Frequently Asked Questions - Certification

The following provides answers to the most frequently asked questions surrounding teacher certification. 

Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) website for more information. 

If you have additional questions, please contact us at field.services@millersville.edu.  (Please include your M# in all communications.)

 

Revised 07/18/2022

General Information

Basic Skills or Pre Service Testing

Becoming Certified

Certified in Another State/Country

Certification Tests (the Praxis and Pect Series)

Receiving your Teaching Certificate

Teaching in Other States

  • General Information - Where can I find information on the 6 Steps to Certification?
    You can view the 6 Steps to Certification information and detailed guides to completing your TIMS application HERE.
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  • General Information - Requesting Your Transcript

    For information on how to request your Official Millersville University Transcript, visit the Registrar's Office 'How to Request a Transcript' webpage.

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  • Basic Skills or Pre Service Testing - What are the Basic Skills or Pre Service Tests?

    The Basic Skills/Pre-Service Tests are tests for Math, Reading and Writing.

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  • Basic Skills or Pre Service Testing - What Basic Skills or Pre Service Tests do I need?

    The Basic Skills/Pre-Service Testing requirements have recently changed.

    Effective 07/08/2022 - 07/08/2025:

    • "Act 55 of 2022 signed into law by Governor Wolf on July 8, 2022, requires the Secretary of Education to waive the requirement to satisfactorily complete the assessment of basic skills required under section 1207.3 and 22 Pa. Code § 49.18(c) (relating to assessment) for 3 years from July 8, 2022 through July 8, 2025. This applies to all students who enter preparation programs during this period as well as otherwise qualified candidates for licensure who make application during this period."   Source:  PDE-Certification Testing Requirements
      • To participate in the waiver, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above and be granted APS status before July 8, 2025. 
      • Pre-Service Test scores are required if cumulative GPA is between 2.8-2.99.
      • If APS status is revoked, test scores may be required. 

    Effective 07/09/2025:  

    Visit the PDE-Certification Testing Requirements web page for additional information.

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  • Becoming Certified - I have a bachelor’s degree but I am not certified to teach. How do I become certified?

    It is not necessary to complete an education degree to be certified. By applying to the Post-Baccalaureate certification program, you can complete the courses you still need for certification without completing another degree.  The Post-Baccalaureate certification program is meant to "fill the gaps" between your previous degree work and what requirements need to be completed in order to meet the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) certification requirements.

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  • Becoming Certified - May I complete a Master’s degree and certification at the same time?
    It is possible to work on a Master's degree and certification at the same time. You should select both options on the Graduate Studies Application. Any courses that are required for both programs will count toward both.
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  • Becoming Certified - I am already certified in one area. How do I obtain certification in another area?

    Some areas of certification only require the appropriate PRAXIS test and submission of the appropriate paperwork to PDE. Other areas of Certification may require admission to a state-approved Post-Baccalaureate certification program, completion of the appropriate course work and the Specialty PRAXIS test for that certification area.

    Please visit the PDE website for Adding an Area to a PA Instructional Certificate for clarification on adding each area.

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  • Certified in Another State/Country - I am certified in another state/country. What do I need to do to become certified in Pennsylvania?

    You will need to contact the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for this information.

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  • Certification Tests (the Praxis and Pect Series) - When should I take the certification (Praxis II) exams?
    It is advisable to take your content area Praxis II exam(s) the semester prior to student teaching or prior to completion of your certification program.
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  • Certification Tests (the Praxis and Pect Series) - If I am being certified in two areas at the same time, do I need to take a test in each area?

    A specialty test is required for each area of certification. Therefore, you will need to take more than one specialty test.

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  • Certification Tests (the Praxis and Pect Series) - I am adding another area of certification to my present certificate. What tests do I need to take?

    You will only need to take the specialty test for the certification area that you are adding.

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  • Certification Tests (the Praxis and Pect Series) - I am graduating/completing my program in May, but I have not completed my content area test for certification yet. Can I receive my certification without passing test scores?

    No, this is a state requirement.  The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requires you to submit passing test scores before your certification is awarded by PDE.

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  • Certification Tests (the Praxis and Pect Series) - If I have not completed my content area tests, can I still submit my TIMS application on May 1st?
    Yes, you can submit your TIMS application without passing test scores.  PDE will hold your application for one year.  (Subject to change - see the PDE website for more information.)
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  • Receiving your Teaching Certificate - How long does it take for me to receive my certificate?

    The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) processes applications in approximately six to eight weeks from the date they receive them from our Certification Office.

    Applications are submitted to PDE by this Certification Office as soon as possible after your last semester or graduation date and with the following information completed:

    • Grades must be finalized,
    • Degrees conferred,
    • All signed PDE-430 forms submitted,
    • All "official" passing PRAXIS test scores on file,
    • Your GPA must be 3.0 or higher, and
    • An 'MU Request to Recommend' Form has been submitted to Field Services.

    Once PDE has received your certification application from us, you may check the status of your application by logging into the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS).  This site will also be helpful to you for tracking your ACT 48 credits and other information regarding your status with PDE.

    Your teaching certificate will be sent directly to you by the Bureau of Teacher Preparation and Certification (PDE) in Harrisburg, PA.

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  • Receiving your Teaching Certificate - I am applying for a job and the application is requesting I submit a letter from MU verifying the completion of my program. How do I obtain this letter?

    This letter will be sent to all students who have completed the MU Request for Recommendation form after recommendation to PDE is made. 

    If you are currently applying for jobs, it is recommended that you upload a copy of your degree audit or transcript to show your progress in the program.

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  • Receiving your Teaching Certificate - Requesting a Duplicate Certificate

    If you have misplaced your Pennsylvania certificate, you may now print a copy of your certificate via the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS).  If you have not previously accessed your teacher information through the TIMS application portal, follow the steps to setting up a user name and password for TIMS in our Screenshot Guide.

    Contact the Bureau of Teacher Preparation and Certification for more information.

    Website: PA Department of Education

    Address:
    Bureau of Teacher Preparation and Certification
    Pennsylvania Department of Education
    333 Market Street
    Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333

    Phone:  717-783-6788

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  • Teaching in Other States - I want to teach in another state. What do I do?

    If you want information on certification requirements in another state, you must contact the certifying agency in that state. (See Out-of-State Certification).

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