American Board › States › Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Teacher Certification
Congratulations! You are on your way to becoming a teacher in Pennsylvania. American Board’s program offers a flexible and affordable path from where you are today to a Pennsylvania classroom of your own.
Pennsylvania
$1,900Standard Program Cost
Online
Self-paced
Competency-based
1
Partnership
Enroll in American Board and the partner Point Park University program.
2
Study
Pass the required subject-area and PTK exams provided by American Board.
3
Apply
When applicable, apply for your Temporary Teaching Permit.
4
Teach
Begin teaching in a Pennsylvania School.
Elementary (PreK-4)
The elementary certification program covers core subjects for our youngest learners including English language arts, history, math, and science.
Special Education (PreK-12)
The special education certification program covers professional skills and background knowledge, general special education practices, a strong focus on special education laws, and more.
Biology (7-12)
The biology certification program covers scientific investigation, cell biology and microbiology, molecular biology, and more.
Chemistry (7-12)
The chemistry certification program covers atomic structure, periodicity, and matter; reactions and reactivity, and more.
English Language Arts (7-12)
The English language arts certification program covers comprehension of texts, oral and written language skills, and more.
General Science (7-12)
The general science certification program covers scientific investigation, biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics.
Math (7-12)
The mathematics certification program covers domains including algebra, geometry, probability and statistics, and calculus.
Physics (7-12)
The physics certification program includes classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and more.
Social Studies (7-12)
The history certification program covers both U.S. and world history including topics such as classical civilizations and the establishment and growth of a republic.
“This program proved to be not only the most efficient but also the most cost-effective path to teacher certification in my state. Its self-paced, self-study format provided me with the flexibility to continue substituting in my preferred district, allowing me to gain valuable work experience and build relationships that eventually led to securing a position. I am now currently working as a kindergarten teacher in my home district. I feel so lucky to have found teaching later in life, and The American Board helped make that dream a reality.”
Jill Cashdollar, Pennsylvania Teacher
How to Get Your Pennsylvania Teaching License
Step 1
Enroll in American Board’s online program.
Step 2
Step 3
Prepare for and pass American Board’s required Professional Teaching Knowledge (PTK) and subject area exams.
Step 4
Apply online to Point Park University and complete Phases 1-2 described here: www.pointpark.edu/abcte.
Step 5
Upon successful completion of Phases 1-2, apply for a Temporary Teaching Permit (TTP) and complete a 60-day teaching placement in Phase 3. When applying for the TTP, you must include:
a. A copy of the front and back of your American Board certificate.
b. A copy of your American Board test scores.
c. Your completed American Board Temporary Teaching Permit Application Addendum.
d. A sealed official copy of your bachelor’s degree college transcript.
Step 6
Complete the 60-day mentoring process.
Step 7
Upgrade your TTP into a Level I Certificate (valid for 6 years) and begin teaching.
How to Upgrade to a Pennsylvania Level 2 Certificate
You will have 6 years to upgrade your Level 1 Certificate to a Level II Certificate by completing the service, credit, induction, and assessment requirements.
Is the cost of Point Park’s program included in the cost of American Board’s program?
No. American Board and Point Park’s programs have separate costs. You can learn about the costs associated with Point Park’s program here.
Can I certify in multiple subject areas?
No. You can only receive your Temporary Teaching Permit and Level I Certificate in one subject area.
If I complete American Board’s Special Education program, will I be able to receive my license in both Elementary Education and Special Education?
No. Candidates seeking to teach Special Education must successfully complete American Board’s Elementary Education exam in addition to Special Education and Professional Teaching Knowledge exams. Please note that you will receive two certificates (Elementary Education PreK-4 and Special Education) upon completion of the American Board Special Education program. However, your Temporary Teaching Permit and eventual Level I Pennsylvania Instructional Certificate will be for Special Education only.
Can I apply to Point Park before I take my American Board exams?
Yes. Candidates can apply to Point Park University prior to completing American Board exams by submitting a WAIVER, with required signature to Point Park University. See HERE for more information.
Where can I find more information about Alabama teaching requirements?
For more information on state teaching requirements and how to apply for your license, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education website.
Ready to get started?
Choose your state and subject, enroll online in minutes, and start studying the same day — or try the free one-week trial first to see how the program works.