How To Get Your Pennsylvania
Teacher Certification

TEACH IN PENNSYLVANIA

Your Pennsylvania teaching certification is your gateway to a rewarding and impactful career in education. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and a diverse student population, Pennsylvania is a versatile, supportive home for educators.

This guide will walk you through the steps to earning your Pennsylvania teaching certification — from choosing an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) to passing the required assessments and submitting your application for certification in the Keystone State.

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TEACH IN PENNSYLVANIA

Pennsylvania Department of Education

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) oversees teacher certification and provides essential resources for aspiring and current educators. The department offers comprehensive information on certification requirements, pathways to certification, and employment opportunities for educators across the state.

How to Become a Certified Teacher in Pennsylvania

Depending on your educational background and experience, Pennsylvania has different paths to teacher licensure:

The Traditional Pathway

High school graduates who know they want to become a teacher commonly earn a bachelor’s degree in education that has a state-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP) built into its curriculum.

You’ll then need to:

  • Pass the Praxis and Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests (PECT).
  • Complete a student teaching experience.
  • Submit fingerprints and pass a background check.
  • Apply for certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).

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The Alternative Pathway

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-education subject, you can begin teaching with an Intern Certification while you complete your Educator Preparation Program (EPP).

Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program can be completed in as little as 9 months:

  • Fully accredited
  • 100% online
  • Global cohort model
  • Rolling admissions
  • Monthly start dates

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Benefits of Earning Your Pennsylvania Teaching Certification

Comprehensive Perks

Pennsylvania provides competitive benefits for teachers, including comprehensive health insurance packages. Educators are also part of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS), which offers pension and retirement benefits.

Competitive Teacher Salaries

Pennsylvania teachers are among the highest paid educators in the nation, with an average annual salary of $74,945, ranking 11th in the U.S. In comparison, the national average teacher salary is $69,597.

Opportunities for Career Advancement

Pennsylvania offers pathways for educators to advance into leadership roles such as instructional coaches, curriculum specialists, and administrators through PDE-approved certifications and graduate programs.

Supportive Community

Pennsylvania’s education community is built on collaboration, tradition, and a commitment to student success. Across rural and urban schools, educators are part of a dedicated network that values innovation, equity, and excellence.

Types of Pennsylvania Teacher Certifications

Pennsylvania has three primary types of teacher certifications, as detailed below:

Intern Certification

The Intern Certificate is a temporary, non-renewable, two- to three-year certification designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree but have not yet completed a traditional educator preparation program. It allows candidates to teach while completing an alternative certification route.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree​
  • Enrollment in a PDE-approved Alternative Certification Program
  • Passing scores on all required Praxis or PECT exams
  • Offer of employment from a Pennsylvania public or accredited private school
  • Submission of fingerprints and passing of a state and federal background check
  • Application submission through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) TIMS system

Instructional I Certification

The Instructional I Certification is Pennsylvania’s initial teaching certificate, valid for six years of service. It is designed for new teachers and those moving to Pennsylvania from other states. This certificate cannot be renewed, and educators must transition to an Instructional II Certification within the six-year timeframe.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Completion of an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
  • Passing scores on all required Praxis exams or Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests (PECT), depending on the subject area
  • Completion of a student teaching experience
  • Submission of fingerprints and passing of a state and federal background check
  • Application submission through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) TIMS system

Instructional II Certification

The Instructional II Certification is Pennsylvania’s permanent, renewable teaching certificate. Educators must meet additional teaching experience and professional development requirements to upgrade from Instructional I to Instructional II Certification.

Requirements:

  • Three years of successful teaching experience under an Instructional I Certificate
  • Completion of a PDE-approved Induction Program
  • Accumulation of 24 post-baccalaureate credits (graduate coursework or PDE-approved professional development)
  • Submission of fingerprints and passing of a state and federal background check
  • Application submission through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) TIMS system

For full details on certificate types and requirements, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s certification page. ​

Pennsylvania Teacher Education Requirements

General Requirements

Pennsylvania teachers must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and:

  • Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
  • Fulfill a student teaching practicum
  • Pass all required Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests (PECT)
  • Clear state and federal fingerprinting and background checks
  • Submit all required application materials to the Pennsylvania Department of Education

Testing Requirements

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)

Candidates for Instructional I Certification must pass a basic skills assessment to demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics. Candidates can fulfill this requirement through either the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators test or the PAPA exam.

Praxis Subject Assessments or PECT (Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests)

Candidates must pass the Praxis Subject Assessments or PECT exams, depending on their grade level and subject area specialization. These assessments measure content knowledge and instructional competency in a specific field.

For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Certification Testing Requirements page.

Education & Degree Requirements

Pennsylvania requires educators to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. university or college. If
you have a bachelor’s in a subject other than education, you can become a teacher by completing an Educator
Preparation Program (EPP), such as Moreland University’s 9-month TEACH-NOW program.

Pennsylvania Certification Application Process

Once you’ve completed the requirements for teacher certification in Pennsylvania, you can apply online through the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s (PDE) Teacher Information Management System (TIMS). The application process involves submitting the necessary documents, including official transcripts, proof of passing exam scores, completion of background checks, and payment of the application fee. Detailed instructions and application forms are available on the PDE’s Certification page.

Pennsylvania Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs)

The Pennsylvania Department of Education provides a list of approved Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) in Pennsylvania. If you complete an out-of-state EPP, like Moreland University’s 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, you simply need to use the Education Preparation Program Verification Form.

TEACH-NOW:

  • Fully accredited
  • 100% online
  • Global cohort model
  • Rolling admissions
  • Monthly start dates
  • 9 months total
  • Clinical learning (student teaching) included
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Moreland University’s Guide to Teacher Certification in Pennsylvania provides a streamlined overview of what it takes to become a certified teacher in the Keystone State.

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FAQs

You have questions about becoming a certified teacher in Pennsylvania. We have answers.

How do I become a Pennsylvania teacher?

Pennsylvania offers multiple pathways to teacher certification, including the Traditional Route, through approved Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs), Alternative Certification Programs for those transitioning from other careers.

For detailed information on certificate types and requirements, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Certification page.

Do I need a teaching certification to teach in Pennsylvania?

Yes, in most cases, you need a valid Pennsylvania teaching certificate to teach in public schools. The state offers a structured certification system with three main types: Intern (for alternative pathway candidates), Instructional I (initial), and Instructional II (permanent) certificates. For comprehensive information on certificate types, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Certification page.

What are the requirements for Pennsylvania teacher certification?

The specific requirements for teacher certification in Pennsylvania vary depending on the certification type and the subject or grade level you wish to teach.

In general, Pennsylvania teachers must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and:

How do I maintain my Pennsylvania teaching certification?

Specific renewal requirements in Pennsylvania vary depending on the certification type.

  • Instructional I Certificates are valid for six years of teaching service and are non-renewable. Educators must advance to an Instructional II Certificate within this period.
  • Instructional II Certificates are permanent certificates that require educators to complete ongoing professional development to maintain active status.
  • Intern Certificates are temporary, valid for 2-3 years, and non-renewable. Educators must transition to an Instructional I Certificate upon completion of their alternative certification program.

For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Certification page.

How long does it take to become a certified teacher in Pennsylvania?

The timeline to become a certified teacher in Pennsylvania can vary depending on your educational background, the specific pathway you choose, and the time it takes to complete the required exams and training programs.

  • Traditional Route: Typically 4-5 years (Bachelor’s degree and student teaching).
  • Intern Certification (Alternative Route): Allows candidates to teach while completing certification. Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program can be completed in as little as 9 months.

How much do Pennsylvania teachers make?

Pennsylvania teacher salaries depend on multiple factors, including experience, education, subject area, grade level, and school district. According to the National Education Association:

  • The average annual salary for a Pennsylvania teacher is $75,945.
  • The average starting salary is $49,083, varying by district and experience.

Those with advanced degrees, such as a master’s in education (M.Ed.), may earn higher salaries.

How can I learn more about becoming a certified teacher in Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is the best resource to learn more about teacher certification, endorsements, and pathways to teaching.

You can also reach out to Moreland University at admissions@moreland.edu or 844-283-2246. We’d be happy to answer your questions about teacher certification or our 9-month, state-approved EPI.