Students will need to prepare well for the standardized tests required for admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP) and Pennsylvania certification. The resources listed below are resources that have been recommended to be helpful. You are encouraged to review the list to determine which methods might be the most beneficial to you as you prepare for these important tests.
Basic Skills Test
- Students can meet the Basic Skills Test requirement for admission to the Teacher Education Program by meeting the required scores for the SAT, ACT+Writing, PAPA, or ETS Core Assessment. Please note that the requirement is waived for all students entering a Teacher Education Program/applying for licensure between 7/8/2022 and 7/8/2025.
- We recommend that students start by taking the practice tests found online for the test they plan to take. The results will help you discern the areas where you will need to focus your preparation.
- Schedule an appointment with a Learning Center tutor who can help you prepare.
- Khan Academy is a good resource for preparation for the ETS Core for Educators (Praxis I). This can also be helpful for any of the other tests.
- For general math review, Purple Math or Catchup Math might be helpful. Focus on concepts taught in algebra, geometry, and basic trigonometry. There is also a smartphone/tablet app available to help with PAPA preparation. This would also help with preparation for the math module of any of the other tests.
- For the writing module, ask yourself if you agree or disagree with the statement. Write an introductory paragraph stating your stance. Select at least three reasons why and use those as an outline, providing at least a paragraph for each point. Concentrate less on making your point and more on layout, grammar, and spelling. Then write another paragraph of conclusion. As you prepare, try this with the sample test questions on the practice test.
- Resources targeted at preparation for SAT testing should provide a review of the types of questions you will find on the PAPA & ETS Core Assessment as well as for the SAT.
- Butler County Community College offers an online course to prepare students for the PAPA.
- Online prep for the PAPA can be purchased at this website. You can preview the material before purchase.
Content Knowledge Exams (taken near the end of your program)
- We recommend that students start at the website for preparation materials. Take the practice test for the exam you will be taking, and use the results to help focus your preparation. The websites also provide a description of the content that is tested in each of the modules that will help you focus your study.
- It might be beneficial to prepare for and take each module/exam separately.
- Use textbooks and notes to focus on content-specific areas that need review. Professors in the specific content area may be able to help with materials that will help you prepare.
- Test prep for Content Knowledge tests - Praxis and PECT - is available at www.passpraxis.com.
- Some test preparation material may be available through the library or through interlibrary loan.
- Butler County Community College offers an online course to prepare students for the PECT. There is a student fee for this course.
- Interactive Practice Tests, which simulate the actual testing experience, with a score at the end and analysis of types of questions missed to target study, are available when you register for a Praxis II exam.Take advantage of this valuable tool.
Please note that suggestions for test preparation help are not endorsed by the Messiah University TEP. They are listed as options only. We have not reviewed specific materials or courses to determine effectiveness. If students have resources that have been helpful, but are not listed, or if they find that those listed are not helpful for test preparation, we welcome your feedback that can help other students better prepare to be successful on these required tests.