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Required Testing

All candidates should refer to the Certification Test and Score Requirements chart (Excel) for current test information. Test requirements, including qualifying scores, are subject to change. Please review them carefully prior to completing any assessment requirement.

When applying for your certification in TIMS, please confirm that your required tests have been completed and reported to the PA Department of Education directly from the test provider. You can view the current tests on your TIMS account in the “View My Tests On File” section of TIMS.

Screenshot Testing View my Tests on file

  1. Basic Skills Assessment in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics – Section One on the Certification Test and Score Requirements chart (Excel). The following tests can be accepted for the Basic Skills Assessment:
    • PAPA with Pearson
    • CORE with Praxis
    • SAT
    • ACT
      Exemption 1: Individuals who have completed an approved post-baccalaureate certification program or hold a graduate level degree are not required to take the basic skills assessments.
      Exemption 2: Having an active/valid professional level out-of-state certificate with two (2) years of successful classroom teaching experience (Instructional Certification Areas only.)
      Exemption 3: Holding a previously issued Pennsylvania certification.
  2. Fundamental Subjects – Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge (5511 or 0511) with Praxis. This test is only required if your initial Pennsylvania certificate is an Instructional PK-12 grade span.
    Exemption 1: Your initial Pennsylvania certificate covers a different grade scope (PK-4, 4-8, PK-8, or 7-12.)
    Exemption 2: Having an active/valid professional level out-of-state certificate with two (2) years of successful classroom teaching experience (Instructional Certification Areas only.)
  3. Content Area Tests – This is specific to the subject area of your education program (i.e., if you completed a Mathematics 7-12 program, you would take the Mathematics 7-12 testing.) You can find these in Sections Two through Five of the Certification Test and Score Requirements chart (Excel).
    No exemptions. You must take and pass the PA required content area testing. We cannot accept other state’s testing in place of Pennsylvania’s testing.

Common Problem #6

You are not required to contact our office regarding the exemptions. Your TIMS application and coversheet will list all possible tests for every application. Once you have fully submitted your application, college verifications, and any pending requirements, our staff will review your qualifications for testing and possible exemptions.