NYSTCE English Language Arts CST (003) Study Guide

What comes with Cirrus Test Prep’s NYSTCE ELA Study Guide?

You probably think this is a typical study guide. However, Cirrus Test Prep’s unofficial NYSTCE English Language Arts CST (003) Study Guide:  Test Prep and Practice Questions for the New York State Teacher Certification Examination (003) isn't like other study guides. Because we know you value your time, our unofficial study guide includes a quick yet full review of everything on the test with real examples, graphics, and information. Cirrus Test Prep’s NEW NYSTCE English Language Arts CST (003) Study Guide gives you the edge you need to score higher and pass the first time.

Best of all, Cirrus Test Prep’s NYSTCE English Language Arts CST (003) Study Guide offers you:

  • A full review of what you need to know for the NYSTCE exam

  • NYSTCE practice questions for you to practice and improve and worked through practice problems with explanations

  • Test tips and strategies to help you score higher

  • Real world examples

Our NYSTCE prep book covers all the material that will be on your exam, including:

  • Reading

  • Language Use and Vocabulary

  • Writing, Speaking, and Listening

… and also comes with two FULL NYSTCE practice tests, so that you will be ready on test day.

But before you buy NYSTCE English Language Arts CST (003) Study Guide, you may find yourself wondering, what is the NYSTCE? What is on the NYSTCE? How is the NYSTCE scored? How is the NYSTCE administered? We are the NYSTCE experts, and we are happy to answer all your questions below!


Some Frequently Asked Questions about the NYSTCE…

What is the NYSTCE?

New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) are part of a testing program that assesses an examinee’s knowledge and skills in accordance with professionally accepted standards of teaching in New York State. The NYSTCE website contains information detailing the role of the NYSTCE tests in determining teaching certification and what scores are required.

What is on the NYSTCE?

You will answer approximately fifteen questions (13 percent of the test) about reading literature, approximately fifteen questions (13 percent of the test) about reading informational texts, approximately ten questions (9 percent of the test) about writing arguments, approximately ten questions (9 percent of the test) about writing informative and explanatory texts, approximately ten questions (9 percent of the test) about writing narratives, approximately ten questions (9 percent of the test) about researching to build and present knowledge, approximately ten questions (9 percent of the test) about speaking and listening, and approximately ten questions (9 percent of the test) about language.

In the constructed-response question, a short textual sample is provided with pertinent discussion points to help you understand the pedagogical importance of the sample and determine how it could best be used in the classroom. You should be able to evaluate student understanding and design instruction that will achieve specific learning goals. Your constructed response must demonstrate your knowledge of pedagogy and application of pedagogical skills.

How is the NYSTCE scored?

On the ESOL CST, the number of correctly answered questions is used to create your scaled score. Scores are scaled to a number in the range of 100 – 300; a passing score is 220. The score shows your performance on the test as a whole and is scaled to allow comparison across various versions of the tests. The multiple-choice questions are equally weighted. The 90 multiple-choice questions consist of 80 percent of your overall score, while the constructed-response essay comprises the other 20 percent. There is no penalty for guessing on the ESOL CST, so be sure to eliminate answer choices and answer every question. If you still do not know the answer, guess; you may get it right!

How is the NYSTCE administered?

The NYSTCE ESOL CST is available at testing centers across the nation. To find a testing center near you, go to the testing center’s website. This is a computer-administered test; the website allows you to take tutorials to acclimate yourself to the computerized format.

Why should I use Cirrus Test Prep’s NYSTCE study material?

Developed by experienced current and former educators, Cirrus Test Prep’s study materials help future educators gain the skills and knowledge needed to successfully pass their state-level teacher certification exams and enter the classroom. Each Cirrus Test Prep study guide includes: a detailed summary of the test’s format, content, and scoring; an overview of the content knowledge required to pass the exam; worked-through sample questions with answers and explanations; full-length practice tests including answer explanations; and unique test-taking strategies with highlighted key concepts. Cirrus Test Prep’s study materials ensure that new educators feel prepared on test day and beyond.

Where can I buy NYSTCE English Language Arts CST (003) Study Guide?

You can find NYSTCE English Language Arts CST (003) Study Guide for purchase on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Just click the link next to our book, the image of our book itself, or the links we provided in the sentence above!

Pearson Education, Inc. was not involved in the creation or production of this product, is not in any way affiliated with Cirrus Test Prep, and does not sponsor or endorse this product.