Frequently Asked Questions - Certification

You can view the 6 Steps to Certification information and detailed guides to completing your TIMS application HERE.

For information on how to request your Official Millersville University Transcript, visit the Registrar's Office 'How to Request a Transcript' webpage.

The Basic Skills/Pre-Service Tests are tests for Math, Reading and Writing.

The Basic Skills/Pre-Service Testing requirements have recently changed.

Effective 07/08/2022 - 07/08/2025:

• "Act 55 of 2022 signed into law by Governor Wolf on July 8, 2022, requires the Secretary of Education to waive the requirement to satisfactorily complete the assessment of basic skills required under section 1207.3 and 22 Pa. Code § 49.18(c) (relating to assessment) for 3 years from July 8, 2022 through July 8, 2025. This applies to all students who enter preparation programs during this period as well as otherwise qualified candidates for licensure who make application during this period."   Source:  PDE-Certification Testing Requirements

Effective 07/09/2025:  

• Pass one of the Pre-Service Testing Options

Visit the PDE-Certification Testing Requirements web page for additional information.

It is not necessary to complete an education degree to be certified. By applying to the Post-Baccalaureate certification program, you can complete the courses you still need for certification without completing another degree.  The Post-Baccalaureate certification program is meant to "fill the gaps" between your previous degree work and what requirements need to be completed in order to meet the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) certification requirements.

It is possible to work on a Master's degree and certification at the same time. You should select both options on the Graduate Studies Application. Any courses that are required for both programs will count toward both.

Some areas of certification only require the appropriate PRAXIS test and submission of the appropriate paperwork to PDE. Other areas of Certification may require admission to a state-approved Post-Baccalaureate certification program, completion of the appropriate course work and the Specialty PRAXIS test for that certification area.

Please visit the PDE website for Adding an Area to a PA Instructional Certificate for clarification on adding each area.

You will need to contact the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for this information.

It is advisable to take your content area Praxis II exam(s) the semester prior to student teaching or prior to completion of your certification program.

A specialty test is required for each area of certification. Therefore, you will need to take more than one specialty test.

You will only need to take the specialty test for the certification area that you are adding.

No, this is a state requirement.  The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requires you to submit passing test scores before your certification is awarded by PDE.

Yes, you can submit your TIMS application without passing test scores.  PDE will hold your application for one year.  (Subject to change - see the PDE website for more information.)

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) processes applications in approximately six to eight weeks from the date they receive them from our Certification Office.

Applications are submitted to PDE by this Certification Office as soon as possible after your last semester or graduation date and with the following information completed:

• Grades must be finalized,
• Degrees conferred,
• All signed PDE-430 forms submitted,
• All "official" passing PRAXIS test scores on file,
• and your GPA must be 3.0 or higher.

Once PDE has received your certification application from us, you may check the status of your application by logging into the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS).  This site will also be helpful to you for tracking your ACT 48 credits and other information regarding your status with PDE.

Your teaching certificate will be sent directly to you by the Bureau of Teacher Preparation and Certification (PDE) in Harrisburg, PA.

This letter will be sent to all students who have completed the MU Request for Recommendation form after recommendation to PDE is made. 

If you are currently applying for jobs, it is recommended that you upload a copy of your degree audit or transcript to show your progress in the program.

If you have misplaced your Pennsylvania certificate, you may now print a copy of your certificate via the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS).  If you have not previously accessed your teacher information through the TIMS application portal, follow the steps to setting up a user name and password for TIMS in our Screenshot Guide.

Contact the Bureau of Teacher Preparation and Certification for more information.

Website: PA Department of Education

Address:
Bureau of Teacher Preparation and Certification
Pennsylvania Department of Education
333 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333

Phone:  717-783-6788

If you want information on certification requirements in another state, you must contact the certifying agency in that state. (See Out-of-State Certification).