ATAS Practice Test

For those looking to become teaching assistants in New York, the NYSTCE Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (ATAS) (095) Test is a key step in the certification process. Administered by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), this test measures candidates’ aptitude, knowledge, and abilities essential for roles in the public school system. As part of the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) series, the ATAS Test ensures candidates are ready to provide valuable classroom assistance and foster students’ academic growth. It evaluates proficiency in key areas such as reading, writing, mathematics, and instructional support.

The NYSTCE Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (ATAS) Test stands as a beacon of professionalism and quality in New York’s educational landscape. Designed to ensure that teaching assistants possess the skills, knowledge, and dedication required for the state’s classrooms, this exam is instrumental for those aiming to play an integral role in fostering a supportive learning environment for students.

Purpose: The ATAS Test aligns with the curricular guidelines set by the NYSED, reflecting New York’s commitment to a qualified educational workforce. The NYSED employs the ATAS Test to identify individuals who are aptly suited to thrive as teaching assistants, actively contributing to students’ academic journeys.

Skills Measured: The exam delves into vital areas including reading and writing, mathematics, instructional support, and foundational knowledge of educational practices. Candidates’ abilities to read and interpret text, solve mathematical problems, implement teaching strategies, and adhere to ethical and professional standards are thoroughly assessed.

Format: The NYSTCE ATAS (095) exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, which a candidate must complete within 3 hours. Additional 15 minutes are provided to the candidates for the CBT tutorial and nondisclosure agreement.

Validity: Achieving a passing score on the ATAS Test not only showcases proficiency in crucial educational domains but also serves as an assurance that a candidate is primed to make a meaningful difference in a student’s academic experience.

Facts & Figures: Annually, approximately 10,000 individuals sit for the ATAS Test. Once attained, the ATAS certification remains valid for five years. Moreover, an estimated 75% of New York’s school districts necessitate this certification as a pre-requisite for hiring teaching assistants.

For aspiring teaching assistants in New York, the ATAS Test is more than just an exam – it’s the gateway to making a tangible difference in the world of education.

Question Types Explained

The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the NYSTCE ATAS (095) exam, including the number of questions, time allotted, and the percentage distribution of each subcategory.

Subcategory	Description	Number of Questions
Reading	Assessing ability to understand and interpret various aspects of the reading process – General vocabulary- Main idea of a passage- Sequence of ideas- Textual and graphic information	27
Writing	Assessing ability to understand various aspects of written English – Verb usage- Pronouns and modifiers- Sentence structure and punctuation- Capitalization and spelling	27
Mathematics	Assessing ability to understand and apply various aspects of basic mathematics – Number concepts – Addition and subtraction of whole numbers – Multiplication and division of whole numbers – Operations involving fractions, percents, and decimals	27
Instructional Support	Assessing ability to understand various aspects of classroom instruction – Teaching reading – Teaching writing – Teaching mathematics	19

Let’s understand these sections in detail:

Reading Questions

This section’s questions test your comprehension and ability to interpret various elements of the reading process. You will be provided with a selection of texts to read and answer questions on as you progress through the Reading phase.

A closer look at the subjects addressed in this section is provided below:

General vocabulary

• Determine what the common words mean
• Identify antonyms and synonyms of provided words
• Acknowledge the right utilization of most-misused homophones (their/there, to/too, etc.)

Main idea of a passage

• Identify the main idea of a passage
• Recognize topic sentences
• identify summary and introductory statements
• Choose an accurate restatement of the main idea of a passage

Sequence of ideas

• Recognize a passage’s order of events
• Arrange instructions into their appropriate sequence
• Discover cause-and-effect relationships

Textual and graphic information

• Interpret information from graphs, tables, and charts
• Recognize the right representations of data in table or graph form
• Recognize opinions and facts

Writing Questions

This section’s questions test your comprehension of several components of written English.

A closer look at the subjects addressed in this section is provided below:

Verb usage

• Determine the subject-verb agreement
• Find the verb tense
• Recognize consistency in verb tenses

Pronouns and modifiers

• Determine pronoun-antecedent congruence
• Recognize demonstrative, demonstrative relative, and possessive pronouns.
• Recognize superlative and comparative modifiers

Sentence structure and punctuation

• Locate the pieces of sentences
• Recognize long sentences.
• Determine proper and improper punctuation

Capitalization and spelling

• Recognize when to capitalize a sentence properly.
• Determine the right capitalization for titles and proper nouns.
• Know how to spell popular words correctly

Mathematics Questions

This section’s questions test your comprehension and application of a variety of fundamental mathematical concepts.

A closer look at the subjects addressed in this section is provided below:

Number concepts

• Recognize place values
• Recognize properly rounded numbers
• Determine comparable weights and measurements.
• Estimate answers to measurement-related questions.

Addition and subtraction of whole numbers

• Solve problems of whole-number addition 
• Solve whole-number subtraction problems
• Apply subtraction and addition principles in real-life situations

Multiplication and division of whole numbers

• Multiply full numbers to solve the difficulties.
• Divide entire numbers to find the answer.
• Apply the concepts of division and multiplication to actual circumstances.

Operations involving fractions, percents, and decimals

• Solve decimal problems
• Solve percent problems
• Solve fraction problems
• Solve problems involving converting between percents, fractions, and decimals

Instructional Support Questions

This section’s questions test how well you comprehend different facets of classroom learning.

A closer look at the subjects addressed in this section is provided below:

Teaching reading

• Support different learning modalities, pupil requirements, and background experiences
• Encourage pupils to access educational materials
• Encourage pupils to employ a range of reading comprehension techniques
• gather data on the development of the kids

Teaching writing

• Acquire knowledge in drafting, editing, and proofreading
• Encourage kids to write with clarity
• Encourage pupils to access educational materials
• Gather data on the development of the kids

Teaching mathematics

• Connect mathematics to real-world situations.
• Recognize and fix common mathematical blunders
• Encourage pupils to access educational materials
• gather data on the development of the kids

Preparation Strategies

Embarking on the journey to conquer the NYSTCE ATAS (095) exam demands more than mere readiness; it necessitates a captivating strategy that unlocks your potential across each subcategory. Here, allow me to unveil a tapestry of suggestions, intricately woven to pave your path to triumph:

1. Unveil the Exam’s Essence: Immerse yourself in the very fabric of the exam, unearthing its structure, the enigmatic dance of questions, and the time bestowed upon each subcategory. By unraveling these intricacies, you shall gain the power to mold your study time into a symphony of mastery, harmonizing your time management skills during the grand performance.

2. Savor the Rich Content: Indulge in the sumptuous feast of knowledge encapsulated within each subcategory. Imbibe the wisdom woven into the fabric of reading, writing, mathematics, and instructional support. Seek precious tomes, guides adorned with enlightenment, and online treasures to illuminate your path. Let the chosen topics of each subcategory kindle a fire within your being.

3. Forge a Study Tapestry: With the artistic strokes of intention, craft a study schedule that weaves time seamlessly through the intricacies of each subcategory. Allocate an abundance of hours to the realms that whisper of uncertainty or beckon from the shadows of unfamiliarity. Divide your study sessions into exquisite fragments, each piece leading you closer to mastery, each goal beckoning with attainable allure.

4. Embrace a Kaleidoscope of Resources: Emblazon your mind with a kaleidoscope of study materials, vibrant and varied. Delve into the classics, dance with online resources, and partake in the symphony of practice exams. Let the ethereal notes of instructional videos and flashcards illuminate the vast corridors of comprehension. Seek the holy grail of official study guides tailored for the NYSTCE ATAS, guiding you through the labyrinthine depths of knowledge.

5. Unleash Your Inner Maestro: Engage in the age-old dance of practice, guided by the enchanted steps of sample questions. With each graceful movement, acquaint yourself intimately with the question format, assessing the depth of your knowledge in every realm. Allow the light of self-analysis to reveal the hidden crevices of weakness, illuminating a path toward growth and refinement.

6. Craft the Art of Testmanship: Beyond the depths of knowledge, embrace the artistry of test-taking. Unveil the secrets of time manipulation, wielding it as your ally in the battle against the clock. Equip yourself with the skills to navigate the labyrinth of multiple-choice questions, deftly eliminating false leads and embracing the subtle art of calculated guesses.

7. Seek the Fellowship of Knowledge-Seekers: In the face of adversity, should your heart yearn for guidance, seek solace in the arms of like-minded individuals. Join the vibrant tapestry of study groups, enlist the wisdom of tutors, or traverse the digital realm to engage in spirited discourse upon forums and discussion boards. Together, let your collective efforts kindle a beacon of enlightenment, propelling you toward triumph.

8. Reverberate with the Melodies of Review: Regularly retrace your steps through the corridors of knowledge, cementing understanding and forging unbreakable bonds with the wisdom acquired. Utilize the artistic strokes of revision techniques, condensing the essence of key concepts into harmonious summaries, birthing flashcards that sing of mastery. Share your knowledge with the world, for in teaching, you shall become the maestro.

9. Embrace the Grand Theater of Simulations: As the day of reckoning draws near, partake in the spectacle of simulated practice exams, the stage set to mirror the crucible of the actual testing environment. Here, the audience of time will witness the growth of your stamina and the maturation of your time management skills. Unveil any remaining areas in need of refinement, bestowing upon them the gift of your unwavering attention.

10. Emerge as the Conductor of Confidence: With the mighty baton of self-assurance, conduct the orchestra of your mind. Maintain an unwavering belief in your ability to transcend the exam’s boundaries. Embrace relaxation techniques, breathing life into the depths of tranquility and employing the ethereal power of visualization. Nourish your spirit with rest, exercise, and the vibrant hues of a wholesome lifestyle during your preparation period.

Test Features

Purpose of the Test

The NYSTCE (New York State Teacher Certification Examinations) Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills exam has several advantages:

• Certification: Passing the exam is a requirement for individuals who wish to become certified teaching assistants in the state of New York. Certification provides formal recognition of your skills and qualifications as a teaching assistant, which can enhance your employment prospects and open up opportunities in the field of education.

• Standardization: The exam establishes a standardized benchmark for assessing the skills and knowledge necessary to be an effective teaching assistant. This ensures that all certified teaching assistants in New York meet a certain level of proficiency and are equipped to support classroom instruction in a consistent manner.

• Professional Development: The preparation and study required for the exam can contribute to your professional development as a teaching assistant. It encourages you to review and deepen your understanding of essential concepts and techniques related to classroom management, instructional support, and student engagement.

• Enhanced Skills: The exam covers various aspects of teaching assistance, including instructional support, professional responsibilities, and student development. By studying for and taking the exam, you can gain a better understanding of these areas and develop the skills necessary to provide effective support to teachers and students.

• Increased Confidence: Successfully passing the exam can help in boosting your confidence in your abilities as a teaching assistant. It validates your knowledge and skills, allowing you to approach your work with greater assurance and a sense of professionalism.

• Competitive Edge: Holding a certification through the NYSTCE Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills exam can provide you with a competitive edge when applying for teaching assistant positions. Employers often prefer candidates who have completed the exam and obtained certification, as it demonstrates their commitment to professional growth and their ability to meet the state’s standards for teaching assistants.

Overall, the NYSTCE Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills exam offers several advantages, including certification, standardization, professional development, enhanced skills, increased confidence, and a competitive edge in the job market.

Testing Accommodations

Alternative testing procedures supported by documentation and suitable in the context of this certification test may be offered for breastfeeding mothers and test-takers with impairments who would be unable to take the exam under normal circumstances.

All requests for alternative testing arrangements that arrive on time, together with any supporting documents, are evaluated individually. In some circumstances, the provided material might not be adequate to determine whether the desired accommodation(s) will be granted or might not support the requested accommodation(s). There could be a need for additional supporting information or the results of diagnostic tests.

Please be informed that in order to complete your request, the New York State Education Department may receive your request form and any supporting materials. To the degree mandated by law, the confidentiality of your material will be maintained.

Only a few venues may allow for certain alternate testing options.

In a few circumstances, you may be contacted directly to discuss the requested testing arrangements.

ATAS Test Appointment and Locations

After your request for alternate testing arrangements has been processed, you will be given instructions on how to book your appointment with any authorized accommodations by being told to login in to your account. It’s possible that you’ll be told to book your appointment online or over the phone because some accommodations call for particular staffing, furniture, and supply needs.

You must identify yourself as a candidate who needs to book a testing session with accommodations if you are directed to schedule via phone. If you don’t, your appointment could not take into account any authorized alternate testing arrangements.

Your desired test date and test location should be known to you in advance. Please be aware that making the appropriate preparations for such alternative testing arrangements may take more time prior to the scheduled appointment date. The scheduling of appointments is done on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to give time for such preparations to be made and to prevent a potential delay in your test date, please book your appointment as soon as you can once your request has been addressed.

Technical Facts

Fast Facts (tl;dr)

• Exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions
• Multiple Choice Questions for most items 
• Successful completion of the ATAS Test is a significant milestone for individuals seeking employment as teaching assistants in New York State.
• You must score at least 220 marks in order to pass the test. 
• The time limit for the exam is 3 hours
• There is no penalty for incorrect answers
• Until the last 48 hours before your initial exam, a candidate can reschedule or cancel his exam. 
• A candidate’s score is unaffected by test questions that are being reviewed for use in future sessions.

Eligibility Criteria 

The following are the requirements for taking the NYSTCE (New York State Teacher Certification Examinations) Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (ATAS) examination as of my most recent knowledge update in September 2021:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent: In order to take the ATAS test, you must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

• Approved Teacher Preparation Program: You are qualified to take the ATAS test if you have successfully completed an authorized teacher preparation program in the state of New York.

• College Education: To be qualified to take the ATAS test, you must have earned at least 24 college credits from a college or university that is regionally accredited.

• Current Teacher Assistant: If you are currently employed as a teacher assistant by a New York State school district or BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services), you are eligible to take the ATAS test.

ATAS Test Registration

To register for the test, you will be required to create an NYSTCE account and carry out and complete the registration process there. It would be best if you get done with the registration process at least 30 days prior to taking the exam.

During this process, you will be asked several questions addressing your educational history, as well as your present education level, matriculation status, first language, and the education code for the NYC Department of Education program type you are associated with.

Below we have explained step by step process of ATAS Test registration: 

• Review the list of required documentation and gather any additional paperwork.
• Sign up for the exam. When registering, be careful to indicate that you want to ask for alternative testing arrangements.
• Send in the Alternative Testing Arrangements Request Form together with any necessary supporting documents.
• After your completed request is received, generally within 1-3 weeks, check your email for your notification of resolution.
• To make an appointment with any authorized alternative testing arrangements, follow the directions in your resolution email.

Retake Policy

The retake policy for the NYSTCE (New York State Teacher Certification Examinations) Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (ATAS) test is as follows:

• Waiting Period: If you do not pass the ATAS test, you must wait at least 30 days before you can retake the test. This waiting period applies to each attempt.

• Registration and Payment: You will need to register and pay the registration fee again for each retake attempt.

• Test Limit: There is no limit to the number of times you can take the ATAS test. However, it’s important to note that if you do not pass the ATAS test after multiple attempts, you may want to seek additional preparation or support to improve your performance.

It’s important to keep in mind that the retake policy may be subject to change. Therefore, I recommend visiting the official NYSTCE website or contacting the New York State Education Department for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the retake policy for the NYSTCE ATAS test.

Results Scale and Interpretations

Result of ATAS Test

Upon completing the NYSTCE ATAS (095) test, you will receive a result that indicates your performance on the exam. The result will provide an overall assessment of your abilities in the tested areas of Reading, Writing, Mathematics, and Instructional Support. The result does not only reflect your raw score but also indicates your proficiency level in each subcategory.

Score Interpretation 

The scoring of the NYSTCE ATAS (095) test is based on the number of correct answers you provide in each subcategory. Each question carries equal weight, and there is no penalty for incorrect answers, so it is beneficial to attempt all questions.

Proficiency Levels

The proficiency levels for the ATAS test are defined based on the percentage of correct answers in each subcategory. The levels are as follows:

• Level 1: Limited Proficiency – Indicates a need for significant improvement in the specific subcategory.
• Level 2: Developing Proficiency – Indicates progress but still requires improvement in the particular subcategory.
• Level 3: Proficient – Indicates a solid understanding and competency within the particular subcategory.

• Level 4: Advanced Proficient – Indicates a high level of mastery and expertise in the specific subcategory.

Individual Subcategory and Overall Scores

The NYSTCE ATAS (095) test provides individual scores for each of the four subcategories: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, and Instructional Support. These scores reflect your performance and level of proficiency in each area. They can help identify your strengths and areas where further improvement may be needed.

In addition to the individual subcategory scores, the NYSTCE ATAS (095) test also provides an overall composite score. This score represents your overall performance across all subcategories. It provides a comprehensive assessment of your abilities in the tested areas and is often used by institutions and employers to evaluate your readiness for instructional support roles.

Here’s a sample NYSTCE result to provide you with an idea of the report that will be presented to you. This official sample report is not customized directly to the ATAS but is meant to simulate how a report may appear:

Institutional Report

In addition to the individual score report that breaks down the scores for each test taker, the NYSTCE also provides an institutional reporting feature. This reporting focuses on listing examinees with a simple pass/fail status. Unlike the detailed score breakdown in the individual report, the institutional report offers a broader view of overall test outcomes, allowing institutions to assess the success rates of their examinees at a glance. This provides a convenient way to track the performance of groups of test takers without delving into specific score details.

FAQs

ATAS Test Tips

Be On Time: So that you are rested and prepared to start the exam when prompted to arrive at the testing location on time. 

Follow Directions: Follow all instructions attentively both at the start of the exam and throughout. This includes any written instructions in the exam booklet as well as the spoken instructions that the test administrators will read. Both broad instructions for the whole exam and detailed instructions for particular test questions or groups of test questions are included in the test booklet. Raise your hand and speak to the test administrator if you have any questions regarding the instructions. 

Pace Yourself: The test schedule is made to give enough time for the exam to be finished. 

Three hours are allotted for each testing session. The exams are made to give you the flexibility to use the session time in any way you see fit. At the conclusion of the three-hour session, you will need to return your materials. Planning your own pace for taking the exam is crucial since you have a lot of control over how you spend your time throughout the test session. Avoid wasting too much time on a test question you can’t answer right away; just skip it and move on. 

If you choose to skip a question, be sure you also choose that row of options on your response sheet. Mark the question so you may come back to it later in your exam booklet, but be cautious to accurately enter the answers to the other questions on the answer sheet. Although the three hours given for a test session may not be enough time for you, you should still be ready to remain full time. 

Avoid taking on any additional obligations at this time that would make you hurriedly complete the test.

Read the directions and the questions carefully: When answering multiple-choice exam questions, keep in mind that you must choose the “best answer”—not the first reasonable one. Read each response and give it some thought before selecting the best one. Make sure to thoroughly read the questions so you understand what is being asked. For instance, it would be wasteful to do a time-consuming computation if the query only needs an estimate. Simply read the test questions without reading too much into them. The questions are meant to be straightforward, not difficult. 

Mark Answers Carefully: Your replies will be evaluated electronically; thus, all multiple-choice answers must be marked properly and be the only response acknowledged. Delete your previous response in its entirety if you change your mind. Avoid putting any stray markings on the answer page since the scoring machine can interpret them erroneously. Make sure to choose that row of alternatives on your response sheet if you decide to skip a question. You may take notes anywhere in the test booklet that is available, but you must clearly enter your answers on your answer sheet. The only place to receive credit for your solutions is on your answer sheet. There will be no grading of the responses that you mark in your test booklet. 

Guessing: Try to identify the best response as you go through the available ones. Try to rule out as many alternatives as you can if you are unable to identify the ideal solution right away. Then make a guess from the remaining options for answers. The number of exam questions you properly respond to determines your test grade. Since there is no disincentive for giving the wrong answer, it is preferable to hazard a guess than to say nothing at all. 

Presented passages or other materials; some exam questions are based on passages or other materials that have been given (such as graphs and charts). While answering these test questions, you might want to use any of the following tactics. One method is to carefully read the paragraph or other offered information, then answer each question, citing the excerpt or other presented material only as necessary. Another tactic is to read the questions first so that you can get a sense of what is being asked of you. Then, read the passage or other material being given while keeping the questions in mind. 

Another approach is to read the paragraph or provide the information again to get a general idea of what it contains and then respond to each question by going back to the passage or presenting material for a precise response. Any of these tactics could be suitable for you. You should base your answers on the content in the text or any provided material rather than on your personal thoughts.  

Check Accuracy: At the conclusion of the test, use the time left over to review your work for correctness. Verify your answers to the exam questions that you found challenging by going back to them. Examine the solution sheet as well. Make certain that you have marked your responses appropriately and that you have entirely removed any altered responses.

Administration

Test Administrators: The NYSTCE (New York State Teacher Certification Examinations) Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (ATAS) test is administered by the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson. Pearson is a leading global education company that provides various assessment and testing services.

Test Schedule: After your request for alternate testing arrangements has been processed, you will be given instructions on how to book your appointment. The scheduling of appointments is done on a first-come, first-served basis.

Test Format: Multiple choice and computer-based

Test Materials: No other test material other than a valid allowed is allowed inside the testing facility. 

Cost: A candidate is required to submit an application fee of $54 in order to take the exam.

Retake Policy: There is no limit to the number of attempts to take the ATAS test. However, you must wait at least 30 days from the initial attempt before reapplying for the examination.

Test Provider

The New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) program is administered by the Evaluation Systems Group of Pearson (ES) under the authority of the New York State Education Department (NYSED). It is the department responsible for overseeing education in the state of New York, United States. NYSED’s primary role is to ensure that students in New York receive a quality education that meets the state’s standards.

Information Sources

• New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE)
• Pearson Vue

Disclaimer – Every study guide and tutoring material on iPREP is accurate and was written only for the purpose of providing assistance. iPREP is not affiliated with the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE), Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (ATAS) Test, New York State Education Department (NYSED) or any other brands or organizations mentioned in the content above.