Experience-Based Certification

Point Park University is an approved Pennsylvania program provider for individuals holding or applying for experience-based certification. At Point Park, you can earn the following degrees, leading to an Instructional I Certificate, in an accelerated timeline:

This accelerated 18-month pathway includes online courses and one year of a supervised student-teaching practicum and seminar.

What is experience-based certification?

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, "Pennsylvania's teacher Experience-Based certification is a professional certificate that entitles the holder to fill a full-time professional teaching position. The teacher Experience-Based certification program is an alternate route to certification through an approved Pennsylvania program provider."

To learn more about how to acquire an experience-based certificate, visit Instructional Experience-Based Certification | Department of Education | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Eligibility

Those interested in pursuing an experience-based certificate must:

Be of good moral character
Be at least 18 years of age
Unless applying to teach a world language, be a U.S. citizen, or legally authorized to work in the U.S. A permanent resident immigrant visa holder is legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree
Enroll in the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) approved Experience-Based program at Point Park; a minimum 3.0 GPA is required to enter the program
Secure a full-time or long-term substitute position in your content area(s)
Meet all testing requirements
Submit an online application through the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS)

How Does It Work?

Step 1: Take and Pass Praxis or PECT

Document the date passed.
Submit results to Canvas.

Step 2: Prepare for an Experience-Based Placement

Obtain a full-time or long-term substitute position in your content area(s) at an accredited PK-12 school.
Complete all clearances, statement of financial responsibility and training as required by law.
Apply for the experience-based certificate.
Submit it on Canvas.

Step 3: Apply for an Experience-Based Certificate through TIMS.

Document the date applied.
Submit documentation on Canvas.

Step 4: Follow M.Ed. Course Sequence

Experience-Based Candidates may begin in either Spring II or Summer II terms. The course sequence for experience-based certificates is accelerated. Be sure to refer to your advising sheet to stay on track.

Step 4: Attend Experience-Based Student Teaching Orientation

You will be assigned an experience-based supervisor, who will observe you once a month and complete the PDE 430 with each observation.

Support for Experience-Based Certification Candidates

During the Experience-Based Certification Process

While taking classes, Experience-Based candidates:

will have support from course instructors;
will participate in an Experience-Based orientation before the start of the school year;
will take a seminar class while completing the Experience-Based program;
will find a mentor within their school; and
will receive observations and feedback from a Point Park supervisor once a month.

After the Experience-Based Program

When classwork is complete, Experience-Based candidates:

will receive guidance on when and how to apply for the Instructional I Certificate;
will receive guidance on how to convert Instructional I to Instructional II;
will access further professional development and connections with alumni; and
will participate in an exit interview with the university to assess students’ experiences and inform program improvement.

Learn More

For more information, contact Assistant Professor and Director of Master's Programs Kristen Misutka, Ph.D., at kmisutka@pointpark.edu or 412-392-4743.

Experience-Based Certification Process

Master of Education