NYS Computer Science Certification Resources

Click here to view NYSED's FAQ website about the standards and certification.

Everyone's situation is a bit different. Read all the information on this page about the certification, the SOCE, and the advanced certificate and graduate programs available for CS education.

We encourage all teachers to go through approved certification programs whenever possible to  adequately prepare  to teach computer science courses.

If you have more questions, reach out to the state using the certification email and/or to the leader of a graduate school program to determine your next steps.

There are many scholarships and partnerships available for CS teacher preparation programs through private, federal, and state funding sources. Read about the partnership between Dryden, Groton, and Hunter College above, talk to your district about funding options, and contact your potential preparation program about funding sources. 

The SOCE is now available on the TEACH website!  Click here to find out more and apply.

 A statement of continued eligibility shall only be valid for service in the school district, board of cooperative educational services, or other school that employed such individual when the statement of continued eligibility was issued. 

A SOCE application in TEACH does not prompt a District’s Superintendent to submit a statement. A teacher should request their Superintendent submit the statement.

Typically -- No.  You do not NEED the certification unless you are teaching one of 10 courses listed by NYSED in their 2023 memo. 

Elementary schools do not have course codes and typically do not have specially certified teachers for different subject areas, so the CS certification is not necessary for elementary teachers. NYSED said that they are not anticipating any elementary teachers to be eligible since elementary schools do not typically have courses that count for credit. 

Check with your school administrator about upcoming certification requirements and make the decision that works best for you and your school.

Yes. According to NYSUT: "career and technology education (CTE) teachers will continue to be able to teach computer-related and technology courses in CTE programs."

 Computer science will be considered a “special subject” across all grades. After September 1, 2023, an educator who was previously appointed tenure in a different tenure area may choose to continue to receive credit toward tenure and seniority rights in their previous tenure area while devoting a substantial portion (40% or more) of their time to teaching computer science courses, or they may choose to change their tenure area to receive credit and accrue seniority rights in the special subject tenure area of computer science.  

For educators assigned/appointed on or after September 1, 2023, who are devoting a substantial portion (40% or more) of their time teaching computer science, probationary appointments and appointments in tenure will be made in accordance with normal tenure rules. Specifically, these teachers must be appointed tenure in the special subject tenure area: computer science.   

The incidental teaching flexibility is not simple. The district needs to prove that there's a hardship and they've exhausted all resources to find a CS teacher. Regulation says you can teach up to 5 hours per week. We're currently in an emergency regulation to teach up to 10 hours per week outside of your certification.  Look up the incidental teaching requirements on NYSED's website.