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Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests

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Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA)

A new Minimum Composite Score Total has been established for the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA).

Please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Certification Testing website link opens in a new window for updated information regarding basic skills testing requirements.

The PAPA includes three modules: Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. You may take one or all three modules at one test appointment. The PAPA series may be passed by meeting or exceeding the established minimum qualifying score on all three modules (see below), or by the Composite Score Option.

Format Selected-response items and constructed-response assignments
  • Reading: 36 selected-response items
  • Mathematics: 36 selected-response items
  • Writing: 36 selected-response items, 2 sentence correction assignments, and 1 extended-response assignment
Time
  • Reading: 45 minutes
  • Mathematics: 75 minutes
  • Writing: 75 minutes
Examinees will also have 15 minutes for a computer-based testing tutorial.

Examinees who take all three modules during a single test session will also have a 15-minute break between each module.
Test Dates By appointment, year round. Test appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Check real-time seat availability Link opens in a new window..
Test Sites CBT sites are located in Pennsylvania, nationwide, and in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Canada. Locate a test center Link opens in a new window..
Qualifying Score Performance criterion (cutscore):
  • Reading: 220
  • Mathematics: 193
  • Writing: 220
Reference Materials Provided for this Test A formulas page will be available during the Mathematics module. Review it now.
A standard on-screen calculator will be available during the Mathematics module. Read more.
Test Fee
  • Reading: $37
  • Mathematics: $44
  • Writing: $37
  • All three modules: $110
Review test fee and payment information.
Score Reporting Reading and Mathematics modules:
  • Preliminary test results are provided at the test center at the conclusion of your test session.
  • Score reports are available within 10 business days after testing.

Writing module: Score reports are available within 20 business days after testing.
Testing Policies When you register, you must agree to abide by all testing rules and policies. Read them now.
Prepare View the preparation materials available for this test.

Tests may include test questions that are being evaluated for future administrations and that do not affect an examinee's score.

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