Steps to Program Completion
Educational Specialist, Administrative, Letter of Eligibility, & Endorsement Students
This information is for the certification types listed below:
- Educational Specialist
- Administrative
- Letter of Eligibility
- Endorsement
Scroll down and follow the steps in the appropriate accordion drop-down menus to be recommended to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
If you have questions, contact your program coordinator or the Certification Office at certification@millersville.edu (Please include your ID # in all communications. The Certification Office will communicate information through your Millersville University email.)
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Educational Specialist, Administrative, & Letter of Eligibility Students
Step 1 - Testing
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.
Detailed Guide - How to View Official Test Scores on File with the Certification Office
Step 2 - Program Completion
You MUST COMPLETE THE PROGRAM to be recommended to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for your Pennsylvania license.
- Check your MarAUDIT to confirm all requirements have been met.
- The MarAUDIT should reflect green checks for all completed courses.
- Millersville University will not be able to recommend you until all required course work is completed.
Step 3 - Register for Your TIMS Account
NOTE: If you already have a TIMS account, do not create a new one. You will use the same account to apply for your certification. Move directly to step 4.
To register for a TIMS account, follow the guides below.
Review PDE's 'Step-by-Step Guide' when registering for your TIMS account.
Go to TIMS Log In on the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) website to register for your account and receive your Professional Personnel Identification (PPID) number.
The PPID number is a unique, permanent number issued to all students upon their first entry into the PA public school system. This number will remain with you throughout your PA teaching career. Keep your PPID number. You will need it throughout your career.
Step 4 - Complete the MU Request to Recommend Form
This form provides information needed to recommend you to PDE.
If you are currently enrolled, complete this 'MU Request to Recommend' form.
All other students (inactive or past graduates), email field.services@millersville.edu for next steps.
- Spring/Summer Deadline Date - March 15th
- Fall/Winter Deadline Date - October 15th
*Forms will be accepted after the deadline date. However, students who submit this form by the deadline date will have their certification applications reviewed in the first round.
What you will need to complete the form:
- Your PPID number from the TIMS application.
- Test Scores (if applicable)
- Provide the address where you will be at after the end of the semester.
Step 5 - Complete the TIMS Application
STOP! Have you completed your MU Request to Recommend form?
- If no, go back to step 4 and complete the MU Request to Recommend form.
- If yes, continue with step 5.
- It is recommended that your TIMS application is submitted during the same month as your program completion.
The TIMS application is available on the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) website.
The following guides and information are available for your reference:
- Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) TIMS Help/User Guide
- View PDE TIMS FAQ for additional information
- Certification Code and Types
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is the only one who can see your application before you pay. If you feel you made an error or need someone to look at your application, you must contact PDE directly.
Verification of Completion Letter
What is it? - A letter provided by MU that confirms that the student has met all necessary requirements and therefore, MU has recommended the student to PDE for certification.
Purpose - To use as a placeholder letter AFTER you are recommended to PDE for certification when applying for jobs.
Why you may need it - Many employers request a copy of your certificate/license. Use the VOC letter until you receive your certificate/license from PDE.
PDE Certification Processing - It typically takes PDE several weeks to process a TIMS application from the time MU recommends a student for certification/licensure. Click here to view PDE's Certification webpage for processing times.
Notes:
- Students who have completed the 'MU Request for Recommendation' form will be issued a 'Verification of Completion' letter after MU has made recommendation to PDE.
- The 'Verification of Completion' letter cannot be provided prior to recommendation to PDE.
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Endorsement Students
Step 1 - Complete the MU Request to Recommend Form This form provides information needed to recommend you to PDE.
If you are currently enrolled, complete this 'MU Request to Recommend' form.
All other students (inactive or past graduates), email field.services@millersville.edu for next steps.
- Spring/Summer Deadline Date - March 15th
- Fall/Winter Deadline Date - October 15th
*Forms will be accepted after the deadline date. However, students who submit this form by the deadline date will have their certification applications reviewed in the first round.
What you will need to complete the form:
- Your PPID number from the TIMS application.
- Provide the address where you will be at after the end of the semester.
Step 2 - Complete the TIMS Application STOP! Have you completed your MU Request to Recommend form?
- If no, go back to step 1 and complete the MU Request to Recommend form.
- If yes, continue with step 2.
- It is recommended that your TIMS application is submitted during the same month as your program completion.
The TIMS application is available on the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) website.
The following guides and information are available for your reference:
- Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) TIMS Help/User Guide
- View PDE TIMS FAQ for additional information
- Certification Code and Types
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is the only one who can see your application before you pay. If you feel you made an error or need someone to look at your application, you must contact PDE directly.