Applying for Teacher Certification Through TIMS
Near the end of your student teaching experience, during ED411, you will learn how to apply for teacher certification. This section provides important information regarding that process.
Question: Where might I find general information regarding graduation and PA teacher certification?
Answer: You may find general guidelines on the PDE website.
Question: How should I complete my application for certification?
Answer: You may complete your application for PA teacher certification online only through TIMS. You will first need to create a PDE username and password. After 24 hours, you may access TIMS with your username and password to begin your certification application.
Question: What certification type am I applying for?
Answer: You will apply for an Instructional I. This is an initial certification.
Question: What type of program is mine?
Answer: Your program is a traditional program.
Question: Have you completed a teacher preparation program?
Answer: Yes
Question: At what point can I complete the TIMS application?
Answer: While you may start the application process early, typically during student teaching, you will not be able to complete the application until you approach graduation. You should use the official college calendar date as your graduation date. You may not enter a future date to complete the TIMS application.
Question: How much is the TIMS application?
Answer: The TIMS application is $200.00. PDE changes this fee periodically, so make sure you refer to the PDE website for the most current fees.
Question: How long does it take for my application to be processed?
Answer: Once you have completed your TIMS application and met for an Exit Interview with the SVC Certification Officer, the Education Division will verify your GPA and program completion online. Your certification will be processed in approximately 8 to 11 weeks. You will need to access TIMS and print your certification. PDE will not send you an email to notify you that your certification has been processed.
Question: Will I have to submit other documents to PDE in order to get my certification?
Answer: Maybe. Your TIMS coversheet will outline any documents that you will need to submit to PDE via the mail.
Question: Can I apply for teaching positions even while my teaching certification is being processed?
Answer: Yes. The SVC Certification Officer will provide you a placeholder letter that states you met the required criteria for graduation and certification and that your certification has been submitted to PDE for processing. This letter will become a part of your application packet.
TIMS FAQs from PDE
Answer: You may find general guidelines on the PDE website.
Question: How should I complete my application for certification?
Answer: You may complete your application for PA teacher certification online only through TIMS. You will first need to create a PDE username and password. After 24 hours, you may access TIMS with your username and password to begin your certification application.
Question: What certification type am I applying for?
Answer: You will apply for an Instructional I. This is an initial certification.
Question: What type of program is mine?
Answer: Your program is a traditional program.
Question: Have you completed a teacher preparation program?
Answer: Yes
Question: At what point can I complete the TIMS application?
Answer: While you may start the application process early, typically during student teaching, you will not be able to complete the application until you approach graduation. You should use the official college calendar date as your graduation date. You may not enter a future date to complete the TIMS application.
Question: How much is the TIMS application?
Answer: The TIMS application is $200.00. PDE changes this fee periodically, so make sure you refer to the PDE website for the most current fees.
Question: How long does it take for my application to be processed?
Answer: Once you have completed your TIMS application and met for an Exit Interview with the SVC Certification Officer, the Education Division will verify your GPA and program completion online. Your certification will be processed in approximately 8 to 11 weeks. You will need to access TIMS and print your certification. PDE will not send you an email to notify you that your certification has been processed.
Question: Will I have to submit other documents to PDE in order to get my certification?
Answer: Maybe. Your TIMS coversheet will outline any documents that you will need to submit to PDE via the mail.
Question: Can I apply for teaching positions even while my teaching certification is being processed?
Answer: Yes. The SVC Certification Officer will provide you a placeholder letter that states you met the required criteria for graduation and certification and that your certification has been submitted to PDE for processing. This letter will become a part of your application packet.
TIMS FAQs from PDE
