Teacher Assistant Certification Exam (ATAS)

NY State recently made changes to the requirements to become a teacher assistant in NY. For those of you who are thinking of becoming a TA, the changes for the first level TA in NY will not be all that significant. The TA I certificate has been replaced with the Initial TA level certificate. The Initial TA level certificate still requires that you have a high school diploma, pass three required workshops and be fingerprinted. You will also need to pass an exam, but right now you have a choice of either taking the Teacher Assistant Certification Exam (ATAS) or the National Evaluation Series™ Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction (NES) exam (click on the links to take you to the exam information). The ATAS exam can be taken up until July 27, 2026. After that date you will need to take the NES exam. The other change in the certification is that the Initial TA level certification is good for 5 years, not 3.

Since you have a choice in the exam you wish to take, Kerry Insardi, the workshop instructor, will go over both exams in the workshop. Briefly, the concepts and content of the NES exam is similar to the ATAS exam. There are some differences; the NES is 20 questions shorter and costs $5 less. The objectives for the content are similar, but the math section in the NES exam appears to be a bit more algebra based compared to the ATAS exam

Feedback from people who have taken the exams have indicated that they are not difficult tests, 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.htmlThe 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.

Click link below to see dates and register

Free ATAS/NES Test Prep Workshop!

This free ATAS/NES test review workshop is open to anyone who is interested in finding out more about the ATAS/NES exams 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 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 (usually in the evenings in October, February and July each year).

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