Contact an approved program provider offering an approved program in the desired area of certification using the information below. If you have already completed coursework, the program provider can review your transcripts to determine the additional coursework needed for the completion of its approved certification program. Required testing must also be taken and an application for certification submitted upon completion of the program and required testing.
Are you interested in completing another state’s approved program to become an educator in Pennsylvania? Pennsylvania considers the completion of other states’ approved certification programs upon application for certification. However, it does not preapprove other states’ programs. It is up to the individual interested in completing the program to verify that the program has approval by contacting the program provider as well as the certification office of the state department of education that approved the program. Current routes to certification for Out-of-State Educators, which includes those who are completing a program outside of Pennsylvania, can be found on our website. All certification applicants must meet the requirements in place at the time of application.
Certification Pathways
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1
Step One
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2
Step Two
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3
Step Three
Start a bachelor's degree program
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4
Step Four
Complete college program
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5
Step Five
Student Teaching
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6
Step Six
Graduate
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7
Step Seven
Pass Content Area Testing: This will be the testing associated with the subject area you completed. As an example, if you completed a Mathematics program, you will need to take the Mathematics testing.
Find the test(s) and scores required under the Certification Test Requirements tab on our website. (Excel) -
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Step Eight
Apply for your certificate through the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS).
View the application and User Guides.
An Alternative Route for those who hold a Bachelor's Degree.
Pennsylvania's Experience-Based certificate is a professional certificate that entitles the holder to fill a full-time professional teaching position. The Experience-Based program is an alternate route to certification through an approved Pennsylvania program provider.
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1
Step One
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2
Step Two
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3
Step Three
College determines entrance requirements
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4
Step Four
Pass Content Area Testing:
This will be the testing associated with the subject area of your program.
As an example, if you enroll in a Science program, you will need to take the Science testing. -
5
Step Five
Apply for your Experience-Based certificate through the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS)
The Experience-Based certificate is valid for 5 years of service. -
6
Step Six
Complete College Program
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7
Step Seven
Apply for your certificate through the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS)
For those who already have a bachelor's degree.
If your previous degree(s) did not include an education component, you will need to complete an education certification program through an approved provider to receive your PA teacher certification.
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1
Step One
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2
Step Two
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3
Step Three
College determines entrance requirements and evaluates previous coursework
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4
Step Four
Complete College Program
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5
Step Five
Student Teaching
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6
Step Six
Pass Content Area Testing:
This will be the testing associated with the subject area you completed.
As an example, if you completed a Mathematics program, you will need to take the Mathematics testing.Find the test(s) and scores required under the Certification Test Requirements tab on our website. (Excel)
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7
Step Seven
Apply for your Certificate through the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS)
Students who secure the recommendation for certification by the college or university have met all requirements of the approved preparation program, the qualifying scores on the required tests, and other requirements established by Pennsylvania's State Board of Education.
Navigating the Teacher Information Management System
This helpful video from the Division of Certification Services at the Pennsylvania Department of Education takes new education graduates through a simple step-by-step process to complete certification in the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS).
The American Board
Approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the American Board, in partnership with Point Park University, provides an alternative pathway to Pennsylvania teacher certification. Anyone who holds a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college/university may apply to the program. Available subject areas include:
- Grades PK–4
- Special Education PK–12
- Secondary Grades 7–12 including:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- English
- General Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Social Studies
Candidates must:
- Earn the American Board Passport to Teaching certificate by passing the American Board content and professional teaching knowledge exams.
- Successfully complete two graduate-level courses through Point Park University.
- Secure a teaching placement in the subject area with a PDE-approved school. It is the responsibility of the candidate to secure the teaching placement, which is required for completion of the mentorship.
- Complete the required mentorship through Point Park University.
- Candidates completing the mentorship employed as a teacher in their own classroom must apply to the Bureau of School Leadership and Teacher Quality for a Temporary Teaching Permit (TTP). The TTP is valid for one calendar year and is nonrenewable. (See below for application information).
- Candidates completing the mentorship as a student teacher with a cooperating teacher do not need to apply for the TTP.
- Upon completion of the program, apply for Instructional I certification with a recommendation from Point Park University through the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS). Candidates who were not required to obtain a TTP will be required to submit a copy of their American Board Passport to Teaching certificate and test scores upon application for their Instructional I certificate.
Candidates in need of the TTP must submit an online TTP application and fee via the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) and provide the following:
- A copy of their American Board Passport to Teaching certificate,
- A copy of their American Board test scores, and
- A completed American Board Application Addendum.
Interested candidates should contact the American Board\Point Park University for additional information including costs.
For questions regarding education preparation programs and becoming certified in Pennsylvania email RA-EDPREPPROGRAMS@pa.gov