Teacher Certification

If you have specific questions about the certification processes at Geneseo, or need to enter contact information for certification purposes, please use the email teachercertfication@geneseo.edu. To request our certification recommendation(s) in New York State, please complete this form; to request certification recommendation(s) in a state other than NY, please complete this form.

SUNY Geneseo, as an Educator Preparation Program, offers a range of NYS certification programs in teaching. In addition to completing your degree program at Geneseo, the following are requirements for NYS Teacher Certification. While we are pleased to assist our candidates and alumni with certification, please remember that your certification is your responsibility. Please visit the New York State Education Department "Certification from Start to Finish" website for more information.

Certification Checklist:

1. Required Seminars

Dignity for All Students Act

Effective December 31, 2013, all applicants for certification are required to complete six clock hours of coursework or training in accordance with Article 2 Sections 10-18 of the Education Law. This requirement can be met by satisfactory completion of H&PE 350 or by completing a state-approved training workshop.

Current information is available on NYSED's DASA website.

Identification of Child Abuse and Maltreatment

Candidates who apply for certification on or after January 1, 1991, are required to complete a minimum of two contact hours of course work or training in the identification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment. This requirement can be met by satisfactory completion of H&PE 350 or by completing a state-approved training workshop.

Current information is available from NYSED.

School Violence Intervention and Prevention

Candidates who apply for certification on or after February 2, 2001, are required to complete a minimum of two contact hours of course work or training in the warning signs related to violence, and policies related to safe climates, and effective classroom management.

Current information is available from NYSED.

2. Fingerprinting

All candidates for initial certification and all new school employees must be cleared through FBI fingerprinting and criminal background check. The costs for the fingerprinting and the background check are incurred by the candidate. As of July 14, 2017, all fingerprinting required by New York State Education Department (NYSED) for certification must be scheduled with MorphoTrust. For complete directions and information on the fingerprinting process, please visit the School of Education's Fingerprinting page or NYSED's page. 

3. New York State Teacher Certification Exams

All candidates must register, take, and pass all the required New York State Teacher Certification Exams (NYSTCE). The cost for the exams are incurred by the candidate. For information regarding current exam requirements, test dates, test framework, costs associated with each exam, please visit NYSTCE's website. The Office of Teaching Initiatives offers lists of all requirements, including which exams candidates need to take.

4. Recommendation for Certification

You must request that SUNY Geneseo recommends you for certification after you have applied and been admitted to the School of Education. You only need to submit this form once, regardless of if you're in a dual-certification program.

5. Apply Online for your Initial Certificate(s)

There are step-by-step directions of how to apply for a certificate as well as program codes you may need for your TEACH account. You must wait to apply for certificates until after your recommendation has been entered into TEACH.

Notice of Education Program Changes:

Because teacher education certification programs and requirements may change, it is the teacher candidate’s responsibility to be aware of all requirements necessary for graduation and certification. Candidates should consult with the appropriate program coordinator, attend advising sessions, and make regular appointments with their advisors. All certification questions should be directed to the Coordinator of Advisement, Certification, and Communication. The Education Preparation Unit will comply with any new SUNY or NYSED regulations required to complete the appropriate programs to be recommended for certification. Efforts will be made to update teacher candidates on any changes in program requirements, but teacher candidates are ultimately responsible for meeting program requirements.

Admission of Persons with Prior Felony Convictions Policy

All teacher education programs include a clinical/field component. If you have been convicted of a felony, your criminal history record may impede your ability to complete this program and/or become a NYS certified teacher. Please review the SUNY Geneseo policy.