ÐãÐãÖ±²¥

New York City schools are required to adhere to state certification requirements. If you work in special education, you know that certification requirements are complicated and frequently change. Please check this page as well as for the most current information. 

Latest updates

• New York State established a new Students with Disabilities (All Grades) certificate as of Sept. 2022. Currently, colleges and universities are preparing to meet the requirements for this new certification. Grade band SWD certificates will continue to be recognized, and teachers who hold an existing grade band certificate will not need to obtain a new certification. Visit for additional information and updates.
• Check out the New York City Department of Education’s recently posted

Special Education certification information

• The below begins with a succinct explanation of the history of special education certification in New York State.  More importantly, it contains information that every special education teacher should know about special education certification requirements. The chart explaining what certificate is required to serve at specific levels and in specific special education programs is particularly important.
• (also )
•  (NOTE: the deadline to apply for this SOCE was June 30, 2021)
• Special Education Licensing Side Letter (Probationary period for teachers working under non-special education license who also hold a Students with Disabilities Certificate)