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 (PDF) - watch a brief YouTube video that provides helpful information on the pathways
   
2. Composite Score Calculator (Excel) Cannot be used for Career and Technical certification
3. Certification Test and Score Requirements (Excel)
4. CSPG 21 – Testing

Announcements

Information on the test for the new subject area "Special Education PK-12" (available January 1, 2022) is featured 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.

• Act 136 of 2020 has been approved to provide temporary certification flexibilities until June 30, 2021.  Information has been placed on the PDE website for further clarification.
  

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