Content Knowledge Exams (including PECT and PRAXIS II)
Content knowledge exams, which assess your knowledge of the content related to the certification area, are required for Pennsylvania certification. Students should be sure that they register for the correct test, required for certification:
Students need to prepare before taking any of the required exams. See the link on the left for tips and resources to prepare.
When to take content knowledge exams:
- Special Education students - when most of the major courses are completed and no later than 8 weeks before you complete your coursework at Messiah University to ensure your certification application is not delayed. Some key content that is tested is offered in courses that are offered in Spring of the senior year. Your instructor of these courses should be able to advise you as to whether you have received the necessary content and are ready to test.
- All undergraduates, except Special Ed - as early as the summer after the junior year or, at the latest, 8 weeks before completion of coursework at Messiah University to ensure that their certification application is not delayed.
- Post-baccalaureate students - must pass the content knowledge exams prior to registration for student teaching.
Candidates for Pennsylvania certification should plan to take the content knowledge exams in Pennsylvania, if possible. When you register, it is important to list Messiah University as a score recipient. If a required exam is taken in another state or at home, be sure to list Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) as a score recipient.