Certification

Pre-Service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA)

ALL undergraduate students must complete and pass the Pre-Service Academic Performance Assessment before formal admittance to the Education program.  These tests assess the candidate’s knowledge of reading, writing, and mathematics.  Failure to successfully complete the Pre-Service Academic Performance Assessment may delay the candidate’s enrollment in upper level education coursework.    Information and registration can be found at the Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests (PECT) website.

Information on this site includes:

• Full length practice test
• Study guide
• Test preparation video
• Financial Assistance Vouchers
• Score report information
• Alternative testing arrangements

Please consult the table below for PAPA passing scores.

A Qualifying Score with GPA is available for the PAPA.  Please consult the attached document for this information.

**The Composite Scoring Option for PAPA was initiated to enable a candidate who may excel in one area such as mathematics, but who is not strong in another PAPA area, to receive a passing score on the PAPA series.  In order to qualify, a candidate must meet a minimum score in each test area (Mathematics, Reading, and Writing) and then exceed the passing score by an amount equal to the Standard Error of Measurement in one or two of the other test areas.  The candidate’s test scores are added together, and if the scores total 686, the candidate has passed the PAPA series.  The Composite Score Total does not represent the sum of the 3 minimum scores.  Candidates must achieve the qualifying score (220) in at least 1 area and also reach the Minimum Composite Score Total.   The Minimum Scores required for the Composite Scoring Option are shown in the above table.

Important! Because test requirements and passing scores change, students are encouraged to contact Dr. Phyllis Miller in Upland Center 106 for current information.