Adding a Content Area to a Certificate (existing credential)

ADDING A CONTENT AREA TO A CERTIFICATE
(to existing credential)
Since 2003, the Pennsylvania Department of Education has permitted teachers to add some "content" areas to their existing Instructional I certificates by fulfilling the criteria below. Note that this unique option does not require specific coursework or a recommendation from traditional teacher preparation institutions such as Penn State.

Additional Instructional I "content" areas can be added to an existing, valid Pennsylvania Instructional certificate where:
1. PRAXIS tests are already in existence and used in PA,
2. the PRAXIS test assesses academic "content",
3. Pennsylvania has established Qualifying Scores and,
4. it is a "content" area OTHER THAN the following areas:
Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, Health and Physical Education, Reading Specialist, Safety-Driver Education and all areas related to Special Education including Teaching Speech/Language Impairments.
(Effective September 1, 2013, it no longer will be possible to add Middle School teacher certification through the PRAXIS testing option).

Adding foreign language areas other than French, German and Spanish will require taking and passing a PRAXIS, or other professional test such as the ACTFL, which assesses foreign language "content".

Individuals may add an approved Instructional I "content" area to an existing certificate by applying directly to PDE using PDE’s online Teacher Information Mangagement System (TIMSA):
Candidates must apply for teacher certification using PDE’s online Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) www.education.state.pa.us

Note: Currently enrolled certification candidates may complete the PRAXIS test(s) at any time, and then apply for the additional certificate following graduation.