Required CERTIFICATION Tests
All students seeking certification in Pennsylvania are required to take a prescribed set of tests. Students seeking certification in most other states will also be required to take these examinations.
Certification candidates must pass the Pre-service tests in reading, writing, and mathematics before they may be officially admitted to a teacher certification program. Official admittance occurs prior to registration for ED 400, Student Teaching Orientation (Pre-Student Teaching). Students will not be permitted to register for Pre-Student Teaching/ED 400 unless the required test scores are on file. In preparation for this rule, pay attention to the following:
1. We require students to register to take the pre-service tests no later ED100 and to take the test no later than their sophomore year (no courses can be taken with higher course numbers than 205). The tests are meant to identify students who need remediation. If a student does not pass a test, he or she needs sufficient time to seek remediation in those areas of weakness.
2. Completion of specialty area and concentration area tests is not required for admission into the program. However, students must pass all the required PRAXIS II and/or PECT exams before the Education Department can submit students’ applications for teaching certification to the state. Please note qualifying scores are subject to change as required by PDE.
Certification candidates must pass the Pre-service tests in reading, writing, and mathematics before they may be officially admitted to a teacher certification program. Official admittance occurs prior to registration for ED 400, Student Teaching Orientation (Pre-Student Teaching). Students will not be permitted to register for Pre-Student Teaching/ED 400 unless the required test scores are on file. In preparation for this rule, pay attention to the following:
1. We require students to register to take the pre-service tests no later ED100 and to take the test no later than their sophomore year (no courses can be taken with higher course numbers than 205). The tests are meant to identify students who need remediation. If a student does not pass a test, he or she needs sufficient time to seek remediation in those areas of weakness.
2. Completion of specialty area and concentration area tests is not required for admission into the program. However, students must pass all the required PRAXIS II and/or PECT exams before the Education Department can submit students’ applications for teaching certification to the state. Please note qualifying scores are subject to change as required by PDE.
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I. Required Pre-service Exam
– Freshman Year (or when taking ED 100) The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requires all undergraduate students to pass a Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) in reading, writing and mathematics. The Pennsylvania Department of Education has authorized the Praxis® Core Academic Skills for Educators tests as an alternative to the PAPA. PDE also permits the SAT or ACT to act as an exemption to the pre-service exams. Students need to meet qualifying scores on those exams for exemption status. All three tests are to be taken in the freshman year. Students will not be allowed to continue coursework with numbers greater that ED 205 if these exams have not been taken. Verified passing test scores for PAPA or CORE must be included in the Application for Advanced Standing: Pre-Student Teaching Candidacy. Registering for the PAPA or CORE
PAPA Testing website: http://www.pa.nesinc.com CORE Testing Website: www.ets.org/praxis Qualifying Scores for PAPA and CORE
"You may combine reading, writing and mathematics module scores from different test providers to meet the basic skills requirements. You may use the composite score method to meet the requirement when you do well in one or two areas to compensate for a lower score in the other area. The composite score is the sum of the passing scores. Use the Composite Score Calculator when mixing tests. Note When using the composite score, each test must meet or exceed the minimum score listed" (PDE, Fall 2017). 
SAT and ACT Exemptions
You may be exempt from taking the Basic Skills Assessments if you have high enough scores on either the SAT or ACT. Students who qualify for the exemptions must submit an original copy (in a sealed envelope) of their scores to the Education Office. 
OTHER Testing informationScores for Praxis II and PECT Tests
You must obtain your scores online. Your official score report will be available online via your testing account on the score release date. PRINT AND SAVE YOUR SCORES. SAINT VINCENT COLLEGE DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY RECEIVE A COPY OF YOUR SCORES. Pennsylvania Department of Education Certification Test Score Requirements by GPA
The pass scores may change based on the GPA that you hold. The higher your GPA, the lower the pass score on a Praxis exam. 
Test Fee Waivers
Based on Financial Aid, you may qualify for free tests. Praxis Fee Waiver To see if you qualify to have your testing fees reduced, click here. Test taking resourcesPRAXIS Testing Sites with Study Information
Mometrix Test Prep www.mometrix.com/academy/praxis-test/ Study.Com study.com/praxis/praxis-practice-tests.html ETS PRAXIS www.ets.org/praxis/prepare/materials Union Test Prep uniontestprep.com/praxis-test Pass Praxis www.bc3.edu/praxis/ Khan Academy Test Prep www.khanacademy.org/test-prep PECT Practice for Math Portion of Module 3
Test Taking Tips for Anxiety
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II. Required PECT Exam, Praxis II or Specialty Area Test
– Before Student Teaching These tests measure ability in the various content areas. A test is available for each instructional area. It is recommended that you register for these exams during your pre-student teaching semester and wise that you take the tests prior to student teaching. Tests You Need to Take and Pass
The PDE PECT site provides information about the following certification areas: PreK-4, Special Education PK-8, and Special Education 7-12. www.pa.nesinc.com/PageView.aspx?f=GEN_Tests.html The ETS Praxis site provides detailed information about the specific tests you will need to take in order to obtain certification. This site is relevant for Middle Level, PK-12 and Secondary Certifications. www.ets.org/praxis/pa/requirements PreK-4 Module 1: 36 selected-response items Module 2: 45 selected-response items Module 3: 45 selected-response items For the PreK–4 test, the performance criterion for Module 1 is represented by a scaled score of 197. For both Modules 2 and 3, the performance criterion is represented by a scaled score of 193. 5-6 Add On Candidates with PreK-4 certification can test to add grades 5 and 6 as part of their certification. See Act 82 linked below for additional information. grades_5-6_add-on_information_from_pde.pdf 
Special Education
Module 1: 41 selected-response items Module 2: 41 selected-response items For the Special Education tests, the performance criterion for each Module is represented by a score of 220. Middle Level
PK-12
Educators applying for an initial Instructional PK–12 area are required to pass a Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge test and the appropriate Praxis test. 
Secondary
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