Certification Testing

Requirements

Pennsylvania requires assessment of candidates in Basic Skills prior to entry into a preparation program. Pennsylvania also requires assessment of candidates in General Knowledge, Professional Knowledge and Subject Area Knowledge prior to issuance of a certificate. The documents below provide guidance for completing these requirements. Please review them carefully prior to completing any assessment requirement.

1. Pathways to Demonstrate Basic Skills for Teacher Certification Candidates
   Brief video that provides helpful information on the pathways (YouTube)
   
2. Composite Score Calculator (Excel) Cannot be used for Career and Technical certification
3. Certification Test and Score Requirements (Excel)
4. CSPG 21 – Testing
5. Certification Testing Guidelines

Act 55 of 2022 Basic Skills Assessment Moratorium
Act 55 of 2022 signed into law by Governor Wolf on July 8, 2022 requires the Secretary of Education to waive the requirement to satisfactorily complete the assessment of basic skills required under section 1207.3 and 22 Pa. Code § 49.18(c) (relating to assessment) for 3 years from July 8, 2022 through July 8, 2025. This applies to all students who enter preparation programs during this period as well as otherwise qualified candidates for licensure who make application during this period.  

Announcements

The test for the new subject area "Special Education PK-12" (new subject area available January 1, 2022) is listed below. For individuals obtaining Special Education PK-12 as an initial PA certificate, Fundamental Subjects (5511) must also be completed as a required test. The test is currently available for registration through ETS.

**Note future changes to the following tests. A successfully completed discontinued test will be accepted indefinitely if taken prior to the date it is discontinued.

• Environmental Education (test code 0831) is still available. Look for the "Special Administrations" link on the Praxis Pennsylvania page.