Testing Information

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. 
  • For additional information on APS and the ACT 55 waiver, visit the APS webpage. 

*Effective 07/09/2025:  

• Pre-Service Testing Options/Score Requirements are available on the PDE website: PDE-Certification Testing Requirements
  • Select the 'Certification Test and Score Requirements' from the list.
  • View the tab titled 'Basic Skills'.
• You must list both PDE and MU as score recipients. 
  • MU's recipient code for ETS is 2656. 
  • PDE's recipient code is 8033.
• If you are unable to use your SAT or ACT scores, you will need to take the PAPA or the Praxis tests.
• PDE provides a Composite Score Calculator (under requirements #2). Enter your scores into this calculator to determine if your scores meet the testing requirements. 
• Video: How to Check your Pre-Service Test scores (created by Dr. Bertoni - 10/2020)
• Both companies offer a free practice test as well as a guidebook for what types of questions are on the test.  If you need additional practice, they also supply tests for a fee.
• Both companies offer a fee wavier, but there are conditions and deadlines. 
  • Praxis
  • PAPA 

Certification Tests and Score Requirements are available on the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) website.  The link below will re-direct you to the PDE Certification Testing Requirements website.  Select #3 in the list.  Select the appropriate tab within the document for your particular certification area.

• PDE Certification Tests and Score Requirements and GPA Sliding Scale

NOTE:  

• A minimum GPA of 2.8 or greater is required - higher test scores are needed when the GPA is a 2.8 - 2.99. Lower test scores are accepted with a GPA of 3.01 or higher. For GPA equaling 3.0 see PDE's document above.
• If you pass by GPA, score reports will always reflect 'Not Passed'. PDE will review your GPA and score report after you are recommended for certification by MU.
• The GPA sliding scale does not apply to add-ons. 
• For information regarding Qualifying Test Scores as related to GPA, view the appropriate column in the document above (PDE Certification Tests and Score Requirements and GPA Sliding Scale).
• You must list both PDE and MU as score recipients. 
  • MU's recipients code is 2656.
  • PDE's recipients code is 8033.

 

PDE IS CHANGING THE SPECIAL EDUCATION CERTIFICATION

Additional information can be found on PDE's webpage here: SPED - ACT 82 Expansion

See below for some of the available study guides and practice tests.  Note that additional fees may be associated with some options.

 

Praxis Tests:

• Visit the Preparation Materials web page.  There is a study companion and an interactive test available.  
• Mometrix offers a short practice test for the Praxis tests.
• Khan Academy offers test preparation materials for the Praxis Core tests.

PAPA Tests:

• Visit the Practice Tests web page.  Practice and interactive tests are available.