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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    ​Certification

    The Pennsylvania Department of Education Division of Certification Services oversees educator certification within the commonwealth. All of the information and resources for becoming a certified educator in Pennsylvania are available via the navigation boxes below.

    Current Processing times (once your application reaches "awaiting evaluation" status):

    In State Level I Certificates - 1 week

     

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    ​Frequently Asked Questions & Help

    Information and Updates

    TIMS Help/User Guides

    Quick Reference for Applicants

    Certification FAQs

    Obtaining Certificate with a Background Issue

    Updates from the Bureau of School Leadership and Teacher Quality (BSLTQ)

    ​Other Areas of Certification

    Career & Technical Certification

    Certificates of Preliminary Education

    Foreign Educated Certification Applicants

    Private Academic Certification

    Public Library Certification

    Veterans Preference

    ​Resources for Educators

    Fees and Forms

    Career Opportunities

    Notice of Certification Actions

    Search for an Educator

    Chapter 49 Implementation

    Professional Education and Teacher Quality (Educator Preparation)

    ​Contact Information

    Testing Requirements
    Background Checks/ Clearances
    New Educators
    Current PA Educators
    Out of State Educators
    Certification Staffing
    Certification Types
    Substitute Teaching