Teacher Assistant Certification Exam (ATAS)

Cupola atop a building on the Molloy University campus

The Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (ATAS) test is developed and maintained by the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations or NYSTCE. It is designed to assess whether or not prospective teaching assistants, paraprofessionals, and paraeducators have the skills and knowledge expected from those in that field in the state of New York.

The test has four multiple-choice sub-areas: Reading, Writing, Mathematics and Instructional  Support. There are 100 questions on this computer-based exam. The test is available Monday through Saturday, year-round. Test centers are closed on certain holidays. Test centers, which are operated by a private testing company, are located throughout New York State.

Information on the test dates, test sites, fee, and registration can be found at: https://www.nystce.nesinc.com/TestView.aspx?f=HTML_FRAG/NY095_TestPage.html  

Feedback from people who have taken the exam have indicated that it is not a difficult test, but you do need to prepare for it. The key to passing is preparation and relaxing. Time is not an issue. Review preparation materials for the test is available at: https://www.nystce.nesinc.com/TestView.aspx?f=HTML_FRAG/NY095_PrepMaterials.html The page includes a download for the test framework, a preparation guide and a tutorial on how to take a computer-based test- all at no charge. You can also purchase a practice test for $14.

Free ATAS Test Prep Workshop!

Spring: Tuesday, 2/6/24, 6-9 p.m., online via Zoom Fee: No Charge

Summer: Tuesday, 7/9/24, 6-9 p.m., online via Zoom Fee: No Charge

Instructor: Kerry Insardi
This free ATAS test review workshop is open to anyone who is interested in finding out more about the ATAS exam and how to prepare for it. You do not have to be enrolled in Molloy's Teacher Assistant program to take the review workshop. The workshop topics will cover the test framework, including the four multiple-choice sub-areas of the exam: Reading, Writing, Mathematics and Instructional  Support, as well as cover information on the test dates, test sites, fee, and registration.

The workshop will be presented online via Zoom on the date and times indicated above. The workshop is usually offered 3 times a year: in February, July and October. 

You should register for the workshop at least one week prior to insure enough time for you to get your confirmation and Zoom link. If you are not familiar with Zoom please visit the following webpage prior to the course start date on "Joining a Zoom Meeting" at: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193. More detailed information on Zoom can be found on the following link: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/206175806

Workshop Handouts: The are two handouts that will be used in the workshop. Click on the following links to download the handouts: handout 1 and handout 2. Please note that the handouts are password protected and the password will be sent to you prior to the workshop.

Online registration is available by clicking here.   Phone in registration is available by calling 516.323.3550.

Office of Continuing Education and Professional Studies


Continuing Education and Professional Studies

1000 Hempstead Avenue Rockville Centre, New York 11571-5002