College of Education and Social Work

$100 (Candidates applying for an Endorsement)

• Bachelor's and Master's degree candidates can begin applying in TIMS through the PDE website on or after the first day of the month during which they will graduate.
  • Fall graduates: December 1
  • Spring graduates: May 1
  • Summer graduates: August 1
  • Winter graduates: January 1
• Post Baccalaureate (non-degree) candidates can begin applying in TIMS through the PDE website on or after the first day of the month during which they will complete their program requirements.
  • Fall completers: December 1
  • Spring completers: May 1
  • Summer I completers: June 1
  • Summer II completers: July 1
  • Summer III completers: August 1

The timeline is subject to change. Please check out the PA Department webpage.

• Completed the Intent Form
• Met all academic requirements
• Met all PA test requirements
• Applied online through TIMS
• Completed a preparation program and, if applicable, received graduation clearance by all departments and the Registrar's Office

Once these requirements are fulfilled, the letter will be mailed to the address provided on the Intent Form. Please review the above answer to "What is the certification processing timeline?" for information about when to expect the letter in the mail.

Your PPID number is required to complete most employment applications. To receive your PPID, register in TIMS. In the box on the right, select “TIMS (Certification Application System) Log In.” Select “Register.” Complete the registration form. Wait up to 24 hours for the confirmation email. Once your account is established, log in and select “View and Update My Profile” to retrieve your PPID number.

If you need your official transcripts sent directly to a recipient that must be done through the WCU Registrar’s Office. When you order a transcript, you need to indicate your request to send that transcript to the “recipient” in the order form by entering in their email address. When you enter that in Parchment (via RamPortal to order a transcript) you are basically telling WCU to send it there.

Your Professional Personal ID “PPID” is obtained after your TIMS profile is set up. Your PPID is located on your TIMS personal profile page.

• Instructional I content areas can be added on to an Instructional certification by passing the required subject test(s). Certification areas offered as add-ons and the corresponding test(s) can be found on PDE's website. View this link for directions on how to add a PA Certification by testing alone. 
• The GPA Sliding Scale cannot be used. Candidates must earn a passing score on required tests.
• Certification areas can be added after an initial certification:
  • Candidates who already hold an Instructional certification must submit a TIMS application and pay the administrative fee of $200 to receive certification for the add-on.
• Find further details and apply through the PDE website.

• West Chester University is approved to offer Education Preparation Programs that lead to certification/licensure in Pennsylvania. While we monitor certification/licensure laws in each state, state requirements are subject to change without notice. If you are interested in certification/licensure outside of Pennsylvania, we encourage you to contact the appropriate state licensing agency to seek guidance and verify requirements before beginning a program and during your program of study. Please use this page to assist - WCU Professional Licensure and Certification - College of Education and Social Work.
• We have supplemental guidance for New Jersey based on information we’ve gathered from alumni and colleagues. 
• Many states require a verification of program completion form as part of their application process. If your application requires a form or verification to be completed please email Dr. Ashley Rowe (arowe@wcupa.edu) to address your form. Please be sure to put all your information on the form before sending!

Yes! As of the July 11, 2024 - Governor Shapiro signed Act 55 of 2024 into law. It which permits those ‘authorized to work in the United States’ to apply to be teachers.