Certification

Teacher Information Management System (TIMS)

Welcome to TIMS, Pennsylvania's online certification system – a one-stop shop for individuals who need to apply for PA educator certification, access their personal TIMS dashboard, view and update personal information, print a copy of their PA educator certificate, and perform additional functions as a current or future educator.

Application Processing

Note to Applicants: Avoid Processing Delays
To avoid processing delays, we strongly recommend uploading documents within TIMS. If you are unable to upload all document(s) into your application, scan and email them to:
ra-teachercert@pa.gov.

We encourage applicants to submit transcripts electronically using this guidance.

Use Microsoft Edge or Firefox to access TIMS. Chrome and Safari users experience technical difficulties, which includes payment processing issues.

First Time User? 

TIMS Resources

Assistance with the TIMS Applications and Frequently Asked Questions.

Having trouble logging in to TIMS?

Call the Keystone Login Help Desk

877-328-0995

Experiencing an issue while logged in to TIMS?

Send an email and include a screenshot and/or the error message.

ra-edcertquestions@pa.gov

Have a question about the application process?

ra-edcertquestions@pa.gov

​​Provisioned User

A provisioned user has been authorized by a Local Education Agency (LEA) or Institute of Higher Education (IHE) to complete various tasks in TIMS.

Help/User Guides

​Act 91 of 2021 Classroom Monitor Permit (Type 09) Instructions

A district seeking to hire a classroom monitor should follow the process established for hiring a day-to-day substitute teacher.

  1. 1

    Step 1

    An LEA advertises for Classroom Monitors.

  2. 2

    Step 2

    An LEA must confirm an applicant meets the following requirements:

    • Has completed at least sixty (60) semester hours or the equivalent of courses at a regionally accredited college or university located in Pennsylvania (official transcripts) OR has at least 3 years' experience as a paraprofessional in a school entity and is currently employed as a paraprofessional in a school entity.
    • Meets pre-employment requirements for background clearances, citizenship, and good moral character under the School Code and Child Protective Services Law.
    • Is the minimum age of twenty-five (25) years.
    • Has completed PDE approved classroom management training at an intermediate unit.
  3. 3

    Step 3

    The position candidate initiates and submits an emergency permit request via the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) at the request of the employing LEA.

  4. 4

    Step 4

    When the request is received the LEA selects the type of permit and subject area(s) through their TIMS dashboard (Type 09 Classroom Monitor), selects the payment method, and submits the application. Please note: the LEA determines who is responsible for the payment.

  5. 5

    Step 5

    Each school entity that uses the services of a classroom monitor under this section shall ensure that each student who receives services under an Individualized Education Program under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Public Law 91-230, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.) receives a free and appropriate public education as required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

  6. 6

    Step 6

    This provision expires June 30, 2026​.  Once issued, this permit is valid until that date.

  7. 7

    Note

    An individual who is issued this permit and is already employed by the LEA as a paraprofessional is to be paid the higher of their existing contractual compensation or the compensation as a classroom monitor.

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Search TIMS to find certification information for educators, public librarians, and Certificates of Preliminary Education (CPE) for funeral directors and nursing school candidates.