Requirements for Entrance to Major
The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires that undergraduate students in all Instructional I teacher certification programs must successfully complete a Basic Skills Assessment.
As of summer 2018, the Basic Skills Assessment at Penn State must be fulfilled by completing the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educations (CORE) exams. The CORE series includes three modules: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. You may take one or all three modules at one test appointment. The CORE may be passed by achieving a 156 in Reading, a 162 in Writing and a 142 in Mathematics, or by the Composite Score Option. Once on the PDE testing page, select option 2 under "Testing Requirements."
| CORE | Passing Score | Minimum Composite Score |
|---|---|---|
| Core Academic Skills for Educators: Reading | 156 | 148 |
| Core Academic Skills for Educators: Writing | 162 | 158 |
| Core Academic Skills for Educators: Mathematics | 142 | 132 |
Composite Score Method - CORE tests
Minimum Composite Score Total = 460
Recommended Scheduling
Students are strongly encouraged to attempt these tests during the first year or by no later than the September testing date of the sophomore year.
Requirements for Instructional I Certification
For the Instructional I Certificate, the Pennsylvania Department of Education currently requires qualifying scores on the following PECT tests:
- Certification Area: Childhood Education Teaching Option (PK–4)
- Test Vendor and Series: ESP/PECT
| Test Code | Test Name | Qualifying Score |
|---|---|---|
| PA 702 | Pre K - 4 Module 1, Module 2, and Module 3 or |
220 per Module |
| PA 006 | Pre K - 4 Module 1 | 220 |
| PA 007 | Pre K - 4 Module 2 | 220 |
| PA 008 | Pre K - 4 Module 3 | 220 |
Recommended Scheduling
Begin taking at the beginning of the graduation semester
NOTE: Make sure you have these scores reported to Penn State. If your scores do not appear on your degree audit, a copy of your ETS score sheet must be attached to your certification application submitted during your graduation semester. KEEP YOUR ETS SCORE SHEET(S)!
For more information, visit Penn State College of Education Teacher Testing or Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests.
