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 myWCU 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.

• Refer to each state's Department of Education website for specific information regarding the state's certification requirements. Follow the state's procedures for testing requirements, online applications, application processing, etc.
• Many states require WCU's verification of program completion. Follow the steps below to receive this verification:
1. Obtain the state's form from their education website, which is usually one part of the application process.
2. Complete your portion of the Program Verification Form, which may be electronic (example, New Jersey).
3. Submit the Program Verification Form to the Certification Office, cesw@wcupa.edu. 
4. NOTE: If an official West Chester University transcript is required to be sent with the Program Verification Form, DO NOT place a transcript order through the Registrar's Office until AFTER the certification office confirms via email that the Program Verification Form has been completed.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requires candidates applying for Pennsylvania state certification to be a U.S. citizen. Candidates holding a Resident Alien Card (Green Card) can be issued certifications by PDE if they have filed a 'declaration of intent’ to become citizens. According to PDE, a candidate can enter a program but can only apply for the PA certification when the green card is issued and competencies (coursework and testing) are completed. Please note, World Language candidates applying for Instructional I certification in their native language are not required to hold a valid Resident Alien Card (Green Card), or declare their intent to become a U.S. citizen.