NYSTCE Physics study guide
NYSTCE Physics · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
Physics is one of the Content Specialty Tests in the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) program, used toward certification to teach physics in New York schools. The Physics CST, test code 163, has retired and is replaced by the National Evaluation Series™ Physics (822) test: the NYSTCE test index lists 163 for testing only through 8/9/2026 and 822 for testing 1/27/2026 and after. The NYSTCE Physics study guide has 6 sections and about 2,057 words.
01Foundations of Scientific Inquiry
This domain tests how physics knowledge is built and checked: measurement, uncertainty, experimental design, data analysis, and safe use of apparatus. Expect items on SI units, significant figures, graphing, and distinguishing random from systematic error.
328 words, about 2 min02Mechanics
This domain covers kinematics, Newton's laws, circular motion, work and energy, momentum, and gravitation. Items often combine a motion graph or diagram with a force analysis, so identify the system and choose a coordinate axis first.
349 words, about 2 min03Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory
This domain tests the first and second laws, ideal-gas behavior, kinetic theory, heat capacity, and thermodynamic processes. Questions often ask for an energy balance, a sign, or a comparison between two processes.
355 words, about 2 min04Waves, Sound, and Optics
This domain covers wave properties, superposition, standing waves, sound intensity and Doppler shift, reflection and refraction, lenses and mirrors, and interference. Expect quantitative items on the wave equation, Snell's law, and thin-lens or mirror equations.
349 words, about 2 min05Electricity and Magnetism
This domain tests electrostatics, circuits, magnetism, and induction. Items range from Coulomb's law and electric potential to series and parallel networks and Faraday's law, so track both magnitude and direction.
357 words, about 2 min06Modern Physics
This domain covers special relativity, quantum phenomena, atomic energy levels and spectra, and nuclear decay. Questions often test photon energy, the photoelectric effect, half-life, and the meaning of relativistic quantities.
319 words, about 2 min