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Office of Teaching Initiatives

Getting Started

Submitting Foreign Credentials

The organization should send the credential evaluation report in PDF format by email to tcert@nysed.gov, or by mail to:

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Office of Teaching Initiatives

89 Washington Ave, RM 5N EB

Albany, NY 12234

Applicants who completed their education outside of the United States must have a foreign credential report submitted directly by an acceptable organization. We cannot accept credential report submitted directly by the applicant.

A foreign credential report is only one of several requirements for certification. Applicants can review all of the steps involved in the certification process at our webpage entitled Certification from Start to Finish.

Please note that the Office of Teaching Initiatives does not process salary differential requests or other requests to review foreign credentials for purposes other than certification. In addition, the office does not return submitted foreign credentials or credential evaluation reports.

Steps to Submit Foreign Credentials for Certification

Step 1: Create a TEACH account

Visit Creating a TEACH account to learn more.

  • While creating an account, you will be asked to provide a U.S. federal Social Security Number. If you do not have a Social Security Number, you can either:
    • Use our contact form to request a "TEACH Access Number". You will need to select theÌýAdministrativeÌýform and attach a PDF-formatted copy of either a valid passport or a valid visa, OR
    • If you are enrolled in a New York State registered educator preparation program, ask the Certification Officer to email our staff at tcert@nysed.gov. They should use the subject line "TEACH Access Number"Ìýand include your first and last name, date of birth, and email address. Once your TEACH Access Number has been created, our staff will inform you via email. Please make sure to add tcert@nysed.govÌýto your email contacts, so our email does not end up getting blocked or in your junk folder.​
  • United States citizenship or legal immigration status is required for Permanent and Professional Certification only.
Step 2: Research the requirements

You can find information about the available certificate titles, requirements, and pathways at .

Step 3: Apply for the certificate and pay the application fee

After you are familiar with the requirements, you can apply for the certificate through your TEACH account and pay the application fee. How to Apply for a Certificate

Step 4: Have your foreign credential report submitted directly by an acceptable organization

The credential organization report must include the following information:

  • Identifying Information:ÌýThe report must contain your full name as it appears in your TEACH account and your date of birth or last four digits of your Social Security Number.
  • Equivalency Report:ÌýThe report must include the following items:
    • name of the institution(s) attended
    • program length of study
    • dates of attendance for each year at each institution
    • degree(s) and/or diploma(s) awarded - with full date of graduation (month, day, and year)
    • listing of each course title
    • semester hour equivalency
    • individual grade conversions into U.S. grading scheme (A-F)
    • Grade Point Average (GPA)
    • placement recommendation

Note for Teaching Assistance applicants:ÌýYour credential report must include all of the information detailed above pertaining to your high school diploma.