Education Department: Teacher Certification PRAXIS Information

Pennsylvania regulations require that those seeking their initial certificate must demonstrate that they have successfully completed testing in these areas:

1. Pre-service Reading, Writing, Mathematics, taken for entry into your educator preparation program
2. Specialty Area Tests, taken after completing your coursework

• Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests (PECT) Specialty Area testing is required for:

PK-4 Early Childhood Education and
Special Education PK-8

• Praxis II Specialty Area testing is required for all other areas of certification not listed as PECT

All candidates for certification must meet the qualifying score for all applicable tests at the time their application for certification is received by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE.) Students must review and be familiar with the current policies of the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education will recognize subject area scores for ten years from the date of test administration. Passing pre-service Reading, Writing, and Mathematics test scores do not expire.

Which Tests Do I Take to Enter my Program?

Effective April 1, 2012: Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA)   Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests

PAPA Reading, Writing and Mathematics tests are offered as computer tests at Pearson Evaluation Systems centers. See www.pa.nesinc.com. Modular format allows candidates to re-take a section instead of the entire assessment where needed.

* The Composite Scoring Option for PAPA was initiated to enable a candidate who may excel in one area, such as mathematics, but who is no strong in another PAPA area, to receive a passing score on the PAPA series.  There are three conditions to qualify: (1) the sum of the three PAPA tests must total or exceed 686, AND (2) candidates must reach the Minimum Composite Score in each test area (Reading, Mathematics and Writing) AND (3) candidates must achieve the PAPA Cut Score (220) in at least one area.

Prior to April 1, 2012 ONLY - Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST)  Educational Testing Service - Praxis

Which Tests Do I Need for My Specialty Area?

Instructional Areas

World Language French and Spanish candidates have the option of taking either the PRAXIS or the ACTFL test.

Praxis tests are offered by different formats: paper based or computer based. Praxis test codes that begin with a 0 or 1 are paper tests, and are offered on set dates. Praxis test codes that begin with 5 or 6 are computer tests, and are offered by appointment. See www.ets.org/praxis.

**Certification Area will be discontinued August, 2013

Tests are administered by Pearson Evaluations Systems. See www.pa.nesinc.com.  A modular format is used that allows a candidate to retake a section instead of the entire assessment where needed.

Educational Specialist Areas*

*Note: Educational Specialist candidates with a baccalaureate degree who hold a current and valid Pennsylvania license as a registered psychologist, counselor, or social worker and can provide a copy of this Pennsylvania license as part of their application for the related Pennsylvania Educational Specialist certification area are not required to take any tests to receive the related certificate.

Supervisory Areas and Administration

*Effective September 1, 2012, candidates for Principal certification will be required to successfully complete the School Leadership Licensure Assessment (instead of the Educational Leadership test 0411.)

**A new test for Superintendent Letter of Eligibility - the School Superintendent Assessment (SSA) - will be required for candidates effective December 1, 2012.

For updates, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s web site. Click on "Certifications," then "Testing Requirements."