Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests
Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) Overview Information
The PAPA includes three modules: Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. To pass the PAPA, examinees must take and meet the qualifying scores of all three modules.
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Format |
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Time |
Examinees will also have 15 minutes for a computer-based testing tutorial. Examinees who take all three modules during a single test session will also have a 15- minute break between each module |
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Test Dates & Registration |
By appointment, year round. Test appointments are available on a first-come, first- served basis. Check out testing dates at www.pa.nesinc.com |
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Test Sites |
CBT sites are located in Pennsylvania, nationwide, and in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Canada. Locate a testing center at www.pa.nesinc.com |
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Qualifying Score |
Performance criterion (cutscore): 220 per module |
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Reference Materials |
A formulas page will be available during the Mathematics module for your assistance. A standard on-screen calculator will be available during the Mathematics module for your assistance. |
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Test Fee |
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Score Reporting |
Test results (scores) for the Reading and Mathematics modules are provided at the test center at the conclusion of your test session. Score reports (paper documents) for the Reading and Mathematics modules are available within 10 days after testing. Score reports for the Writing module are available within 20 business days after testing. |
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Testing Policies |
When you register, you must agree to abide by all testing rules and policies. |
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Preparation |
Visit the testing website for preparation materials (see below). www.pa.nesinc.com |
Preparation Materials
Visit the Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests website (www.pa.nesinc.com) to get information on the following:
- What tests do I need to take?
- Test dates and sites
- Preparation materials
- Alternative testing arrangements
- Testing policies
What Tests Do I Need to Take?
All undergraduate candidates seeking an initial state-approved Pennsylvania educator preparation certificate are required to pass a basic skills assessment as well as the corresponding subject matter test(s) related to the certification area. Post-baccalaureate candidates and advanced degree holders for initial teacher certification are not required to take a basic skills assessment. Post-baccalaureate candidates must take the subject matter area test(s) corresponding to the certification area(s) they are seeking. If you are already certified and adding another certificate, you only have to take the test(s) corresponding to the new certification area.
Passing the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) is one means of meeting the basic skills requirement recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The following PECT subject matter tests meet the testing requirements for the corresponding certification areas.
Basic Skills Requirement
The basic skills requirement may be met by any of the following assessment methods. Modules from different providers may not be combined to meet the requirement. Candidates seeking their first Pennsylvania certificate must meet the basic skills requirement unless an exception listed above applies.
- The Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) modules in Reading, Writing and Mathematics.
- Visit www.pa.nesinc.com to register for test code PA701.
- Scores must be electronically submitted directly to the Pennsylvania Department of Education Bureau of School Leadership and Teacher Quality from the test vendor.
- A minimum score of 220 is required on each module. A composite scoring option is available.
- The Core Academic Skills for Educators (CORE) modules in Reading, Writing and Mathematics.
- Visit www.ets.org/praxis/pa to register for test codes 5712, 5722 and 5732.
- Scores must be electronically submitted directly to the Pennsylvania Department of Education Bureau of School Leadership and Teacher Quality from the test vendor.
- A minimum score of 156 (Reading), 162 (Writing) and 150 (Mathematics) is required. A composite scoring option is available.
- The Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) combined score of 1550 or higher with no individual section, including Critical Reading, Writing, Mathematics score of less than 500.
- The best section scores from different test sessions may be selected
- Submit official test scores and a TIMS application cover sheet to the Pennsylvania Department of Education Bureau of School Leadership and Teacher Quality in an envelope sealed by the test vendor. Scores may also be verified by the Pennsylvania Approved Preparation Programs through TIMS.
- The American College Test (ACT) Plus Writing composite score of 23 accompanied by a combined English/Writing score of 22 and a Math score of 21
- The best section scores from different test sessions may be selected
- Submit official test scores and a TIMS application cover sheet to the Pennsylvania Department of Education Bureau of School Leadership and Teacher Quality in an envelope sealed by the test vendor. Scores may also be verified by the Pennsylvania Approved Preparation Programs through TIMS.
** Please check with your transfer institution to determine if test completion is required in order to be admitted into their education major**
Test Fees and Payment Information
Test registration fees must be paid using a credit card (VISA or MasterCard only) or a debit or check card that carries the VISA or MasterCard logo and that can be used without the entry of a personal identification number (PIN). Bank cards without a VISA or MasterCard logo cannot be accepted. The merchant name that will appear on your credit card statement is "Eval Systems Test Fee."
If you have a voucher (for example, if you participated in a pilot test), you may apply your voucher during the registration process.
Your registration is valid for one year from the date of issue. If you do not schedule a test appointment and take your test within one year, or withdraw your registration within one year, your registration will expire and you will receive no refund or credit of any kind.
Examinees without a credit card. If you do not have a VISA or MasterCard, contact Evaluation Systems for information about how to submit payment by check. Visit www.pa.nesinc.com for more information.
Financial Assistance Vouchers
Fee waivers may be available for college students who meet the eligibility criteria indicated below. You may receive only one fee waiver per year. Requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
To be eligible for a fee waiver, you must meet the following conditions:
- You must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program.
- You must be currently receiving financial aid.
To apply for a fee waiver, submit a completed Fee Waiver Request Form before registering to test. Visit www.pa.nesinc.com for more information.
Alternative Testing Arrangements
Examinees with documented disabilities and examinees for whom English is not a primary language may be eligible for alternative testing arrangements.
Tests Required for Specific Certification Areas
PreK–4
The PreK–4 assessment includes three modules. Examinees must take and pass all three modules to qualify for Pennsylvania teacher certification. You may take one or all three modules at one test appointment.
Special Education PreK–8
The Special Education PreK–8 assessment includes two modules. Examinees must take and pass both modules to qualify for Pennsylvania teacher certification. You may take one or both modules at one test appointment.
Special Education 7–12
The Special Education 7–12 assessment includes two modules. Examinees must take and pass both modules to qualify for Pennsylvania teacher certification. You may take one or both modules at one test appointment.
For more information on tests for specific certification areas please visit www.pa.nesinc.com
