NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2), Part Two: Mathematics (246) Practice Tests
Prepare for the NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2), Part Two: Mathematics (246): 40 selected-response questions and 1 constructed-response item in 2 hours 15 minutes, covering 5 content areas: Number and Operations (20%), Operations and Algebraic Thinking (30%), Measurement, Geometry, and Data (20%), Instruction in Mathematics (10%) and Analysis, Synthesis, and Application (20%).
Start Practicing Free
No credit card. Try 10 questions free, 50 with a free account.
Get Free Access →See PlansSource: All exam details are drawn from official examination program websites and state educator certification agency documentation. Most state licensure exams are developed and administered by Evaluation Systems of Pearson (nesinc.com) on behalf of state departments of education. Always verify current requirements with your state's teacher certification agency.
Free practice
Try NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2), Part Two: Mathematics (246) questions free
Start with the free sample quiz below, then create a free account to keep practicing with explanations.
NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2), Part Two: Mathematics (246): Test at a Glance
Facts as published by the official test program.
Part Two of the NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth to Grade 2) assessment (field 246) covers mathematics. It replaced the retired field 212. It has 40 selected-response questions and 1 constructed-response item, with 135 minutes of testing time. A standard 4-function on-screen calculator is provided.
The official framework lists 5 competencies: Number and Operations (20%); Operations and Algebraic Thinking (30%); Measurement, Geometry, and Data (20%); Instruction in Mathematics (10%); Analysis, Synthesis, and Application (20%).
The constructed response is scored by qualified New York State educators on a four-point scale, without knowing the candidate's identity.
This is Part Two of the Multi-Subject assessment. Each part is scored separately, and you must pass every required part to qualify for certification.
Passing score: A total score of 520 or higher (scale 400 to 600).
NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2), Part Two: Mathematics (246): Exam Blueprint
Content categories and approximate weighting from the official test framework.
1. Number and Operations
20%Competency 0001 makes up about 20% of the 246 score. It covers: number concepts.
- Number concepts: Prenumeracy concepts and children's mathematical development; Place value and properties of operations to round, add, subtract, multiply and divide multidigit numbers; Decimal notation; comparing decimals, decimal fractions and fractions; Justifying computational algorithms; operations with decimals; Number theory: primes, divisibility, factors, LCM, GCF; Extending operations to fractions; Signed rational numbers, ordering and absolute value
2. Operations and Algebraic Thinking
30%Competency 0002 makes up about 30% of the 246 score. It covers: operations and algebraic thinking; ratios and proportional relationships.
- Operations and algebraic thinking: Relationships between operations, such as division as an unknown factor; Factors and multiples; Writing and interpreting numerical expressions; Patterns and their hidden features; Extending arithmetic properties to algebraic expressions, equations and inequalities; Solving problems with expressions and equations; Defining, evaluating, comparing and modeling with functions
- Ratios and proportional relationships: Unit rates: unit pricing, constant speed, ratios of lengths, areas and other quantities; Percents as rates per 100 and percent problems
3. Measurement, Geometry, and Data
20%Competency 0003 makes up about 20% of the 246 score. It covers: measurement and geometry; data, statistics and probability.
- Measurement and geometry: Shape attributes: symmetry, lines, angles; Measurement units and conversions; Angle measure, perimeter, area, surface area and volume; Graphing points and shapes on the coordinate plane
- Data, statistics and probability: Data in line plots, bar graphs and picture graphs; Variability and distributions; Random sampling and sampling bias; Measures of center, range and outliers
4. Instruction in Mathematics
10%Competency 0004 makes up about 10% of the 246 score. It covers: number and operations; measurement, data and geometry.
- Number and operations: Counting, cardinality, ordinal numbers and comparison; Composing and decomposing numbers and representations; The equal sign and equations; place value; The four operations and their relationships; fluency; One- and two-step problems and algorithms; Fractions, fraction equivalence and ordering
- Measurement, data and geometry: Measurable attributes and comparison; Indirect measurement and standard units; Linking addition and subtraction to length, and multiplication and addition to area; Sorting and comparing objects; relative position; Comparing, creating and composing shapes; Telling time and working with money; Classifying objects and representing measurement data
5. Analysis, Synthesis, and Application
20%Competency 0005 makes up about 20% of the 246 score and is the constructed-response item. It covers: constructed response.
- Constructed response: Analyze student work and assessment data to monitor progress and identify strengths and needs; Identify errors and misconceptions; Select appropriate instructional strategies and interventions; Generate real-world scenarios that illustrate concepts; Justify the effectiveness of the chosen strategies
Study Guide by Content Category
Use this section to plan your study time. Each topic comes from the official content categories for NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2), Part Two: Mathematics (246).
Category 1 · Number and Operations
About 20% of the exam- Number concepts Review Prenumeracy concepts and children's mathematical development; Place value and properties of operations to round, add, subtract, multiply and divide multidigit numbers; Decimal notation; comparing decimals, decimal fractions and fractions; Justifying computational algorithms; operations with decimals; Number theory: primes, divisibility, factors, LCM, GCF; Extending operations to fractions; Signed rational numbers, ordering and absolute value.
Category 2 · Operations and Algebraic Thinking
About 30% of the exam- Operations and algebraic thinking Review Relationships between operations, such as division as an unknown factor; Factors and multiples; Writing and interpreting numerical expressions; Patterns and their hidden features; Extending arithmetic properties to algebraic expressions, equations and inequalities; Solving problems with expressions and equations; Defining, evaluating, comparing and modeling with functions.
- Ratios and proportional relationships Review Unit rates: unit pricing, constant speed, ratios of lengths, areas and other quantities; Percents as rates per 100 and percent problems.
Category 3 · Measurement, Geometry, and Data
About 20% of the exam- Measurement and geometry Review Shape attributes: symmetry, lines, angles; Measurement units and conversions; Angle measure, perimeter, area, surface area and volume; Graphing points and shapes on the coordinate plane.
- Data, statistics and probability Review Data in line plots, bar graphs and picture graphs; Variability and distributions; Random sampling and sampling bias; Measures of center, range and outliers.
Category 4 · Instruction in Mathematics
About 10% of the exam- Number and operations Review Counting, cardinality, ordinal numbers and comparison; Composing and decomposing numbers and representations; The equal sign and equations; place value; The four operations and their relationships; fluency; One- and two-step problems and algorithms; Fractions, fraction equivalence and ordering.
- Measurement, data and geometry Review Measurable attributes and comparison; Indirect measurement and standard units; Linking addition and subtraction to length, and multiplication and addition to area; Sorting and comparing objects; relative position; Comparing, creating and composing shapes; Telling time and working with money; Classifying objects and representing measurement data.
Category 5 · Analysis, Synthesis, and Application
About 20% of the exam- Constructed response Review Analyze student work and assessment data to monitor progress and identify strengths and needs; Identify errors and misconceptions; Select appropriate instructional strategies and interventions; Generate real-world scenarios that illustrate concepts; Justify the effectiveness of the chosen strategies.
Registration, Test Day and Scoring
- Test options
- Test center
- Passing score
- 520 (scale 400-600)
How to Register
- 1Confirm which tests you need
The New York State Education Department sets certification requirements. Check the requirements for your certificate with the Department or your preparation program.
- 2Register on the NYSTCE site
Create an account at nystce.nesinc.com, choose the test and an appointment, and pay when you register.
- 3Prepare with the official framework
The test framework lists every competency and its weight, and the site has a preparation guide with sample questions.
Fees
$59 (Part Two costs $59. Taking all three parts (211, 246 and 245) at one administration totals $161.). Fees can change, so confirm the amount on the NYSTCE site when you register.
Test day
NYSTCE tests are computer-based and are scheduled through the NYSTCE site (nystce.nesinc.com), run by Pearson for the New York State Education Department.
Candidates set their own pace within the total testing time, which covers both the selected-response and constructed-response parts.
Read the NYSTCE registration bulletin for arrival and identification requirements before your appointment.
Scoring
Total test scores range from 400 to 600, and a score of 520 or above passes.
Each correct selected-response answer counts equally and wrong answers carry no penalty. At least two qualified New York State educators score each constructed response, without knowing the candidate's identity, on a four-point scale.
Who Takes NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2), Part Two: Mathematics (246)?
Candidates seeking New York certification to teach birth through grade 2. The Multi-Subject: Early Childhood assessment has three parts, and you must pass all three. Part Two (246) is the mathematics part, and it replaced the retired field 212.
Teacher candidates who want a separate math attempt. Each part is scored on its own, so you can retake Part Two without retaking the others.
How to Prepare for NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2), Part Two: Mathematics (246)
- 1Start with the official preparation materials
Read the official NYSTCE test framework for field 246. It lists each competency and its weight.
- 2Study by weight
Give the most time to Operations and Algebraic Thinking (about 30%), but cover every category.
- 3Operations and algebraic thinking is the biggest block
Competency 0002 is 30% of the score. Number and operations (0001) and measurement, geometry and data (0003) are 20% each.
- 4Practice the written response
Competency 0005 is a constructed response worth 20%. You analyze student work, name errors and misconceptions, choose strategies and justify them.
- 5Know how to teach early math
Competency 0004 (10%) covers teaching counting, place value, the equal sign, the four operations, fractions, measurement and shapes.
- 6Pace yourself
Testing time is 135 minutes, split into 75 minutes for the selected-response items and 60 minutes for the constructed response.
- 7Answer every question
There is no penalty for wrong answers on the selected-response questions, so never leave one blank.
NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2), Part Two: Mathematics (246): Frequently Asked Questions
What is the passing score for NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2), Part Two: Mathematics (246)?+
A total score of 520 or higher (scale 400 to 600).
What is on NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2), Part Two: Mathematics (246)?+
40 selected-response questions and 1 constructed-response item, in 2 hours and 15 minutes.
How much does NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2), Part Two: Mathematics (246) cost?+
$59 (Part Two costs $59. Taking all three parts (211, 246 and 245) at one administration totals $161.). Fees can change, so confirm the amount on the official site.
How many questions are on NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2), Part Two: Mathematics (246) and how long is it?+
40 selected-response questions and 1 constructed-response item, with 135 minutes of testing time plus about 15 minutes for the tutorial and nondisclosure agreement.
Which competency carries the most weight on NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2), Part Two: Mathematics (246)?+
Operations and Algebraic Thinking carries the most weight at about 30% of the score.
How many competencies are on NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2), Part Two: Mathematics (246)?+
The official framework lists 5 competencies.
Do I have to pass all three parts of the Multi-Subject assessment?+
Yes. Each part has its own passing standard of 520 and you must take and pass all three parts to qualify for certification in the field. Part Three (245) is shared across all Multi-Subject certificates, so you pass it only once.
What score do I need to pass a NYSTCE test?+
You need a total score of 520 or higher on the 400 to 600 scale.
Is there a penalty for guessing?+
No. Each correct selected-response answer counts equally and wrong answers carry no penalty, so answer every question.
Ready to practice for NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2), Part Two: Mathematics (246)?
Free sample questions with full explanations. No credit card required.
Start Practice Free →Sources: NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Early Childhood (211/246/245) test details, fees and time; NYSTCE Fields 211/246/245 test design and framework (official PDF); Multi-Subject: Early Childhood preparation materials; NYSTCE candidate score reports explained. Always confirm current requirements, fees and passing scores with the official program before you register.
ApexTeachersPrep is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by New York State Education Department. Last reviewed: October 31, 2026.