Pennsylvania Teachers: Advancing from Provisional to Full Certification

If you’re currently teaching in Pennsylvania with an Instructional I Certificate or an Emergency Permit, you’re not alone. Thousands of educators are in the same position, working hard to make a positive impact on their students and communities while navigating the certification process. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDOE)’s Educator Workforce Annual Report from December 2024, the state issued 7,503 Instructional I certificates and 26,651 emergency permits to teachers in 2022-2023 alone. 

Teaching on one of these initial certificates means you’re already on the right path, but earning your full teaching certification is the key to long-term career stability, higher earning potential, and more job opportunities. Keep reading below to discover the steps it takes to become a fully certified teacher in Pennsylvania and why The Keystone State is a great place for educators to work and live.

Understanding Temporary Teaching Licenses in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers several pathways for individuals transitioning into the teaching profession while completing certification requirements. The most common are:

• Intern Certification: This temporary, non-renewable certification is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree but have not completed a traditional educator preparation program. It allows candidates to teach full-time for up to 3 years while completing an alternative certification route.
• Instructional I Certification: This is Pennsylvania’s initial teaching certificate, valid for 6 years of service. This certificate cannot be renewed, and educators must transition to an Instructional II Certificate within this timeframe by fulfilling additional requirements, such as completing an induction program and accruing satisfactory teaching experience.
• Emergency Permit: These permits are issued by Pennsylvania public school entities to fill a vacant position when a fully certified educator is not available. Generally, a minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required, except in specific career and technical instructional areas. Renewal requirements vary based on the type of Emergency Permit you hold.

While these licenses allow you to teach, they are not permanent and are typically associated with lower earning potential than permanent teaching certificates. To continue working in the classroom long-term and earn more career advancement opportunities, you’ll need to transition to an Instructional II Certificate, which is Pennsylvania’s permanent, renewable teaching certificate.

Steps to Achieve Full Teaching Certification in Pennsylvania

Step 1: Earn a bachelor’s degree.

In Pennsylvania, all teachers must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution — but it doesn’t have to be in education. If you already hold an undergraduate degree, you’ve completed a major step toward becoming a certified teacher.

Step 2: Complete an accepted Educator Preparation Program

Choosing the right Educator Preparation Program (EPP) is an important step, and there are plenty of options. Here are some questions to consider while finding the right EPP for you:

• Is it online or in-person? Will online learning give you the support you need? If the EPP is in-person, can you fit classes into your schedule? 
• When can you start? Does the program have rolling admissions, or do you have to wait for the next cohort to begin? 
• How long will it take? Some programs take 1-2 years, but Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be completed in just 9 months. 
• What’s the cost? Are there scholarships, grants, or payment plans to help with tuition? 
• Does it include student teaching? How does the program handle clinical learning? Will the EPP provided help you find a student teaching placement? 
• Is it accredited? Will your program be recognized in Pennsylvania? 
• Will you get test support? Some programs offer structured test prep to help you pass your exams.

By weighing these factors, you can find the best fit for your journey to full certification. For more detailed information about becoming a fully certified educator in The Keystone State, check out our Guide to Teacher Certification in Pennsylvania.

Step 3: Submit Passing Scores on all required exams

Educators in Pennsylvania must pass a series of assessments based on their grade level and subject area. These exams include:

• Praxis Core or PAPA (Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment) 
• Praxis Subject Assessments or PECT (Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests) for their specific grade level and subject area

For more information and to learn about the Praxis score requirements, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Certification Testing Requirements page.

Step 4:  Complete a Background Check

Pennsylvania requires all teachers to submit fingerprints and pass state and federal background checks before earning certification. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (LDOE) provides information on the background checks required.

Step 5: Apply for Instructional II Certification

Once you’ve completed your EPP, passed the necessary exams, and met background check requirements, you’re ready to apply for Instructional II Certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)’s Teacher Information Management System (TIMS).

Why Teach in Pennsylvania?

According to the National Education Association, Pennsylvania ranks among the top-paying states for educators, with an average teacher salary of $74,945 that’s significantly higher than the national average of $69,597. Teachers also receive comprehensive benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans through the PSERS (Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System). 

Beyond competitive pay and benefits, Pennsylvania offers a strong, collaborative education community. Whether in urban or rural schools, teachers are part of a network that values innovation, equity, and student success. 

Ready to take your teaching career in The Keystone State to the next level? Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program is a fully accredited, 100% online pathway to earning your Instructional II Certificate in as little as 9 months. Complete your free application or contact our admissions team to discuss your teaching goals and get started on your journey to full teaching certification in Pennsylvania today!