The New York State Teacher Certification Exams program (NYSTCE) was designed for teachers in New York State to ensure proficiency in specific educational areas. The NYSTCE Visual Arts exam is designed for prospective visual arts educators in the state of New York.
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NYSTCE Visual Arts Exam Outline
The NYSTCE Visual Arts exam contains 90 selected-response questions and one constructed-response question, and you will be given a time limit of 3 hours and 15 minutes.
The exam is split into five competencies:
1. Artistic Processes (20%)
The questions in this competency are designed to assess your knowledge and skills pertaining to the following:
- How artists and designers generate, conceptualize, organize, develop, refine, and complete artistic ideas and work
- Characteristics and uses of various tools, materials, methods, techniques, technologies, and processes used in artmaking an art media
- How the selection of media and processes can inform creative decisions and meaning-making
- Care, safety, and maintenance associated with artmaking
- Ethical practices and legal standards applicable to making and presenting artwork
2. Visual Literacy (20%)
The questions in this competency are designed to assess your knowledge and skills pertaining to the following:
- Modernist and contemporary approaches to visual organization
- How various approaches to visual organization are used to create an effect or communicate an idea
- How approaches to visual organization are used in different visual works of art
- The effects of visual imagery on pop culture
3. Historical and Cultural Context (20%)
The questions in this competency are designed to assess your knowledge and skills pertaining to the following:
- Recognizing significant characteristics of artwork from global cultures and communities
- Cultural and historical contexts of artwork from global cultures and communities
- How artwork from global cultures and communities has affected and been affected by other cultures
- Comparing and contrasting visual works of art from various cultures and eras
- Recognizing the functions and roles of the visual arts in everyday life
4. Art Criticism, Integration, and Community (20%)
The questions in this competency are designed to assess your knowledge and skills pertaining to the following:
- Art criticism and aesthetic theories and their connections to visual works of art
- Stages of a critical process
- The interdisciplinary nature of visual arts
- Strategies for cross-disciplinary learning and understanding
- Careers in visual art and design
- The necessary preparation and skills required for visual arts professions
- Resources and opportunities for participation in visual arts in global and local communities
- Selecting, curating, and preparing artworks for specific audiences and purposes
5. Pedagogical Content Knowledge (20%)
This competency contains the only constructed-response question, and it is the only question in the competency. You will be given an exhibit of information and be asked to write a 400-600-word response. You will be given instructions regarding the specifics of your written response.
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NYSTCE Visual Arts Exam Registration
To register for the NYSTCE Visual Arts exam, you will need to create an NYSTCE account online and complete the registration process there. It is recommended that you complete the registration process at least 30 days before you take the exam.
During this process, you will be asked some questions about your educational history, as well as your current education level, first language, matriculation status, and the education code for the NYC Department of Education program type you are associated with.
The examination fee is $122.
Test Day
On the day of your test, you should arrive at the testing center about 30 minutes earlier than the scheduled exam time to allow time for the check-in process. Once you arrive, you will be asked to sign in and provide a valid form of government-issued photo ID.
Before the exam begins, you will be asked to place all personal items (cell phone, wallet, keys, etc.) in a locker outside the testing room, or you may be asked to leave them in your car.
Once the test begins, you will be allowed to take breaks. However, the timer will not be stopped during your break, so use your break time carefully.
How the Exam is Scored
Your total NYSTCE Visual Arts score is based on the number of questions you answered correctly, which is then reported as a numerical figure in the range of 400-600. To pass the exam, you must achieve a scaled score of 520.
You should receive your test results roughly 2-4 weeks after taking the exam. When you receive your score report, you will see your total score, your pass/fail status, and your scores for each subarea of the test.
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FAQs
Q
How many questions are on the NYSTCE Visual Arts exam?
A
There are 91 questions on the exam.
Q
How long is the NYSTCE Visual Arts exam?
A
The time limit for the exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes.
Q
What is the passing score for the NYSTCE Visual Arts exam?
A
To pass the exam, you must achieve a scaled score of at least 520.
Q
How much does the NYSTCE Visual Arts exam cost?
A
The examination fee is $122.
