Common Teacher Certification Challenges in Pennsylvania

You already have a bachelor’s degree, and you might even have experience in front of a class, so you’re feeling ready to run your own room full-time. But what you don’t have is a straight answer on what Pennsylvania actually requires for teacher certification.

Even with all the webpages and resources out there, finding accurate and up-to-date information can be tough. We’re here to help. Below, we’ll bust some myths about earning certification in the Keystone State and cover what you can do to overcome common challenges you might encounter on your way to a full certification.

Myth vs. Fact: What You Really Need to Know

Myth: Pennsylvania still requires the basic skills test to get certified.

Pennsylvania waived the basic skills test from 2022-2025 to help ease a teacher shortage, and the waiver has since become permanent. You won’t need to complete a basic skills test for an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) or for certification itself. The myth persists because a lot of online sources never updated their information, which is a good reminder to always double-check current testing rules with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) before registering for any teacher tests or programs.

Myth: You need an education degree to teach in Pennsylvania.

You don’t. Your bachelor’s degree can be in biology, business, or any other field. If your degree isn’t in education, you can still get certified through an alternative certification pathway designed for career changers, like Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program.

Myth: Fail a Praxis exam once and you can’t be certified.

One low score on a teaching certification exam isn’t the end of the road. You can retake the test!

Just pull your score report, figure out exactly where you came up short, work to improve your knowledge in that area, and register again once you’ve closed the gap. For help getting started, download The Educator’s Must-Have Guide to Excel at U.S. Teacher Certification Exams.

Myth: My out-of-state license transfers automatically to PA.

It doesn’t. PDE reviews your out-of-state credentials against Pennsylvania’s own requirements first and decides from there. PA has reciprocity agreements with many states, so your license will often transfer without much trouble, but you might need to take an additional exam or two depending on your certification area.

Common Certification Challenges Aspiring Teachers Face in Pennsylvania

Confusion After the Basic Skills Rule Change

Even with the basic skills test waiver now permanently in place, many aspiring teachers don’t know which tests still apply to them. You might be asked for Praxis Core, the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA), or nothing at all, depending on the EPP you choose and your certification area. Don’t guess: Verify your specific requirements before you sit for any exam.

The Instructional I to Instructional II Upgrade Trap

Pennsylvania’s Instructional I Certificate is good for 6 years and isn’t renewable. Before it runs out, you need to convert it to a permanent Instructional II Certificate by completing:

• At least three years of successful teaching
• An approved induction program
• 24 post-baccalaureate credits

For detailed information about Pennsylvania’s teacher certification types, check out our guide, How to Get Your Pennsylvania Teacher Certification.

Understanding PECT vs. Praxis

Pennsylvania splits certification testing into three buckets:

• General knowledge
• Professional knowledge
• Subject area knowledge

Whether you test through Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests (PECT) or Praxis depends on your certification pathway and the subject area you wish to teach. PDE provides information about testing requirements, but if you’re ever in doubt about your unique assessment needs, ask your EPP’s certification officer to confirm your required tests before paying any fees.

Financial Barriers

EPP tuition and fees related to background checks, certification applications, and exams (plus retakes if you need them) can add up fast, especially for career changers busy with existing work and life responsibilities. Budget as specifically as possible for each known cost separately rather than assuming one lump sum will cover everything.

Administrative Delays via TIMS

Pennsylvania’s Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) is a “one-stop shop” for anyone applying for teacher certification in the state. It’s where you’ll submit documents including transcripts, exam scores, background checks, and EPP verification. However, since those pieces all come from different places, it doesn’t take much for one missing document to stall the whole thing.

Bottom line: Make sure you know every document you need to submit and be prepared for delays.

How to Overcome Pennsylvania’s Certification Challenges

Follow the 5 strategies below to avoid common missteps and start your Pennsylvania teaching career smoothly.

Complete the EPP That’s Right for You

Completing an EPP is a major step toward earning your teaching certification in Pennsylvania, so you’ll want to find an EPP that fits your needs. Start by asking these questions:

1. How long is the program? It’s common for EPPs to take a few years to complete, but some are much faster. Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be completed in just 9 months.
2. Is it in-person or online? Consider which learning format you would prefer and which would fit best with your current schedule and responsibilities.
3. How much is tuition? Some EPPs are more budget-friendly than others. Make sure you understand and can handle all the associated costs, especially if you’re paying the bill on your own. (Some school districts may cover part or all of your EPP tuition. If you’re already working at a school, ask your HR officer about certification payment or reimbursement options that may be available to you.)
4. Can you work during the program? This is an important question, especially for career changers. If you need to keep earning a paycheck as you complete EPP coursework, be sure to find a program that will fit with your current work schedule and any other existing responsibilities.

PDE provides a list of approved certification programs in the state. If you complete an out-of-state EPP, like Moreland University’s online TEACH-NOW program, you simply need to use the Education Preparation Program Verification Form.

Know the Current PAPA/Praxis Rules Before You Register

Before you pay for any exam, confirm what’s actually required for your certification area right now. Pennsylvania’s testing rules have shifted more than once in recent years, and (as mentioned above) outdated advice is easy to find online.

Plan Your Instructional I to Instructional II Upgrade from Day One

Don’t wait until year 5 of your 6-year Instructional I Certificate to start tracking your induction-program progress and post-baccalaureate credits. Create a simple checklist now and check in with your school’s HR or certification officer once a year so you don’t fall behind.

Explore Loan Forgiveness and District Support

Taking on the cost of a new certification can be intimidating, but there are options to make it easier.

There are a number of federal loan forgiveness programs available to help educators offset the cost of their education, including the Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF) Program. TLF can eliminate up to $17,500 of debt for eligible individuals who teach at qualifying low-income schools for five complete, consecutive years.

Additionally, some school districts will cover part or all of your EPP tuition to retain you as an employee. Ask your district’s HR office what options are available to you.

Use Mentorship and Cohort Networks

Find a teacher in your building who’s already made it to the Instructional II Certification level and ask how they did it. Some useful questions include:

• What tests did you take?
• What EPP did you complete?
• How did you structure your schedule to stay ahead of the 6-year window?
• What would you do differently if you had to do it over?

Your school or district may also have formal mentor programs or cohort networks you can join to ask questions, develop your teaching practice, and connect with colleagues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Pennsylvania still require a basic skills test for certification?

No. Pennsylvania waived the basic-skills test requirement in 2022 to ease its teacher shortage, and that change was made permanent in 2025. Some programs may still offer it as an admissions option, so check with your EPP.

What’s the difference between an Instructional I and Instructional II certificate?

Instructional I is your starting certificate. It’s valid for 6 years and it is non-renewable, so it’s important to stay on top of your progress toward the next certification level.

Instructional II is the permanent credential, earned after 3 years of successful teaching, an induction program, and 24 post-baccalaureate credits.

Do I take the PECT or the Praxis for Pennsylvania certification?

It depends on your certification pathway and subject area. Some areas use PECT while others use Praxis Subject Assessments. Check PDE’s current requirements for the specific certification you want to earn.

What financial help is available for certification costs in Pennsylvania?

Several federal loan forgiveness programs are available to help teachers with certification costs, including the Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF) Program, which offers up to $17,500 of forgiveness for eligible teachers who work at qualifying low-income schools.

Your individual school or district may also offer tuition reimbursement to attract and retain qualified teachers, especially career changers who bring value-add skills and experience to the classroom from their previous professions.

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Ready to earn your Pennsylvania teaching certification?

Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is a great option for teacher certification. It can be completed in as little as 9 months, fully online, so you can keep working full-time while you finish.

You can apply for free in about 15 minutes and hear back within 2 business days.

Questions? Join an upcoming information session.