PECT PreK-4

Who is Eligible?

To be approved to sit for this PECT exam you must fall into one of the following categories:

• Be an undergraduate who is seeking their initial state-approved Pennsylvania educator preparation certificate and pass a basic skills assessment, such as the PAPA or Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment
• Have at least a baccalaureate degree and register to take PECT
• Have a certified teaching license and be looking to add another certificate in this area

The fees due at registration for this PECT exam and its modules are as follows:

Module 1: $46

Module 2: $46

Module 3: $53

All three modules together: $131

When and Where is it Taken?

These modules can be scheduled year-round by appointment through Pearson VUE, a professional testing firm. Tests are available Monday through Friday from 8 am to 8 pm. Some Saturday and Sunday exams are available upon request as well.

Modules can be scheduled together in one testing session, or they may be taken separately.

Pearson VUE has locations scattered all throughout the state of Pennsylvania and nationwide. Choose a time, date, and location that is most convenient for you. However, it is recommended that you register as early as possible as seating may be limited and is filled on a first come, first served basis.

Special accommodations can be made for those with disabilities or who cannot test under normal conditions. If you need such accommodations, make sure to request this as early as possible in your registration to ensure timely approval.

If you need to reschedule or cancel your test appointment, you must do so at least 24 hours before your original exam. You will be counted as a no-show if you wait any longer to make changes, which will result in the forfeiture of your exam fees and you having to reregister and submit another payment.

What Can I Bring?

It is essential that you arrive at least 15 minutes early for your testing appointment. This will ensure that you have enough time to complete the check-in process before your exam begins. Those of you who arrive late will not be allowed entrance and will forfeit any fees and have to reregister.

You will need to bring at least one form of identification with you to the testing site. This must be printed in English with your full name as it appears on your application, your signature, and a recent and recognizable photo. You may be asked for another ID or not allowed to enter if your ID has missing or incorrect information on it.

All personal items must be kept in a designated locker during the exam and are not allowed in the testing area. This includes but is not limited to:

• Cell phones
• Calculators and study materials
• Food and drinks
• Bags and purses
• Paper and pencils
• Watches, jewelry, and outerwear

If you are found with these or similar items on your person, you will be immediately dismissed and your scores voided.

A standard on-screen calculator will be provided to you during Module 3 of the exam. You will also be given a glossary of commonly used acronyms for use in all modules.

What is Covered?

This exam consists of three subtests or modules. You must pass all three to be certified as a teacher in Pennsylvania.

Below you will find and description of each, including the amount of time and number of questions given.

Module 1 (36 selected response items/45 minutes)

Child development, learning, and assessment and collaboration and professionalism

Module 2 (45 selected response items/75 minutes)       

Fundamentals of Language and Literacy development and Social Studies, Arts, and Humanities

Module 3 (45 selected response items/90 minutes)

Basic concepts of Mathematics, Science, and Health

If you have chosen to take all three in one testing session, you will be given a 15-minute break in between each module.

How is it Scored?

Your unofficial score reports will be given to you at the end of your exam at the testing center. This will include your total scaled score, your pass or fail status, and diagnostic information about your performance on each area of the exam.  

Scores are scaled on a range from 100-300 per module. You must receive a score of at least 197 to pass Module 1 and a score of at least 193 to pass Modules 2 and 3.

Your official score report will be available online within 10 business days after your exam appointment. This report will automatically be sent to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, your Pennsylvania program provider, and to any program providers you selected during registration. If you should fail this exam or any of its modules, you can reregister to take it again. You must wait at least 30 days before retaking any module.

How Can I Prepare for the PECT PreK-4 Test?

That’s a great question.  We’ve broken down the answer into three parts.

1. Do yourself a favor and study.  Do not walk in unprepared. We have recommended prep materials below, but that only helps if you actually try.  Plus, studying is actually proven to be the best antidote to test anxiety.
2. Take care of yourself.  Make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and sleeping.  All of these things are scientifically linked to brain performance.  If you take care of your body, you’ll be helping your grades.
3. Get a study guide or set of flashcards.  Some people study better a certain way. Find your study strengths and make the most of them.  We’ve tried to make it easy for you by tracking down the best study guide and flashcard set for your exam.  Below you’ll see links to both!