College of Education and Social Work

PA Teacher Certification Exams

Aspiring Pennsylvania educators can take required certification exams at our testing center.  We offer both Praxis exams (ETS) and Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests (Pearson).

To determine which test you need, see "Test Requirements by Major" below.

Registration

• For specific Praxis tests or modules, register and schedule through ETS Praxis.
• For PECT exams or modules, register and schedule through Pearson.

Identification

One valid government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID) is required.

Accommodations

• Praxis (ETS): Submit the Testing Accommodations Request form and supporting documentation; review may take up to 6 weeks.
• PECT (Pearson): Begin registration at PA.NESin.com (do not select a test date), then submit the Alternative Testing Arrangement Request Form with required verification.

Fee Waivers and Retake Policy

Fee Waivers and Retake Policy

Certification Test and Score Requirements (PA Sliding Scale)

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) allows teacher candidates applying for PA Teacher Certification to use a sliding scale, which combines GPA and test scores to determine eligibility.

To view the sliding scale, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Certification Testing Requirements page, click "Certification Test and Score Requirements" (Excel file on the right), and select Option #2. 

How It Works

• Your final, cumulative GPA at graduation determines your qualifying range.
• On the scale, locate your GPA along the top row and your test in the right column; their intersection shows the required score.
• Scores at or above that value qualify.
• GPA cannot be rounded (e.g., a 3.744 must use the 3.74 column).

Important Notes 

• Applies only to Pennsylvania certification.
• The sliding scale may also be used for add-on certifications.
• No extra steps are needed! Staff will verify GPA and test scores during TIMS certification.
• If your GPA doesn't meet the scale requirements, you must retake the exam(s).

Adding Content Area

• Candidates already holding Instructional I certification may add additional content areas by passing the required subject test(s). View eligible add-ons and directions for applying in TIMS here.
• For PDE details and TIMS applications, visit the PDE Instructional Add-Ons page.

GRE Dates 2026
January 20, 2026, 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM
February 13, 2026, 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM
February 27, 2026, 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM
March 17, 2026, 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM
March 27, 2026, 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM
April 10, 2026, 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM
May 22, 2026, 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM

REGISTER ONLINE WITH ETS

Learn about the GRE General and GRE Subject Tests

A high school equivalency exam is a recognized alternative to a high school diploma. 

Our test center administers the General Educational Development (GED). Once the exam is complete, the diploma equivalent is nationally recognized.

Earn college credit and skip prerequisites by completing multiple-choice CLEP exams in a 90- or 120-minute session. Results print immediately after testing. Scratch paper and pencils are provided. A three-month waiting period applies before retaking the same test title.

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WCU CLEP Equivalencies

Review required passing scores and credit allocations (as of Spring 2023): CLEP Scores and Equivalencies (PDF)

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Free Test Prep - ModernStates.org

• ModernStates.org offers free CLEP prep courses through a College Board partnership. Create a free account, complete a prep course, then request a CLEP voucher to cover your exam fee.

Military Benefits (DANTES)

• Eligible military members, spouses, and civil service employees may have CLEP exam and administration fees fully funded. Learn more at College Board - Military Benefits. 

Test Administration

Each CLEP exam has two fees:

• Exam Fee: Payable to College Board through your College Board Account to receive your Ticket ID#.
• Administration Fee: Payable to West Chester University (non-refundable).
  • Pay Administration Fee.

Identification Requirements

Bring one valid, government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID).

Scheduling

To schedule, contact the Professional Testing Center:

• Call: (610) 436-2413
• Email: PTC@wcupa.edu

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Testing Accommodations 

Start this process early to allow time for approval.

1. Review available accommodations: screen magnification, color adjustments, reader/interpreter, extended time, or rest breaks.
2. Contact the Testing Center to discuss needs and documentation deadlines.
3.  Email documentation and your registration ticket to PTC@wcupa.edu
   • Recent school accommodation approval, or
   • Doctor/psychologist statement explaining needed accommodations.

West Chester University’s Professional Testing Center provides proctoring for students and community members taking online courses through other institutions who need a local test site. Testing is available weekdays only. All fees are non-refundable.

Arrangements with Your School

Students must notify their instructor of their scheduled test date and confirm that WCU's Testing Center received the exam, instructions, and restrictions at least one business day before the appointment.

If exam materials must be mailed back and no prepaid return envelope is provided by the school, bring your own pre-addressed, prepaid envelope to your appointment.

Proctor Consent Forms 

• If your school requires a consent form, use the following proctor information: 
  •  Contact: Brenna Kiley 
  •  Location: Francis H. Green Library, Suite 129 
  •  Address: 25 West Rosedale Avenue, West Chester, PA 19383 
  •  Email: PTC@wcupa.edu
  •  Office Phone: 610-436-2413 

 Proctoring Fee 

Payable to West Chester University of PA (non-refundable)

• $45 for a 2-hour block
• $10 per additional hour or for multiple exams

Pay Test Administration Fee

Identification

Bring one government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID).

Scheduling

Schedule by calling 610-436-2413 or emailing PTC@wcupa.edu.

NCBAP (Certified Anticoagulation Care Provider Exam)

Demonstrate your expertise in anticoagulation management by earning your Certified Anticoagulation Care Provider (CACP) credential through the National Certification Board of Anticoagulation Providers (NCBAP). The computer-based exam is securely proctored, and scratch paper and pencils are provided. Official results are sent directly to you and the NCBAP.

If you plan to retake the exam, review NCBAP's retake policy for waiting periods and eligibility.

Exam Information

Learn about eligibility requirements, content, and passing scores on the NCBAP website. The site also provides the candidate handbook and recommended study materials.

Fees

• Exam Fee: Payable to NCBAP through your NCBAP Account.
• Test Administration Fee: Payable to West Chester University of PA (non-refundable).
  
  • • Pay Test Administration Fee.

Identification

Bring one government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID).

Scheduling

Review approved CACP exam dates.

To schedule your exam, first reserve a time with the Professional Testing Center, then confirm your exam through the NCBAP portal.

• Call: (610) 436-2413
• Email: PTC@wcupa.edu

When registering for exams, make sure to report scores to the University.

For Pearson exams (PECT), select West Chester University of Pennsylvania as the recipient.
For Praxis exams, use the code 2659.

To report scores to Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), use the code 8033.

Please be aware that you must include your SSN, or your certification can be delayed.

Early Grades (PK-4)
PECT CBT: Module (PA702 OR PA006, 007, 008)

Middle Grades (4-8)
English Language Arts Praxis II CBT: Grades 4-8 Core (5152 OR 5153, 5154, 5155) Praxis II Subject Concentration: Grades 4-8 English Language (5156)
Social Studies Praxis II CBT: Grades 4-8 Core (5152 OR 5153, 5154, 5155) Praxis II Subject Concentration: Grades 4-8 Social Studies (5157)
Mathematics Praxis II CBT: Grades 4-8 Core (5152 OR 5153, 5154, 5155) Praxis II Subject Concentration: Grades 4-8 Mathematics (5158)
Science Praxis II CBT: Grades 4-8 Core (5152 OR 5153, 5154, 5155) Praxis II Subject Concentration: Grades 4-8 Science (5159)

Secondary (7-12)
Biology Praxis II: Biology (5236)
Chemistry Praxis II: Chemistry (5246)
Earth & Space Science Praxis II: Earth and Space Sciences (5572)
English Praxis II: English Language Arts Content Knowledge (5038)
General Science Praxis II: General Science (5436)
Social Studies (history, geography, political science) Praxis II: Social Studies (5581)
Mathematics Praxis II: Mathematics (5165)
Physics Praxis II: Physics (5266)

World Languages (PK-12)
French Praxis II: Fundamental Subjects Content Knowledge (5511) ACTFL/LTI: OPI and WPT French
German Praxis II: Fundamental Subjects Content Knowledge (5511) ACTFL/LTI: OPI and WPT German
Russian Praxis II: Fundamental Subjects Content Knowledge (5511) ACTFL/LTI: OPI and WPT Russian
Spanish Praxis II: Fundamental Subjects Content Knowledge (5511) ACTFL/LTI: OPI and WPT Spanish

“Specials”
Health & Physical Education Praxis II: Fundamental Subjects Content Knowledge (5511) Praxis II: Health and Physical Education Content Knowledge (5857)
Music Praxis II: Fundamental Subjects Content Knowledge (5511) Praxis II: Music Content Knowledge (5113)

Counselor Education PK-12
Praxis II: School Counselor (5422)

Literacy
Praxis II: Reading Specialist (5302)

School Speech & Language Pathology PK-12
Praxis II: Speech Language Pathology (5331)

Special Education
Praxis II: Fundamental Subjects Content Knowledge (5511) – Stand-Alone EDA Majors Only
Praxis II: Special Education Foundational Knowledge (5355) – All Special Education Majors

Principalship
School Leadership Licensure Assessment/SLLA (6990)

 

Prep Materials

 

Map

Written Instructions: 

• The Professional Testing Center is located in Francis Harvey Green Library (FHG) Suite 129. The center is marked with a purple sign labeled Professional Testing Center.
• The outside entrance is accessible from the academic quad at the end of Francis H. Green Library, closest to Recitation Hall, or to the right of Starbucks. The interior entrance is accessible from Francis H. Green Library; walk past Starbucks and follow the signs to the testing center.
• Parking on campus can be challenging, so please plan to arrive early to secure a spot and make it to the center by your appointment.
• Please note that arriving more than 15 minutes late means you are forfeiting your appointment.
•  All parking, except accessible parking, is paid parking.
  • Garage parking is available at New Street Parking Garage (704 S. New Street), Sharpless Street Parking Garage (5 Sharpless Street), Student Recreation Center Parking Garage (275 North Campus Drive), and the Commons Garage (124 North Campus Drive).
  • Street metered parking is available on South High Street, University Avenue, South New Street, and South Church Street.
  • Wheelchair accessible parking is available next to the Professional Testing Center. It is located north of West Rosedale Avenue between the blocks of South High Street and South Church Street.  

• Late arrivals will only be accommodated for up to 15 minutes. After that time, you may not be allowed to test and will need to reschedule with the testing company
• Photo ID is required for all testing.
• Only exam candidates are allowed into the testing room.
• Testing Center staff cannot watch unattended children. Make childcare arrangements before arriving for your test appointment.
• Food and beverages are not permitted in the testing room.
• Electronic devices, mechanical pencils, and personal items must be stored outside the testing room in the lockers provided.
• Examinees may not take notes out of the testing room.
• Calculators are permitted for specific tests. Personal calculators will be inspected before use is permitted.
• Open book/open note testing is only permitted for authorized tests.
• Once a test is issued, it must be completed in one sitting.
• Weapons are not allowed.
• Different testing programs have different rules.
• Talking is not allowed in the testing room.
• Videotaping and audio recording of exam administrations is conducted.
• Acts of dishonesty are subject to disciplinary action and will be reported.
• If you smoke or wear excessive perfume or cologne or exhibit strong-smelling odors on the day of your exam, you may be asked to reschedule your exam. These odors may be disruptive to other examinees and those with allergies. 

The Testing Center follows West Chester University’s Closings and Cancellation Procedures 

• If West Chester University is closed, the Professional Testing Center is also closed.
• If the university has a delayed opening (for example, a 10AM start), exams scheduled before that time will be canceled and rescheduled.
  •  In the event of a closure/cancellation: 
    • Examinees will be contacted by the testing company to reschedule. 
    • CLEP and Proctored Testing examinees must email PTC@wcupa.edu to reschedule.