SDBL Graduation and Certification Application Information
This guide covers the requirements and steps for both graduation and certification processes. Students in the School District Business Leader program need to complete both processes to earn their degree and professional certification.
Graduation Requirements
Filing for Graduation
You must file for graduation in a timely fashion. You may file for graduation on SOLAR before the posted deadline. If you do not file on SOLAR by the deadline, you will need to file for graduation using the Late Graduation Application.
Remember: You must apply for graduation regardless of whether you intend to walk in the commencement ceremony. Visit our Graduation and Commencement webpages for more information.
When to File
File for graduation at the beginning of the semester in which you are enrolled in your final course(s):
- Students enrolled in the Spring-Summer internship should file for Spring (May) graduation
- Students enrolled in the Summer-Fall internship should file for Fall (December) graduation
Degree Clearance
You will be cleared for graduation even though you may not have passed the required licensure examination. However, you will NOT be cleared for graduation if you have not completed the three required workshops.
Certification APPLIcATION Steps and Requirements
STEP1Complete Required Workshops
Ensure all three required workshops are completed and posted to your TEACH account. See the Workshops and Examinations section above for workshop details and where to take the updated Child Abuse workshop.
STEP2Submit University Forms and Fees
Fill out the SPD FERPA Form and pay the $90 fee before the Teacher Certification Office can submit your TEACH recommendation. If you completed the FERPA Form for an internship certificate, you don't need to complete it again.
STEP3Apply Through TEACH System
Access the TEACH online system to apply for your administrative certificate(s). Please read the instructions thoroughly - we don't have access to your TEACH account to correct errors.
STEP4Pay Application Fees
Pay $50 for each certificate application completed through an approved teacher preparation program via your TEACH account.
STEP5Complete Required Exams
Register for your examinations through NYSTCE. You may apply for your certificate during your last semester even if you haven't completed all exam requirements.
Important Process Details
- Transcripts: You don't need to send official transcripts to NYSED
- University Recommendation: Only submitted after your degree is awarded
- Timeline: Apply anytime during your last semester
- Out-of-State Verification: Stony Brook University will complete appropriate state forms upon request
- Letter of Completion: Complete the Request for Letter of Completion Form if you need proof for a prospective employer
WORKSHOPS AND EXAMINATIONS
In addition to their graduate course work, all students must complete required NYSED
workshops and examinations for certification. It is the student’s responsibility to
monitor the TEACH website to ensure that they are taking the appropriate examinations.
Required Workshops
All administrative candidates must prove that they have satisfied these workshops:
- Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse (SECOND UPDATE) - Must be the 2025 version for applications on or after October 1, 2025
- Prevention and Intervention of School Violence (SAVE)
- Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)
The School of Professional Development offers these workshops throughout the year.
Workshop Descriptions and Registration Links
CHILD ABUSE UPDATE:
If you're applying for certification on or after October 1, 2025, you must complete the 2025 version called "Child Abuse Workshop (SECOND UPDATE)." The older versions don't meet the new requirement. Students can take the updated workshop at Stony Brook's School of Professional Development or through the Office of Child & Family Services (free).
Examination Information
The SDBL examination is given several times per year. It is highly recommended that students delay taking the New York State School District Business Leader Certification Examinations until they are fully engaged in the internship experience. The Internship (EDL 565) and accompanying Seminar (EDL 566) will provide both practical experience and in-depth test preparation. This experience and preparation is invaluable for the successful completion of the tests. Spring/Summer interns should plan on registering for the June test and those students in the Summer/Fall internship should register for the October test.
TEACH Instructions
Use the following information to complete your TEACH application. After selecting your certificate title and type, choose "Pathway: Approved Teacher Preparation Program."
The program code for the SDBL Certificate is 29335.
Important: Ensure your application is reviewed by NYSED, not by BOCES.
| WHEN THE FORM ASKS FOR: | SELECT THIS INFO: |
|---|---|
| AREA OF INTEREST/CATEGORY | Administration and Pupil Personnel Services |
| SUBJECT AREA | School Administration and Supervision |
| GRADE LEVEL | Pre K-12 – All Grades |
| TITLE | School District Business Leader |
| TITLE(S) | Professional Certificate |
Contact Information and Resources
Teacher Certification Office
School of Professional Development
Social & Behavioral Sciences Building
Stony Brook, NY 11794-4310
Phone: 631-632-7055
Email: spd_graduationandcertification@stonybrook.edu
Key Resources
- Request Letter of Completion Form
- Required Certification Workshop Schedules and Registration
- NYSED Website for Updates
- SPD FERPA Form
- TEACH Online System
- Licensure Exam Registration
Important Upcoming Dates
- August 31, 2025: Last day for 2013 version SBL exams
- October 1, 2025: New Child Abuse Workshop (SECOND UPDATE) required for all certification applications
- January 1, 2031: Deadline to apply for current SBL Initial and SDL Professional Certificates
- September 1, 2031: NYSED stops issuing current SBL and SDL certificates