Pennsylvania Initial Teacher Certification
Gain the credentials you need

Pennsylvania Initial Teaching Certification:

• Route 1: Pennsylvania Initial Teaching Certification


The Pennsylvania Initial Teaching Certification, or Instructional I Certification, is the credential issued to applicants who have not taught before and have completed a Pennsylvania teacher certification program.


• Step 1:
  
  
  Request information from accredited institutions regarding Bachelor's, Master's and PhD programs. Teacher Preparation Programs.


• University of Phoenix
• Walden University
• Capella University
• Ashford University


• Step 2:
  
  
  Initial Certification applicants must satisfy the Pennsylvania Basic Skills and Subject Competency requirements. Your test scores will need to be sent to the Pennsylvania Department of Education directly from the ETS.
  
  
  • Basic Skills: You may satisfy the basic skills requirements by passing the Praxis/PPST exams. The necessary tests are the PPST Reading, Writing and Mathematics.
  • Subject Competency: You must pass the Specialty Area Tests for each endorsement you wish to become certified under. ETS/NES Testing Information.
  
  
  Educational Testing Service Contact Info:
  The Praxis Series
  Educational Testing Service
  P.O. Box 6051
  Princeton, NJ 08541-6051
  
  
  Or call an ETS representative at (609) 771-7395


• Step 3:
  
  
  You will need to download and complete the General Application Form PDE 338 G


• Step 4:
  
  
  Submit a completed application to your Pennsylvania Teacher Preparation Institute. The following are requirements to be completed in coordination with your preparation institution.
  
  
  • There will be a $40 application processing fee. You will need to comply with your teacher preparation institute's fee payment procedures.
  • You will need to submit official transcripts.
  • There will be a criminal history check requirement through the Pennsylvania and Federal Bureau's of Investigation.
  • Your college certification officer will need to complete Form PDE 338-C


Your application will be sent here:
Bureau of Teacher Certification and Preparation
Pennsylvania Department of Education
333 Market Street, 3rd floor
Harrisburg, PA. 17126-0333

Or contact the PDE by calling (717) 787-3356


• Step 5:
  
  
  Sit Back and Relax!

• Route 2: Pennsylvania Teacher Intern Certification


The Alternative route to certification in Pennsylvania is called the Pennsylvania Intern Certification. This certification is valid for 3 years and is not renewable. The Intern Certificate allows the candidate to enter the classroom prior to the completion of a teacher education program. The following are the requirements needed to be qualified for this certification:


• Step 1:
  
  
  You will need to have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree.
  • Your degree must be from a field of study that corresponds to the area you are going to be teaching and earning your certification.


• Step 2:
  
  
  You must pass the designated Praxis examinations for basic and subject competencies.


• Step 3:
  
  
  There are a select few universities that offer the Teacher Intern Program that must be taken while you are teaching under the Intern Certification. Contact these schools for more information.


• Step 4:
  
  
  Sit Back and Relax!

Learn about the requirements of another state by clicking on one of the state certification links to your left.

Request information from schools by clicking on the links or school logos below.