If you need help studying for the NYSTCE School District Leader exam or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place.
Click below to take a free NYSTCE School District Leader practice test!
What’s on the Exam?
The exam is split evenly into two parts. Each part contains 60 selected-response questions and two writing assignments, and each part is timed at 4 hours.
120 questions
Selected-response questions require you to select the correct answer from a list of options. Multiple-choice questions are the most common example, but you may also see true-or-false questions and “matching” questions, which ask you to match terms or concepts with their definitions.
Written Assignments
4 essays
The written assignments requires you to write your answer instead of selecting from a list of choices. Your response to this question is generally expected to be either 100-200 words or 400-500 words, and you’ll be given specific details and instructions before you take the test.
Let’s take a closer look at the competencies on the exam.
Part One (103)
60 questions | 2 writing assignments
Developing, Communicating, and Sustaining an Educational Vision
- Leadership concepts and principles
- Developing and implementing a shared educational vision for the district
- Principles of clear and effective communication
- collaboration and cooperation processes
Supervising Districtwide Change and Accountability
- The process of change
- comprehensive, long-range planning and implementation
- Data-driven decision-making
- Problem-solving skills
- Promoting accountability
Part Two (104)
60 questions | 2 writing assignments
Leading the District Educational Program
- Supporting learning throughout the district
- Establishing and promoting standards and expectations
- Effective methods for providing support to students
- Providing support to building leaders, teachers, and staff
- Fostering ongoing staff development
- Sustaining personal professional growth
Managing District Resources and Compliance
- District-level operational management
- District financial and facilities management
- Supervising compliance with local, state, and federal mandates
How to Register
To get started with your registration, you’ll need to create an account on the NYSTCE website. You can then register for the exam and schedule a test date through your account.
When you submit your registration, you’ll need to pay the necessary testing fee. If you plan to take both parts of the exam in one sitting, the fee is $337. Taking the first part separately costs $169, while the second part costs $168.
You can take both parts of the exam in the same testing session, or you can take them separately, but you’ll have to pass both parts to pass the full exam.
Exam Scores
The test is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
You will need a score of 220 to pass the test.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone who takes the test is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
NYSTCE School District Leader Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
FAQs
How many questions are on the NYSTCE School District Leader exam?
The exam contains 120 questions and four writing assignments.
What is the time limit for the NYSTCE School District Leader exam?
The time limit for the full exam is 8 hours (4 hours for each part).
What is the passing score for the NYSTCE School District Leader exam?
You’ll need to get a final scaled score of at least 220 on each part to pass the exam.
How much does the NYSTCE School District Leader exam cost?
The testing fee is $337 for the full test.