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TEACHER INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (TIMS)

  1. I forgot my Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) user ID and password, who do I contact?
    Contact the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) IT Help Desk at (717) 783-1087.

  2. How do I get my Professional Personnel Identification (PPID)?
    Your PPID is issued by logging into the     TIMS portal and setting up a profile.   After your profile is set up, your PPID is located on your TIMS personal profile page.

  3. Where do I mail my transcripts and other proof documents?
    AFTER you pay and submit your application in TIMS, you will be provided the link to print your application cover sheet.  An application in “incomplete” status is a started application, not a submitted application.  The cover sheet provides complete instruction on submitting your documents to PDE.

  4. Should I pay and submit my application before submitting my proof documents to PDE?
    Yes.  Your application remains as incomplete until you complete the application, choose your method of payment, and hit submit.  You will then be provided a link to the application cover sheet that includes complete instructions on submitting your documents to PDE.

  5. Can I upload my documents?
    Yes, if an upload option appears you can submit documents electronically.  If you do not see an upload option, you must submit your documents through the mail with the application cover sheet.

  6. Where do I find the cover sheet?
    The link to print your application cover sheet is provided AFTER you choose your method of payment and submit your application in TIMS.  If you already submitted your application, the cover sheet can be found on your TIMS dashboard under “Applications in Process.”

  7. What does “other” mean on my coversheet?
    “Other” is a category on your cover sheet that you can use if you have any supplemental documentation to submit to PDE that is not standardly requested.  In most cases, there is nothing to submit if this is the only area indicated on the cover sheet.

  8. What is the status of my application?
    • Incomplete: You started an application but have not yet submitted it.
    • Submitted for IHE/LEA Verification: You submitted your application and it is now waiting for an electronic verification of your preparation program (IHE) or work experience from your employer (LEA).
    • Pending Documentation: PDE is waiting for your required documents.
    • Awaiting Evaluation: The TIMS system has determined your application is complete and is now waiting for staff in our office to review your application by the “awaiting evaluation” date.  PDE posts the estimated application processing time at the TIMS log-in screen.  Applications with an answer other than “no” to a good moral character question will take longer.
    • Pending Additional Documentation: The PDE evaluation has occurred and you now need to submit additional information in order to complete the evaluation.  Please check your email to look for the specific requirements outlined by your evaluator.
    • Pending Test Score: The PDE evaluation has occurred and you need to complete a test(s) in order to be issued a PA certificate.

  9. How do I change my name?
    Name changes are submitted through TIMS by clicking on the button on your TIMS dashboard “Application for Change in Profile.”

  10. How do I get a copy of my certificate?
    PDE no longer issues hard copies of your certificate.  You can print out an unofficial copy of your certificate from your TIMS dashboard.

  11. If I am currently not teaching, how do I place my certificate on “voluntary inactive” status to postpone Act 48 requirements?
    An educator who is not currently employed by a Pennsylvania public school entity may request a voluntary inactive certification status by submitting an application online via TIMS.  You may also request removal of voluntary inactive status via TIMS.

TESTING

  1. Why does TIMS still indicate that I need the basic skills tests when I qualify to have them waived?
    TIMS is not an auto-evaluate system.  It lists all tests required for the subject area you requested.  The decision to determine if you qualify to have any of the required tests waived is made at the time of the evaluation.

  2. How do I get a test score changed from “not passed” to “passed” due to qualifying GPA?
    TIMS is only designed to indicate the passing score for the tests.  The decision to accept a score based on your Grade Point Average (GPA) is a PDE policy and determined at the time of the evaluation.