Pennsylvania Teacher Certification

Teaching Programs in Pennsylvania

Do you want to earn your Pennsylvania Teacher Certification? Let’s look at the first way you can make this happen:

Pennsylvania Initial Educator Certification

1. Earn your Bachelors Degree or higher from an accredited university. If you already have a bachelors degree, then be sure to earn your Master’s Degree right away
2. Teacher Preparations: This will include teacher prep courses, student teaching, and other types of internships. In order to receive a Pennsylvania Teacher Certification, you must have some experience in teaching, even if it’s unpaid.
3. Earn passing grades on the Basic Skills Test (CBEST) or Praxis (PPST). Individuals with PhD’s are exempt from these tests.
4. Earn a passing score on the Specialty Area Tests (ETS/NES)
5. Submit the following:
   • Completed application
   • $40 application fee
   • Include all test scores
   • Fingerprint/background check
   • Form filled out by certification officer Form PDE 338-C
   • Official Transcripts of all degrees and credits you have earned
   • Mail to:
     Bureau of Teacher Certification and Preparation
     Pennsylvania Department of Education
     333 Market Street, 3rd floor
     Harrisburg, PA. 17126-0333
     (717) 787-3356
6. Do you want to renew your Pennsylvania Teacher Certification?
   • Apply for your renewal

Alternative Route for the Pennsylvania Teacher Certification

Alternatively, there is another path you can take to get your Pennsylvania teacher certification. The Pennsylvania Intern Certification will allow you to teach without completing the teacher education program. You must complete the teacher education program within the first year while being a part of an intense mentoring program.

1. Obviously you must still earn your bachelors degree from a credited university. Ideally, you should always continue your education in efforts to earn a Master’s degree.
2. Earn passing grades on the Basic Skills Test (CBEST) or Praxis (PPST). Individuals with PhD’s are exempt from these tests.
3. Sign up for a Teacher Intern Certification Program
4. Speak to a representative (717) 787-3356

Photo by Tim Engleman on Flickr.com