​CSPG 34 - Chemistry (7-12)

Modified: May 25, 2023

Chemistry is a physical science that describes the scientific study of the composition and behavior of matter, including its micro and macro-structure, the processes of chemical change and the theoretical description and laboratory simulation of these phenomena.

Grade Level Scope of Certificate

A person holding a valid Pennsylvania Chemistry certificate is qualified to teach chemistry courses in grades 7 through 12.  A person holding this certificate is also qualified to teach this content in the sixth (6^th) grade. (See CSPG #104 - Expansion of Secondary 7-12 Certification to Sixth Grade).

Certification Assignment

An educator holding a valid Pennsylvania certificate for Chemistry is qualified to teach courses such as: chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science, organic and inorganic chemistry, physical science, forensic science, and general science. 

Special Considerations

An educator certified in this field may:

• Provide professional development related to their collegial studies;
  
• Serve in the role of mentor or advisor; and
  
• May assist students in understanding how to read content area materials.
  

Certificate Clarification

Educators holding the following Pennsylvania certificate(s) may continue to teach Chemistry in grades 7-12:

• Comprehensive Science (8430) – discontinued in 1994
• Physical Science (8460) – discontinued in 1997
  

Restrictions

The PA certified chemistry teacher is not certified to teach biology, physics or earth & space science.

References

Program Specific Guidelines for Certification

22 PA Code: Chapter 4: §4.22(c)(3), §4.23(c)(3)

Chapter 49: §49.11, §49.81

PA Public School Code: §1202, §1212, §1604

Other CSPG’s for Reference:

General Science

This revision supersedes all earlier CSPGs carrying this number and/or addressing this subject. Previous printing dates on this subject: 3/75, 8/76, 1/87, 7/87, 6/92, 7/04.

Summary of Changes