How licensure works here
Pennsylvania issues the Instructional I certificate (advancing to Instructional II) through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. You complete an approved program and pass the required tests — Pennsylvania uses a mix of Praxis and its own PECT exams depending on your area.
Which tests this state uses
Pennsylvania uses two testing systems, by certification area:
- PraxisSubject Assessments (and, where required, core/basic-skills tests) for most secondary and many other areas
- PECT (Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests)Used for PreK-4, PreK-4 & special education, and some other specific certificates
- Basic skillsOften satisfied via Praxis Core or qualifying SAT/ACT scores — confirm current options
What you need to get licensed
The typical path to an initial teaching license in Pennsylvania:
- A bachelor’s degreeFrom an accredited college or university
- A state-approved teacher-preparation programCompleted at a college or through an approved alternative route
- Student teaching / clinical practiceSupervised classroom experience
- Pass the required examsSee the exams section above
- A background checkFingerprint-based criminal background check
- Apply to the stateSubmit your application and documents to the licensing agency
Other paths into teaching
Most states offer alternative routes for career-changers and those with a degree in another field. In Pennsylvania, these typically let you start teaching while completing licensure requirements — through district or university alternative-certification programs, residencies, or emergency/provisional permits. Requirements (and the exams) are generally the same in the end. Confirm current options with the state.
Reciprocity & out-of-state licenses
Moving a license into or out of Pennsylvania:
- Interstate agreementsMost states participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which eases (but doesn’t guarantee) recognition of an out-of-state license
- You may still owe examsStates often require you to meet their own testing (or coursework) requirements, sometimes within a grace period
- Check both statesConfirm the specific steps with Pennsylvanias agency and your current state
Keeping your license current
Initial licenses are typically valid for a set number of years and renewed by completing continuing education / professional development (and sometimes advancing to a professional-level license). Confirm the renewal cycle and requirements with the state.
Tips for aspiring teachers
- Start with your prep programAn approved program will map the exact exams and steps for you
- Confirm the current testsStates revise required exams often — verify before you register
- Register for exams earlySeats and score-reporting timelines matter for your start date
- Budget for feesExams, fingerprinting, and application fees add up
- Keep your documentsTranscripts, scores, and verification forms speed up your application
Frequently asked questions
- What exams does Pennsylvania require to teach?Pennsylvania uses Praxis subject tests for most areas and its own PECT exams for PreK-4 and special education.
- Do I need a degree to teach in Pennsylvania?Yes — at least a bachelor’s degree, plus an approved preparation program.
- Can I teach while I finish licensure?Often yes, through an alternative route or provisional permit — confirm with the state.
- Can I transfer my license from another state?Usually with steps — see the reciprocity section.
- Where do I confirm the exact requirements?Your state licensing agency and your preparation program (see below).
At a glance
- AgencyPennsylvania Department of Education
- Most areasPraxis subject & core tests
- PreK-4 & special edPECT modules
- CertificateInstructional I — then II
Official sources
Confirm current requirements with the official sources: