The Experience-Based (Instructional) certificate refers to non-Career and Technical Experience-Based certificate. Experience Based (Instructional) certification enables the study of a candidate's potential for teaching through examination of their oral/written communication skills, academic preparation, qualifying work experience and the ability to function with students in a teaching situation.
Grade Level Scope of Certificate
A person holding a valid PA Experience-Based (Instructional) certificate is qualified to teach defined courses within a field of study that can include grades PK-12.
Certification Assignment
An educator holding a valid PA Experience-Based (Instructional) certificate is qualified to teach coursework in the academic area of studies within the scope of the Experience-Based (Instructional) certificate.
Special Considerations
An educator holding the Experience-Based (Instructional) certificate may teach courses to students including special education or gifted students within the scope of the Experience-Based (Instructional) certificate.
An educator holding the Experience-Based (Instructional) certificate may:
- provide school staff development services regarding their collegial studies/skills;
- serve in the role of mentor or advisor; and
- assist students in understanding the reading content area materials related to their certification area.
Restrictions
The Experience-Based (Instructional) certificate is issued for a period not to exceed five service years to qualify the holder to perform all the duties, functions, and responsibilities of the area(s) for which it is endorsed.
Experience-Based (Instructional) certificates may not be renewed; however, Experience-Based (Instructional) certificates in other content areas may be issued if issuance requirements are met.
The validity of the Experience-Based (Instructional) Certificate is contingent upon: 1) the holder rendering satisfactory service to the employing school entity, and 2) maintaining continuing enrollment and making satisfactory progress within an approved teacher preparation/certification program leading to issuance of the Instructional I certificate.
A Experience-Based (Instructional) certificate qualifies the holder to fill a full-time teaching position in the certification endorsement area at the elementary, middle, or secondary level in schools in Pennsylvania.
References
See the Certification Test and Score Requirements chart at Certification Testing for current testing information for this certification.
Email the staffing specialist at ra-edcertstaff@pa.gov with any questions you may have regarding this certification and staffing.
Program Specific Guidelines for Certification.
22 PA Code: Chapter 4: §4.22, §4.23, §4.31
Chapter 49: §49.11, §49.81, §49.91, §49.92
PA Public School Code: §1202, §1212, §1604
This revision supersedes all earlier CSPG's carrying this number and/or addressing this subject. Previous printing dates on this subject: 1973, 3/75, 3/78, 2/82, 1/87, 7/04
Summary of Changes
| Date of Revisions | Major Changes to CSPG # 64 |
|---|---|
| 12/2025 |
|
| 6/21/2023 | Updated CSPG title for clarification. Removed references to Career & Technical Intern certificates as this CSPG applies only to Teacher Intern (Instructional) certificates. See CSPG 66 - Career and Technical Instructional and Career and Technical Intern Certification for information on Career & Technical Intern certification. |
| 12/21/2022 | As per Chapter 49: Changed subject area to certification area. Changed calendar years to service years. |
| 9/1/2019 | Updated grade scope for consistency and clarification. |