Mansfield University Home PageWhat is certification?
Certification is a process resulting in a credential which is earned by successfully completing a prescribed sequence of courses and classroom experiences, state-mandated examinations, and by meeting appropriate mental, physical, and moral criteria. A teaching certificate enables the holder of the credential to teach the subject area(s) cited on the certificate in the state of Pennsylvania. The initial certificate (provisional, type 61) is valid for six teaching years.
Once you begin either a full-time teaching position or long-term, contracted substitute teaching position (per diem or day-to-day substitute positions are excluded), you have six teaching years to complete three years of satisfactory teaching experience and twenty-four (24) post-baccalaureate credits at either the undergraduate or graduate level (or combinations of both totaling 24 credits).
How do I obtain certification?
If you are enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Education program at Mansfield, your degree program requirements include all Pennsylvania and Mansfield University certification course requirements.
If you already possess a baccalaureate degree, you may earn certification by successfully completing prescribed courses cited in a certification program. The certification program is normally prepared by overlaying your prior completed courses against Pennsylvania and Mansfield University certification requirements. Your certification program will be a combination of course work already completed and course work remaining to be completed to satisfy certification program requirements.
In addition to completion of all prescribed courses, you must also achieve passing scores on the Praxis I PPST ® Basic Skills Tests, as well as the applicable Praxis II PLT ®specialty examination(s). It is possible to complete a prescribed program of study and still not be eligible to receive a teaching certificate if you do not achieve the required passing scores on the mandatory examinations.
Upon successful completion of all of the prescribed courses and achievement of satisfactory scores on the Praxis I & II ® examinations, you must also be recommended for a teaching credential by the university certification officer.
You must have an appropriate cumulative grade point average, as defined by State Board of Education (Chapter 49 provisions) to enter a certification program and to be recommended for certification.
You must also demonstrate good moral character as well as mental and physical health appropriate for a teacher. Certification application forms and procedures are provided as you near the end of your prescribed course work.
I wish to be certified in both New York State and Pennsylvania. Can I do both at once?
Generally you can satisfy certification requirements for both states if you identify the requirements of each state certification program and schedule courses and classroom experiences to satisfy both simultaneously. If you earn certification in one state, it does not guarantee certification in the other. You must satisfy each state's certification requirements which exist at the time you are applying. This may mean slightly different course experiences and/or classroom experiences. The number of credits required and standardized tests required vary also. For more information about NYS teacher certification, please review the interstate reciprocity agreement and contact Betty DeNardo, Teacher Certification Coordinator, GST BOCES, at 607-654-2269.
How long will it take me to complete my certification program?
The length of time to complete a certification program is determined by numerous factors including: number of courses required to satisfy certification program course requirements, number of credits you plan to take each semester (or summer), the appropriate scheduling of courses which are offered on a cyclical basis (e.g. once each fall or only in the spring), the successful completion and passing of each course scheduled, the timely scheduling and passing of required standardized tests, etc.
May I complete a Master's degree program and certification at the same time?
Yes, at Mansfield, you may complete your certification program by scheduling appropriate graduate course work. This same course work may apply to the course requirements of a Master's degree and serve to satisfy requirements for both the advanced degree and the certification program at the same time!
Many certification programs include enough graduate course possibilities to enable you to earn both the certification and degree programs taking graduate courses. Some students elect to finish the certification program first since this enables them to teach and then, after securing employment, return to complete graduate degree requirements.
These costs are often reimbursed by the employing school district under terms of their collective bargaining agreement.
As a Mansfield University education major/certification student, what Praxis II tests should I take?
Please refer to the Pennsylvania Instructional I Certificates Chart for test information.
Where can I find information regarding clearances?
Clearance information can be found through the Teacher Education and Educational Field Experiences website.
What is CLEP?
The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) enables students to test out of or CLEP a course using the appropriate course equivalency exam. For example, if you need a math course in order to fulfill the general education requirement for certification, then you may take CLEP exam 026 A&B. You must first complete the "Request for CLEP Exam" and obtain permission from both your advisor and the Admissions Office. You must then schedule and register for the CLEP exam through the Career Center. If you have questions, please call 570-662-4133.