Intern Certificate

The Intern certificate is a valid professional certificate that entitles the holder to fill a full-time professional teaching position. An Intern certificated individual is entitled to all rights and privileges of a temporary professional employee as defined by law. The current regulation states that a Teacher Intern certificate qualifies the holder to hold a full-time teaching position in the certification endorsement area in elementary and secondary schools of Pennsylvania.

Instructional I & II Certificate

The initial certificate, Instructional I, is also known as a provisional certificate. Depending on the type, it is valid for a specific number of years of service, during which the individual must complete an established set of requirements (e.g. coursework, teaching experience, or an induction program). Upon completion of those requirements, the individual is eligible for the Instructional II Certificate.  If the individual does not complete the established requirements within the statute of limitations mandated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Instructional I Certificate lapses and the individual becomes ineligible for employment in the Pennsylvania public school system.

Instructional Add-Ons

It is possible to ADD-ON additional Instructional Certification subject areas to your Instructional 1 certificate by taking additional Praxis II certification tests. There are exceptions to the testing only method of certification.  Requirements and exceptions are outlined in PDE's guide: Instructional Add-Ons

Vocational Instructional Certificate

The Temple University Center for Professional Development in Career and Technical Education provides vocational teacher certification services to Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers in eastern Pennsylvania. All CTE teachers must obtain a state-issued vocational teaching certificate.