Advanced Professional Studies - APS
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) mandates all teacher certification candidates meet certain criteria.
Millersville University has adopted the Advanced Professional Status (APS) requirements in order to meet those mandates and be a state approved teacher education program that successfully leads students to certification in the state of Pennsylvania.
Advanced Professional Studies (APS) status is required in order to register for Advanced Professional courses.
Millersville University APS Policy - Effective Fall 2015 (Amended 10/2020)
Note: Effective 2/25/2021 - see the temporary change to the clearance requirement under the APS requirement drop-downs below.
APS Application Processing Time
Updated 4/9/2021: APS applications may once again be processed. Please note that due to recent network events, and the backlog created, we are currently processing applications received in March. Processing may take longer than previously advertised. Please note - applications are being processed as quickly as possible.
APPLICATIONS ARE BEING PROCESSED IN THE ORDER RECEIVED. Students who are eligible for APS status but, have not yet applied are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Students will receive an email from Field Services when their application has been processed.
Field Services is aware of the upcoming course registration requirements. In an effort to focus on processing APS applications as quickly as possible, we are limiting our response to emails and phone calls regarding APS status.
Thank you for your understanding.
ACT 136 - Test Waiver
As directed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), students in educator preparation programs are eligible to request a waiver of the testing requirements for APS status for the period between November 25, 2020 through June 30, 2021. Additional information regarding the ACT 136 waiver can be found on the PDE website.
To participate in the waiver and have the APS testing requirement waived, follow the steps outlined below:
- Complete the ACT 136 Test Waiver Form in its entirety.
- Create a pdf of the completed form.
- Submit the pdf of the completed form in place of the testing scores requirement on your APS application.
- Keep the form for your records.
Revised 2/25/2021
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PROCESS - OBTAINING APS STATUS
Applications and application materials are not accepted by email.
All students must submit an Application for Admission to APS when they have met the APS requirements. Once formally admitted, students may register for APS courses.
- Complete the online APS application. (If you are applying to APS under the ACT 136 test waiver, please follow the steps above).
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing! Your application may take up to ten business days to process - apply at least 10 business days before registration begins to ensure that you do not miss your registration time slot.
- GPA, testing and ACT 126 training certificate requirements are not appealable.
- If you are in-progress to earn 48 credits or complete pre-requisite courses, or need a concurrent course appeal, please complete the APS application form and check the box to be considered for an appeal.
- Students will receive an email from Field Services after their application has been processed.
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BSE - APS Requirements
BSE students must meet the requirements below to achieve APS status:
- A minimum of 48 credits in-progress
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0; GPA of 2.8-2.99 requires higher test scores on Content Area Tests for Certification*
- Pass one of the Pre-Service Testing Options*
- ACT 126 Educator Ethics Training certificate of completion (effective 1/15/2020)*
- Pass one English Composition Course
- Pass one English Literature Course
- Pass two Mathematics Courses (100+ Level)
- Pass Education Foundations courses (EDFN 211/241) & receive a Favorable Faculty Recommendation
- Temporarily waived as of 2/25/2021 through 6/30/2021 - Copies of clearance documents must be on file with the Department of Field Services.
* Requirement not appealable. If you are applying for APS under the ACT 136 test waiver, please follow the steps above.
NOTE: Updated clearances must be on file by the clearance deadline prior to the start of the semester in which you will be in the field. View the clearance web page for more information.
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POST-BACCALAUREATE - APS REQUIREMENTS
Post-Baccalaureate students must meet the requirements below to achieve APS status:
- A minimum of 3 credits
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0; TCAT admits must complete TCAT requirements for admission*
- ACT 126 Educator Ethics Training certificate of completion (effective 1/15/2020)*
- Pass Education Foundations courses (EDFN 590/545) and/or receive Favorable Faculty Recommendations from other coursework as designated
- Temporarily waived as of 2/25/2021 through 6/30/2021 - Copies of clearance documents must be on file with the Department of Field Services
* Requirement not appealable
NOTE: Updated clearances must be on file by the clearance deadline prior to the start of the semester in which you will be in the field. View the clearance web page for more information.
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ACT 126 - Educator Ethics Training Certificate
Teacher Track - Professional Ethics & the Educator Discipline Act
ACT 126 – Educator Ethics Training is available on the Department of Education's SAS Portal and must be completed prior to submitting your APS application.
Students who do not have a SAS account must first register for an account by visiting PDE SAS.
- To register for and view the course, students must log into the SAS PDE Center. A brief assessment will be given at the end of the course.
Note: Complete the Teacher Track - Professional Ethics and the Educator Discipline Act portion on the course.
All students will receive a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the training. Keep a copy of your certificate for your records and to submit with your APS application.
The ACT 126 - Educators Ethics Training certificate of completion must be included with your application or your application will not considered complete and will not be processed.