycles begin on July 1 following the issuance date of the certificate.
Pre-Professional Teaching Assistant Certificate
The Pre-Professional Teaching Assistant certificate is the advanced-level certificate for teaching assistants. This certificate permits the holder to provide direct instructional services to students under the general supervision of a licensed or certified teacher. It is valid for five years; may be renewed.
Professional Teaching Assistant Certificate
The Professional Teaching Assistant certificate is the advanced-level certificate for teaching assistants. This certificate permits the holder to provide direct instructional services to students under the general supervision of a licensed or certified teacher. It is continuously valid, provided the holder completes 100 Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) hours every five years.
Important Note: The previous Level I, II, and III certificates will be phased out. Current holders can continue to work under these certificates until they progress to a Level III certificate by August 31, 2031.
More Information from the NY State Education Department Office of Teaching Initiatives