Pennsyvlania requires assessment of all candidates in basic skills, general knowledge, professional knowledge and subject area knowledge before a certificate may be issued.

 

Basic Skills Assessments in Reading, Writing and Mathematics may be met using SAT, ACT, PAPA, CORE Praxis, Math course exemption, or a combination thereof . Students must pass basic skills in order to receive formal acceptance into the program (typically by second semester of the sophomore year).

 

General, professional and content subject area knowledge are tested through the PECT (PK-4 certificates), and PRAXIS (4-8, 7-12 and PK-12 certificates) series. Students will complete these exams after the methods semester in their junior or senior year. These exams must be passed before a candidate may apply for certification through the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS). For more information about TIMS, see https://www.education.pa.gov/Educators/Certification/Pages/TIMS.aspx

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Students may also consider "add-on" certificates by completing the corresponding exams, PK-4 candidates are HIGHLY encouraged to sit for the Grade 5-6 add-on Praxis examination. 

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Students will be notified by the Education office regarding their status for basic skills exams. This notification outlines which exams students are required to take. It will also outline if they have already met the exemption based on their SAT and/or ACT scores. 

See sample letters for more information.

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Testing information for the +1 Masters Special Education candidates is included in that section of this site. 

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Praxis CORE: http://www.ets.org/praxis/pa 

PAPA: http://www.pa.nesinc.com/ 

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