Certification

The new test for Spcecial Education PK-12 is listed below. For individuals obtaining Special Education PK-12 as an initial PA certificate, Fundamental Subjects (5511) must also be completed as a required test. 

Certification Subject Area Test Name and Code Passing Score
Special Education PK-12

Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications (5354)
Discontinued: 8/31/23

 151
 

Special Education: Foundational Knowledge (5355)
Discontinued: 9/1/23

 145
  Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge (5511) 150

**Note: A Successfully completed discontinued test will be accepted indefinitely if taken prior to the date it is discontinued. 

NEW Spec Ed PK-12 Double-Majors

STEP 1: Finish Student Teaching and any related certification or degree coursework

STEP 2: Test for Special Education PK-12 and apply in the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) at the time of program completion.

Praxis Exams required: Register now and make sure to report scores to Pennsylvania (PDE) and WCU

  • Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications: #5354

Please note that PDE allows for your graduate GPA to help achieve a qualifying score (Sliding Scale) - click on #3

STEP 3: Apply in TIMS using the correct directions if you have already completed STEP 1.

NEW Spec Ed PK-12 Standalone

STEP 1: Finish Student Teaching and any related certification or degree coursework

STEP 2: Test for Special Education PK-12 and apply in the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) at the time of program completion.

Praxis Exams required: Register now and make sure to report scores to Pennsylvania (PDE) and WCU

  • Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications: #5354
  • Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge: #5511*

*If you already hold an active and valid Instructional I certificate, you do not need #5511. All PK-12 certifications, if an initial certification, must include the certification content test and the fundamental subjects test—except if dual enrolled with PK-4 or Grades 4-8 and a PK-12 certification area. The fundamental subject areas tested are addressed and embedded in the PK-4 and Grades 4-8 test modules.

Please note that PDE allows for your graduate GPA to help achieve a qualifying score (Sliding Scale) - click on #3

STEP 3: Apply in TIMS using the correct directions if you have already completed STEP 1.