The PAPA, PECT and Praxis Series provide tests and other services for Pennsylvania and other states to use as part of the teacher licensing and certification process. First, you must meet the state's Basic Skills Testing Requirements by demonstrating competence in reading, writing, and mathematics.
You must then pass the PECT or Praxis II exams, which consists of tests that measure your knowledge of your respective teaching discipline, before you may student teach. Current certification testing requirements can be found on the PDE website.
Pearson Pennsylvania Educators Certification Tests (PECT)
What Praxis tests do I need to take?
What Candidates Must Bring and Must Not Bring to the Test Administration
We have received updated information from ETS and IUP University Testing Services regarding what candidates must and must not bring to any administration of any Praxis test.
The Policy
Cell phones, BlackBerry devices, PDAs, or any other electronic or photographic devices are not permitted in the test center. Possession or use of any of these devices will result in dismissal from the test center, forfeiture of test fees, and cancellation of test scores.
Staff will not hold or collect devices from examinees under any circumstances.
Additionally, there have been issues with students not bringing appropriate identification.
All test takers must read the identification requirements on this page: On Test Day Overview.
This information applies to both computer-based and paper-based tests.
What Do I Do if I Don't Pass the Basic Skills Tests?
Students are permitted to take the Basic Skills Tests five times. If you don't pass the PAPA or CORE exams after the fifth attempt, you will need to download and complete the Request for Appeal. The appeal form will be needed for a meeting with the associate dean for Teacher Education. After completing this form, contact the Teacher Education Office to schedule an appointment to discuss your appeal (724-357-2485).