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Holds a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards or National Association of School Psychologists Credential

  • Identify the comparable Pennsylvania certificate for which you will be applying (see Types of Certificates). Special Note: PDE no longer issues the Special Education PK-8 or 7-12 certification areas. PDE began issuing the Special Education PreK-12 certificate 1/1/22. Refer to CSPG 61 (Grade-Level Scope of Certificates section) for more information.

  • Obtain all official transcripts (both bachelors and beyond). If submitting transcripts electronically, do not submit your transcript request until you have submitted your application in TIMS. A bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally/nationally accredited college/university is a base requirement for certification.

  • Obtain a photocopy of your professional level state certificate comparable to the PA certificate you are seeking.
  • Obtain a photocopy of your national credential.
  • The certification tests are not required under this route to certification. The required tests will still be requested in your TIMS application as the determination to waive the tests is not made by TIMS. It is determined by the certification specialist at the time the application is evaluated.
  • Complete and submit the application in TIMS.
    • All applicants for initial certification in PA must apply for a Level I credential type. If approved under this route, a Level II will be granted at the time the application is approved.
    • After completing the payment selection and successfully SUBMITTING your application in TIMS, you will be provided a link to the application cover sheet. First upload all applicable documents possible. Follow directions for submitting transcripts. If documents cannot be uploaded or sent electronically, include the cover sheet with the documents and mail to the address indicated on the cover sheet.
    • All certification requirements including testing should be met for any other subject areas applied for before submitting the required documentation for review.
    • Electronic payment (see Application Fees) accepted in TIMS.