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 on the link above to be directed to PDE's 'Certification - Testing Requirements' main page.
  • In the gray box on the right-hand side of the screen, click the link in the underlined wording: 'Certification Test and Score Requirements (Excel)'. 
    • This will open PDE's Excel Spreadsheet titled:  'Certification Test and Score Requirements'
    • Along the bottom of the screen/Excel document, there are several tabs.  Select the tab titled 'Basic Skills'.
    • The numbers under the heading 'Test Number' indicate the test codes of the required tests.
    • The last column on the right provides a link to the testing agency (ETS or ES Pearson - from which you can register for the required tests) with the passing score requirements for each test listed underneath.
  • Scroll down the web page PDE-Certification Testing Requirements for additional test registration and study guides as well as an 'Important Note' regarding Basic Skills testing.
• 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/Test Codes and Score Requirements are available on the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) website. 

For required tests, test codes and score requirements view PDE's "Certification Tests and Score Requirements" HERE   (GPA Allowance/Sliding Scale). 

• This link will re-direct you to PDE's Certification Testing Requirements website. 
• Scroll down the webpage for ... 'Test Registration and Student Guides' and more.
• In the gray box on the right-hand side of the screen, click the link in the underlined wording: 'Certification Test and Score Requirements (Excel)'. 
  • This will open PDE's Excel Spreadsheet titled:  'Certification Test and Score Requirements'
  • Along the bottom of the screen/Excel document, there are several tabs.  Select the tab appropriate for your particular certification area.
    • If this is your initial certification, most tests are listed on the tab titled 'Instructional'.
  • The 'Content Test Name and Code' column provides both the name of the test with the test code following in ().
  • The last column on the right provides a link to the testing agency (ETS or ES Pearson - from which you can register for that test).
•  You must list both PDE and MU as score recipients.
  • MU's recipients code is 2656.
  • PDE's recipients code is 8033.

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.  

It is important to make sure your test scores are sent to both MU and PDE and that you keep your score reports for future reference.

Official scores (those reported to MU directly from the testing agency) must be on file for MU to recommend you to PDE for certification. 

Allow for processing time - Certification Test Scores will not reflect immediately upon taking the required test(s).  

Reminder - You must list both PDE and MU as score recipients when taking the required test(s).

• MU's recipients code is 2656.
• PDE's recipients code is 8033.

How to View - test Scores Reported to MU:

You can view the test scores on file with MU through your MAX account.

1. Login to your MAX account.
2. Navigate to your 'Student Profile' page.
3. Select the 'Prior Education and Testing' page. 
   • Tests and scores reported to MU from the testing agencies are located on the 'Student Profile' page under 'Prior Education and Testing' in the new MAX.
4. Scroll through the listing to find the tests on file, or sort the list alphabetically, to locate the test name.
   
   • Certification Test Score information not on file with MU will not be included in the listing.
   • Certification Test Scores are not the only items included in the listing under the 'Testing' area. 

Guide - How to View Test Scores on File with MU

 

How to view - test Scores Reported to PDE:

Scores reported to PDE should be available to view in your TIMS account.

• Log into your TIMS account to view the scores reported to PDE.