Testing Information

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requires the Basic Skills (Pre-Service Tests) for students with a cumulative GPA between 2.8-2.99.

• Pre-Service Testing Options/Score Requirements are available on the PDE website: PDE-Certification Testing Requirements
  • Click the link on the right side of the screen titled 'Certification Test and Score Requirements'.
  • View the tab titled 'Basic Skills'.
• You must list both PDE and MU as score recipients. 
  • MU's recipient code for ETS is 2656. 
  • PDE's recipient code is 8033.

Certification Tests and Score Requirements are available on the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) website.  For required tests and score requirements view PDE's Certification Tests and Score Requirements HERE (GPA Sliding Scale).

• This link will re-direct you to the PDE Certification Testing Requirements website. 
• Click the link on the right side of the screen titled 'Certification Test and Score Requirements'.
• Select the appropriate tab within the document for your particular certification area.
  • If this is your initial certification, most tests are listed on the tab titled 'Instructional'. 

TESTING & GPA:  

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 or greater is required by PDE for certification. 

• For cumulative GPA's between 2.80-2.99
  • Higher test scores are required.
  • You will need to earn higher than the 'passing' score to meet PDE's testing requirements.
  • Check PDE's GPA Sliding Scale for score requirements. 
• For cumulative GPA's equaling 3.0
  • See PDE's document above.
• For cumulative GPA's of 3.01 or higher
  • Lower test scores are accepted.
  • If you pass by GPA, score reports will always reflect 'Not Passed'.
    • PDE will review your GPA and score report after you are recommended for certification by MU.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• The GPA sliding scale does not apply to add-ons. 
• For information regarding Qualifying Test Scores as related to GPA, view the appropriate column in the document above (PDE Certification Tests and Score Requirements and GPA Sliding Scale).
• You must list both PDE and MU as score recipients. 
  • MU's recipients code is 2656.
  • PDE's recipients code is 8033.

 

See below for some of the available study guides and practice tests.  Note that additional fees may be associated with some options.

Praxis Tests:

• Visit the Preparation Materials web page.  There is a study companion and an interactive test available.  
• Mometrix offers a short practice test for the Praxis tests.
• Khan Academy offers test preparation materials for the Praxis Core tests.

PAPA Tests:

• Visit the Practice Tests web page.  Practice and interactive tests are available.