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  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Bachelor's Degrees
  4. Elementary and Early Childhood Education

Testing Requirements

Requirements for Entrance to Major

The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires that undergraduate students in all Instructional I teacher certification programs must successfully complete a Basic Skills Assessment.

As of summer 2018, the Basic Skills Assessment at Penn State must be fulfilled by completing the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educations (CORE) exams. The CORE series includes three modules: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. You may take one or all three modules at one test appointment. The CORE may be passed by achieving a 156 in Reading, a 162 in Writing and a 142 in Mathematics, or by the Composite Score Option. Once on the PDE testing page, select option 2 under "Testing Requirements."

Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CORE) Passing Scores
CORE Passing Score Minimum Composite Score
Core Academic Skills for Educators: Reading 156 148
Core Academic Skills for Educators: Writing 162 158
Core Academic Skills for Educators: Mathematics 142 132

Composite Score Method - CORE tests
Minimum Composite Score Total = 460

Recommended Scheduling

Students are strongly encouraged to attempt these tests during the first year or by no later than the September testing date of the sophomore year.

Requirements for Instructional I Certification

For the Instructional I Certificate, the Pennsylvania Department of Education currently requires qualifying scores on the following PECT tests:

Childhood Education Teaching Option
Certification Area Test Vendor & Series Test Code Test Name Qualifying Score
Childhood Education Teaching Option (PK-4) ESP/PECT PA 702 Pre K - 4 Module 1, Module 2, and Module 3
or
220 per Module
PA 006 Pre K - 4 Module 1 220
PA 007 Pre K - 4 Module 2 220
PA 008 Pre K - 4 Module 3 220

Recommended Scheduling
Begin taking at the beginning of the graduation semester

NOTE: Make sure you have these scores reported to Penn State. If your scores do not appear on your degree audit, a copy of your ETS score sheet must be attached to your certification application submitted during your graduation semester. KEEP YOUR ETS SCORE SHEET(S)!

For more information, visit Penn State College of Education Teacher Testing or Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests.

Elementary and Early Childhood Education

  • Request Information about Elementary and Early Childhood Education
  • Program Overview
  • Suggested Academic Plan
  • Clearances and Verifications
  • Testing Requirements
  • Instructional I Certification
  • Online Resources
  • Field Experiences
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    • Professional Development Partnership
    • Language and Literacy Education Field Experience
    • Kappa Delta Pi
    • Student Pennsylvania State Education Association
  • Education Faculty and Staff
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Out-of-Class Learning

Explore out-of-classroom academic experiences that complement in-class learning, including study abroad/study away programs, internships, undergraduate research, and community-based studies.

Find Out More

See Also

  • Objectives & Outcomes
  • Division of Education, Human Development, and Social Sciences
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Altoona highlighted

Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
  • facebook
  • twitter
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  • linkedin
Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Welcome from the Chancellor
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • College Leadership
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Robert L. Smith Learning Resources Center
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Center for Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Student Diversity and Inclusion Programming
    • International Student Services
    • Housing
    • Parking
    • Police and Safety
    • Career Services
    • Diversity at Penn State Altoona
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Community-Based Studies
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
    • Athletics News
    • Camps and Clinics
    • Hall of Fame
  • Stay Connected
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    • Offices and Divisions
    • Campus Calendar
    • PSUAlert Text Messaging Service
    • COVID-19 Information
    • Penn State Altoona Connect
    • Penn State Student Engagement Network
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3000 Ivyside Park, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601 814-949-5000

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