Which Tests Do I Need to Enter an Undergraduate Education Program?

Pennsylvania regulations require that those seeking an educator credential must demonstrate that they have successfully completed testing in the following areas:

1. Basic skills in Reading, Writing, Mathematics, taken for entry into an undergraduate educator-preparation program*
2. Specialty Area Tests, taken during the semester before or early in the semester of student teaching
   • Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests (PECT) Specialty Area testing is required for:
     • PK-4 Early Childhood Education
     • Special Education PK-8 
     • Special Education 7-12
   • Praxis II Specialty Area testing is required for all other areas of certification not listed as PECT

*Candidates who hold a Bachelor's Degree and are now completing the program at the post-baccalaureate level are NOT required to take the Basic Skills assessment.

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.

PDE requires OFFICIAL test scores.  If you test in Pennsylvania, your scores are automatically reported to PDE.  If you test OUTSIDE OF PENNSYLVANIA, you must select the PA Dept of Educ as a score recipient when you register to take the test.

Which Tests Do I Take to Enter My Program?

Undergraduate students may not enter a teacher certification program, and can NOT take upper-level education courses, unless or until they pass basic skills assessment. The basic skills assessment is comprised of three individual tests on reading, writing, and mathematics.

The PA Department of Education has now added another option for satisfying the basic skills test in mathematics. Students who earn a minimum grade of B on both MATH 120 and MATH 130 taken on or after Spring of 2018 are exempt.

Which Tests Do I Take for My Specialty Area Toward the End of My Program?

Following are tests accepted by PDE and their qualifying scores. Additionally, the PA Dept. of Education utilizes a GPA-Passing Score Sliding Scale that enables candidates to receive certification with lower scores than those shown if the applicant’s ending GPA falls within certain ranges. Check Certification Test and Score Requirements on the Pennsylvania Department of Education site. If you use the lower passing score to apply for certification, we encourage re-testing to bring up your score to “straight passing” since your test score report (sometimes requested for job applications) does not apply PDE’s sliding scale and will show a status of failing.

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

Praxis tests are computer tests, offered by appointment. See www.ets.org/praxis.

PK-4 and Special Ed Pk-8 or 7-12 Areas Take PECT* Specialty Area Tests

*Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests (PECT) are administered by Pearson Evaluations Systems. See www.pa.nesinc.com.

*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.

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