Individuals who wish to add Safety/Driver Education to their active and valid Instructional I or Instructional II Certification must successfully pass the Pennsylvania Safety and Driver Education Teacher Certification Assessment (PSDETCA).
Test Registration
To register for the test, individuals must complete a registration form and submit it to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) by regular mail, fax, or email. PSDETCA Registration Form (PDF)
All individuals must be pre-registered for the test. Walk-ins will not be accepted.
PDE charges no test or registration fee to take the PSDETCA.
Testing accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities or health related needs. Individuals may request a testing accommodation by submitting a written request to the PDE Safety/Driver Education office.
Individuals who are applying for their first Pennsylvania certificate should also register with PDE’s Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) prior to taking the test in order to facilitate the efficient reporting of test scores.
Test Administration
Testing will take place on Thursday each week beginning Thursday September 17, 2020 at the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (“PaTTAN”) 6340 Flank Dr, Harrisburg, PA. 17112.
Testing will begin promptly at 10:00 A.M.
Individuals are encouraged to arrive approximately 15 minutes before the test start time.
No-one will be permitted to enter the testing room once the test begins.
Individuals must present their valid Pennsylvania Driver’s license for test taking identification purposes.
Individuals are not permitted to bring anything into the test room. That includes but is not limited to books, study materials, electronic devices including cell phones and smart watches, purses, handbags, food, backpacks, etc. Items must be left in the individual’s vehicle. There is no storage for personal items at PaTTAN.
Individuals may bring personal hygiene products or medication into the testing room provided those items are in a clear one quart plastic bag.
Individuals may bring into the testing area one unopened bottle of water. The bottle must be a clear plastic container.
Individuals are encouraged to bring 2 (two) pencils for test taking purposes; however, if unable, two pencils will be provided.
The test consists of 120 multiple choice questions. There is a 2-hour time limit to complete the test.
The test administrator or their designee will be present in the testing room at all times during the administration of the test.
At the conclusion of the test, individuals must return the test booklet and answer sheet to the test administrator.
Score Reporting
The qualifying score for the PSDETCA is 520.
Candidates will receive an official notification letter sent by regular mail indicating the individual test score and the passing score within four weeks of the test administration day.
Application for Certification
After successfully passing the PSDETCA, individuals must submit a certification application to PDE through TIMS to obtain a Safety/Driver Education certificate or add the Safety/Driver Education certificate to an existing Instructional I or Instructional II teaching certificate.