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    Certification

    Certification for Educators Prepared by PDE Approved Preparation Programs Frequently Asked Questions

    ​PDE approved preparation programs are designed to prepare and certify educators to teach or serve in Pennsylvania schools.  Preparation programs are offered by colleges/universities, intermediate units or other educational entities.

    ​Yes.  For a list of PDE approved preparation programs and providers, go to Approved Certification Programs.

    • Be of good moral character
    • Be at least 18 years of age
    • Unless applying to teach a world language, be a U.S. citizen, or legally authorized to work in the U.S.  A permanent resident immigrant visa holder is legally authorized to work in the U.S.
    • Hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree
    • Complete a Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) approved preparation program with a minimum 3.0 GPA
    • Meet all testing requirements
    • Submit an online application through the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS)
    • The PDE approved preparation program provider must verify program completion through TIMS

    ​For more information, refer to your TIMS summary page or Certification Testing and Scores.

    ​All required tests must be taken and passed before a certificate can be issued.

    ​The testing company reports your scores electronically to PDE if you specify PDE as a score recipient when you register for the tests.  If you have already taken your tests and did not request PDE as a score recipient, contact the appropriate company.

    ​Yes.  Your approved preparation program provider needs your test scores.

    ​No.  If you were prepared by a PDE approved program provider for multiple subject areas, you can submit one application for all areas.

    ​Refer to your TIMS application coversheet and only send the required documents listed.  If "other" is the only proof document listed, nothing specific is required at this time.  It is not necessary to mail in the cover sheet in this event. 

    ​No.  Submit clearance documents to PDE only if you answered "yes" to any of the background questions on your application.  Check your TIMS coversheet for a list of required documents.

    ​No.  Transcripts are not required because you were prepared by a PDE approved preparation program.

    ​No.  There are no provisions for a temporary certificate while an application is under review.  You may not begin serving until your certificate is issued.  To substitute, a public school may ask you to obtain an emergency permit by submitting a permit request through TIMS.

    ​Access your TIMS dashboard and look to the left side of your screen under "Application(s) in Process."  Your status will be in the third column.  You may also check the status of your application on the public website at www.teachercertification.pa.gov.

    ​No.  Paper certificates are no longer printed and mailed.  You must access your TIMS dashboard to print an unofficial copy.  Certification can only be officially verified through TIMS or the public website at www.teachercertification.pa.gov.