Precertification Competency Examination on Educating Students with Disabilities
Precertification Competency Examination on Educating Students with Disabilities
Background
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has mandated that all candidates recommended for a Level I professional certificate by an institution with an approved certification program must demonstrate generic competencies dealing with the education of students with disabilities. The guidelines pertain to compliance with U.S. Public Law 94-142 as amended in 1997 by the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) --Public Law 105-17.
This mandate requires that all certification candidates seeking Penn State’s endorsement for Level I certificates (Instructional, Administrative, Educational Specialist, Supervisory, Vocational II, and Administrative Letters of Eligibility) must successfully complete a specific Penn State course* or pass an examination covering the knowledge competencies. Most certification candidates fulfill this requirement by completing one of the approved courses.
Preparation
Preparation for the examination may be undertaken by several means. All Penn State programs preparing school personnel presently address the topic of, and the issues pertaining to Public Laws 94-142 and 105-17 in their required coursework. The courses Special Education (SPLED) 400, 444, and 501 include material directly related to the competency areas.
Administration
Candidates are encouraged to complete an approved Special Education course, or schedule the examination. Applications for certification will NOT be processed until this requirement is fulfilled.
The exam is administered at University Park in 228 Chambers Building. Candidates may preregister in person or call (814) 865-0488 to schedule the test. The test is offered Monday through Friday with test administrations at 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Evening and weekend hours are not available. The exam may also be scheduled at Penn State Great Valley; call (610) 648-3200 for details.
Although there is no charge for the exam, there is a limitation of two attempts to pass before unsuccessful candidates are required to complete an approved course.
A criterion performance of 75% is required to pass this exam and to receive the required Penn State recommendation resulting in the issuance of the professional certificate by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
*NOTE: This exam is waived for School Psychology and Special Education majors, or recipients of such degrees, and students who have completed the PSU course SPLED 400, 444, or 501 with a grade of “C” or better.
