Pennsylvania Teacher Certifications

Pennsylvania Teacher Education Requirements

Let's start with education criteria. Like most states in the U.S., Pennsylvania requires all teachers to get at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. While the state does not mandate a specific number of credit hours you'll need to obtain, it does have subject requirements. These will be covered by the teaching program in which you enroll, provided that it is accredited by the state.

Additionally, your program must include a period of student-teaching. Essentially an internship, student-teaching allows you to get crucial experience in the real-world setting of an actual class before you set out on your own.

Pennsylvania Teacher Testing Requirements

Your PA teaching license is bestowed not only after you complete the necessary education requirements, but after you pass certification exams. As in most states, Pennsylvania requires prospective teachers to gain certification through the Praxis family of exams. These are called the Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests.

Exams for teacher certification cover General Knowledge and Professional Knowledge, such as information regarding pedagogy. However, there are also subject area requirements. For example, you'll need to pass a section on chemistry knowledge if you are primarily going to be teaching chemistry.

Of course, getting certifications from other organizations can be a huge boon to your career. Passing a test from the American Board for Certification of Teaching Excellence can set you apart from other prospective teachers and give you leverage when it comes time to discuss your wage.

Pennsylvania Teaching License Application Process

Once you have completed the appropriate coursework, graduated from an approved teaching program at an accredited college or university, and passed certification exams, you will need to submit an application for your PA teaching license. You must provide evidence that you've met the above criteria and submit a non-refundable deposit for processing fees.

Applicants for a PA teaching license should use the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) when submitting applications.

Why Take Pennsylvania Teaching Certification Exams?

The simple reason to take Pennsylvania teaching certification exams is that they are required. If you want to become a teacher in PA, you are mandated to post passing scores on certification tests. However, there's a deeper reason for requiring those tests in the first place.

Teacher certification exams in any state allow us to ensure that those entrusted with the job of teaching are well-suited to the task. As a teacher, you'll be responsible for shaping the minds of the next generation, for inspiring and instructing the next decade's geniuses and innovators. It's important to make sure you're ready for the challenge!

How to Prepare for Teaching Certifications in Pennsylvania

So, how do you get a teaching certificate in PA? You start with preparation. The best way to get ready for your teacher certification exams is through practice tests.

At Exam Edge, our Pennsylvania teacher certification practice exams contain the same number of questions and same subject matter as the real deal. You can use them as an accurate barometer of your readiness for the test. Plus, you can see explanations of incorrect answers at the end of each practice exam, letting you have more insight into the areas you need to study. These are just some of the ways that our practice tests help you.

Download a free sample of test questions to see what our practice exams are like, and purchase a full set of teaching certification practice tests to start working toward your PA teaching license.

Why use Exam Edge for your Pennsylvania Teacher Certifications

With Exam Edge online practice tests, youll find an almost exact replica of the real testing experience, with one important exception: we give you valuable feedback on why you got questions right or wrong. Our exams feature easy-to-understand explanations for each answer. This allows you to take extensive notes and build a customized study guide tailored to your precise study needs.

We know everybody studies a little differently, so we offer three different options for taking online practice tests:

Timed - If you're concerned about using your time wisely on exam day, youll want to take a timed practice test. They turn on the same pressure youll feel when you have to complete an exam during a strict time frame. This method defaults the test timing to the same time limit per question as you would have on the day of the actual exam. This is a great way to practice your pacing, particularly if you're worried about not having enough time to finish the test. Exam Edge exam prep can be as laid-back or as disciplined as you prefer!

No Time Limit - This option allows you the freedom to take your time and really ponder each question before responding. Rush-free online exam prep is a good idea for anyone just starting to prepare for an exam. Its the ideal way to test your existing knowledge while illuminating blind spots you may need to revisit in your studies.

Explanation - Unsure of how to kickstart your studies? A practice test in explanation mode can do wonders for your confidence. The questions serve as a study guide, giving you the freedom to see the answers as you take the practice test. Study guide mode is a great way to review the tests content before you take it in a more controlled format. Take notes as you go - its one of the best study methods for those just beginning to prepare.

Standardized tests gauge what you know. They also test your ability to perform under pressure. While its easy to psych yourself out about the entire test-taking process, confidence is often half the battle. By practicing the same set of skills youll use on the day of the real exam, youre sure to rise to the occasion. Examedge.com has everything you need to prepare. Dont take our word for it, though – look to our testimonials page for reviews from satisfied Exam Edge users!