Pennsylvania State Personnel Standards

Pennsylvania State Personnel Standards

Audiologist

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Discipline Audiologist
License/Certificate Audiologist
State Department State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language and Hearing
State Department Hyperlink https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Speech-Language%20Pathology%20and%20Audiology/Pages/default.aspx
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement Doctoral
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework Completion of a program of study comprised of 39 graduate semester hours distributed as follows: 6 hours in normal processes of speech, language, and hearing; 12 hours in pathologies of the auditory system and assessment of auditory disorders; 8 hours in habilitation and rehabilitation procedures for problems associated with hearing-impairment; 3 hours in the conservation of hearing; 3 hours in speech-language pathology disorders; and 3 hours in case management; 4 hours allocated among the areas listed in this paragraph or earned in other course work related to audiology.
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work? An applicant for licensure as an audiologist shall provide evidence of holding a doctoral degree in audiology from an academic program approved by an accrediting agency approved by the Board and the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. An applicant must pass the Praxis Examination in Audiology as a requirement for licensure. An applicant must complete 1,260 hours of supervised professional experience. Each speech-language pathologist or audiologist shall have completed 20 clock hours of continuing education per license during each preceding biennial renewal period.
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? Praxis Audiology (5343); Qualifying score: 162

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist

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Discipline Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist
License/Certificate Hearing Impaired PK-12
State Department Pennsylvania Department of Education
State Department Hyperlink https://www.education.pa.gov/Educators/Certification/Pages/default.aspx
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement Master's
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework Completion of a program of study comprised of 39 graduate semester hours distributed as follows: 12 hours in curriculum and instruction, 12 hours in language and communication, 3 hours in foundations, and 3 hours in speech science and audiology; 9 hours allocated among the areas listed in this paragraph or earned in other course work related to the teaching of the hearing-impaired.
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work? At least 375 hours of supervised clinical practicum in at least two different sites, as well as an internship program.
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? Praxis Special Education: Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students (5272) Qualifying score: 160
Additional requirements specific for schools? Teachers of Speech/Language Impaired and Teachers of Deaf/Hard of Hearing The Commonwealth of PA grants certification to speech- language clinicians and teachers of the deaf/hearing impaired who have completed the following. This is an educational certification. Individuals who have this credential are eligible to provide service in the schools only. If this is the only credential an individual holds, he/she is not eligible to provide therapy privately or in any setting other than a school.
Alternative Route Provisional or temporary The Pennsylvania Teacher Intern Certification Program is specifically designed for individuals who possess a minimum of a baccalaureate degree. Currently, the program is offered in 37 approved colleges and universities in Pennsylvania.

Early Childhood Educator

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Discipline Early Childhood Educator
License/Certificate Regular Early Childhood Education (Pre-K - 4)
State Department Pennsylvania Department of Education
State Department Hyperlink https://www.education.pa.gov/Educators/Certification/Pages/default.aspx
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range PreK - 4 yrs
Degree Level Requirement Bachelor's
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework Pre K-4 Professional Core & Program Areas/course credit recommendations Development, Cognition, and Learning Cognition and learning applied in the classroom* /3 Child development typical and atypical: birth through age 5 /3 The developing child, the primary years: K-4th grade /3 Subject Matter Content and Pedagogy Language Development in Early Childhood /3 Language development, academic success and learning to read* /3 Math foundations for the preschool years /3 Early literacy foundations for the preschool years (Pre K-1) /3 Literacy foundations for the primary grades (2-4) /3 Differentiated reading instruction for the primary grades: focus on interventions* /3 Math foundations for the primary grades /3 Social Studies methods /3 Science methods /3 Integrating the Arts for the developing child, Pre K- 4 Methods /3 Engaging Young Children in the Learning Process: Integrating Curriculum and Instruction /3 Assessment Assessment Methods I Observation and Informal* /3 Assessment Methods II Summative, Formative, Diagnostic, Benchmark* /3 Family and Community Collaboration Partnerships Family and Community Relationships /3 Family collaboration and diversity /3 Professionalism Evidenced based practices in early childhood care and education /3 Advocacy, Collaboration and Cooperative Learning, Issues and Trends /3 Minimum Recommended Core Course Credits /60 General Education Recommendations /48 Minimum of Student Teaching - 12 weeks /TBD by Institution Total Minimum Recommended Credits /120 Accommodations & Adaptations for Diverse Learners (TBD by institution as credits, hours, or combination) 9 credits/270 hours & 3 credits/90 hours
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work? Each candidate must participate in a minimum of 190 hours of field experience prior to student teaching, including one Pre-K placement (includes birth through Pre K), one K-1 placement, and one placement in grades 2-4. At least one placement during student teaching must include students in inclusive settings. A minimum of 12 weeks of full-time student teaching is required in §354.25(f).
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? The Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) offers two certifications in the subject of early childhood education: Certification and Staffing Policy Guidelines (CSPG) #39 for pre-k to the third grade and CSPG #41 for elementary education and grades K-6
Alternative Route Provisional or temporary The Pennsylvania Teacher Intern Certification Program is specifically designed for individuals who possess a minimum of a baccalaureate degree. Currently, the program is offered in 37 approved colleges and universities in Pennsylvania.

Early Childhood Special Educator Early Interventionist

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Discipline Early Childhood Special Educator
License/Certificate Early interventionist
State Department Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Pennsylvania Department of Education
State Department Hyperlink https://www.education.pa.gov/Early%20Learning/Early%20Intervention/Pages/Resources-for-Professionals.aspx#.VqegJfkrJhF
Type of License/Certificate Unspecified
Age Range Birth - 5 yrs
Degree Level Requirement Bachelor's
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework 15 credit hours in early intervention, early childhood special education, early childhood education, child development, special education, or family studies.
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work?  (1) A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in early intervention, early childhood special education, early childhood education, child development, special education or family studies, and 1 year of full-time or full-time-equivalent experience working directly with preschool children with disabilities and their families or a university-supervised or college-supervised student practicum or teaching experience with preschool children with disabilities and their families. (2) A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university which includes 15 credit hours in early intervention, early childhood special education, early childhood education, child development, special education, or family studies; and 1 year of full-time or full-time-equivalent experience working directly with preschool children with disabilities and their families; and demonstrated knowledge, understanding, and skills needed to perform the functions specified in § 4226.54 (relating to early interventionist responsibilities).
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? Certification by the Pennsylvania Civil Service Commission as meeting the qualifications of a Caseworker 2 or 3 classification.

Early Childhood Special Education (PreK-8)

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Discipline Early Childhood Special Educator
License/Certificate Special Education (PreK-12)
State Department Pennsylvania Department of Education
State Department Hyperlink https://www.education.pa.gov/Educators/Certification/Pages/default.aspx
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range PreK - 12
Degree Level Requirement Bachelor's
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework Pre K-4 Professional Core & Program Areas/course credit recommendations (4-8 is not listed here as the age does not apply to the age group we are targeting) Development, Cognition, and Learning Child development, typical and atypical: birth through age 5/3 The developing child - the primary years: K-4th grade/3 Subject Matter Content and Pedagogy Language Development in Early Childhood/3 Math foundations for the preschool years/3 Early literacy foundations for the preschool years (Pre K-1)/3 Literacy foundations for the primary grades (2-4)/3 Math foundations for the primary grades/3 Social Studies methods/3 Science methods/3 Integrating the Arts for the developing child, Pre K - 4 Methods/3 Engaging Young Children in the Learning Process: Integrating Curriculum and Instruction/3 Family and Community Collaboration Partnerships Family and Community Relationships/3 Family collaboration and diversity/3 Professionalism Evidenced based practices in early childhood care and education/3 Advocacy, Collaboration and Cooperative Learning, Issues and Trends/3 Core Course Credits 45 General Education Course Credits 48 Special Education Domain* (Table 3) 30 Total Credits (12 credits TBD by institution) 135 (123+12) Student teaching (minimum of 12 weeks) TBD by institution Accommodations & Adaptations for Diverse Learners *Competencies for the 9 credits for accommodating students with disabilities are within the competencies for the Special Ed. domain. A course on ELL competencies may have to be added. (TBD by the institution as credits, hours, or combination) 3 Credits/90 hours
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work? Each candidate must participate in a minimum of 190 hours of field experience prior to student teaching. Student teaching is 12 weeks minimum. A minimum of six weeks of student teaching experience shall be under the supervision of a certified Special Education teacher. * At least one experience during field experience 3 or student teaching must include students with special needs in inclusive settings. An inclusive setting is defined as an educational setting that includes children with and without special needs. An inclusive setting includes at least one child with an IFSP/IEP.
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? Spec Education: Foundational Knowledge (5355); Qualifying score:145
Alternative Route Provisional or temporary Pennsylvania has two main routes to alternative certification. The first is the popular Pennsylvania Teacher Intern Certification Program, which requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in the area in which you want to be certified, as well as passing qualifying exams. Candidates take a full-time professional teaching position while completing an induction program with additional academic and testing requirements. The second option is to earn a Passport to Teaching license issued by the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence. Would-be teachers can qualify for a Pennsylvania Instructional I certificate in elementary education as well as in several areas of secondary education. For people who want to work in Philadelphia’s highest-need schools, the Philadelphia Teaching Fellows program places experienced professionals and recent college graduates in classrooms while they earn their credentials.

Family Therapist

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Discipline Family Therapist
License/Certificate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
State Department State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors
State Department Hyperlink https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/social-workers-marriage-family-therapists-professional-counselors.html
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement Master's
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework (1) Human development (3 courses minimum-9 semester or 12 quarter or 135 didactic contact hours).(i) Courses in this area shall provide knowledge of individual personality development and its normal and abnormal manifestations. (ii) Coursework shall cover human development across the life span, including special issues that affect an individual’s development (that is, culture, gender and human sexuality).

(2) Marriage and family studies (3 courses minimum-9 semester or 12 quarter or 135 didactic contact hours). Courses in this area shall be a fundamental introduction to family systems theory.

(3) Marriage and family therapy (3 courses minimum-9 semester or 12 quarter or 135 didactic contact hours). (i) Courses in this area shall have a major focus on family systems theory and systemic therapeutic interventions.(ii) This area shall provide a substantive understanding of the major theories of systems change and the applied practices evolving from each theoretical orientation.

(4) Professional studies (1 course minimum-3 semester or 4 quarter or 45 didactic contact hours).(i) Courses in this area shall contribute to the professional development of the therapist.(ii) Areas of study shall include the therapist’s legal responsibilities and liabilities, professional ethics as a marriage and family therapist, professional socialization, and the role of the professional organization, licensure or certification legislation, independent practice and inter professional cooperation.

(5) Research (1 course minimum-3 semester or 4 quarter or 45 didactic contact hours). Courses in this area shall assist students in understanding and performing research.
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work? Practicum (minimum 1 year, 300 hours of supervised direct client contact with individuals, couples and families).
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? The Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) National MFT Examination.

Nurse

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Discipline Nurse
License/Certificate Registered nurse
State Department State Board of Nursing
State Department Hyperlink https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Pages/default.aspx#.Vqd7h_krJhE
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement Not Specified
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work?
  1. Physical and biological sciences shall include content from the areas of anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, physics, and nutrition, which may be integrated, combined, or presented as separate courses; the scientific facts and principles drawn from these areas serve as a basis for planning and implementing nursing care. When the basic sciences are presented as distinct academic courses - that is, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and microbiology - there shall be a related laboratory experience. A related laboratory experience is defined as an assigned period of time during which students participate in the testing of scientific principles.
  2. Selected courses shall be included in the humanities and social and behavioral sciences that support the philosophy, purposes, educational concepts, and terminal objectives of the program.
  3. The curriculum shall provide concurrent theory and clinical experience in the care of men, women, and children in age groups and with the health problems characteristic of each group. Experiences shall be provided which include preventive aspects of nursing care during acute and chronic illness and rehabilitative care. Opportunities shall be provided for the student to participate in case findings, health teaching, and health counseling for patients and their families. Evening and night assignments are considered part of the curriculum only in terms of the objectives to be achieved and if faculty supervision is provided.
  4. Content related to history, trends, and professional responsibilities of nursing may be integrated, combined, or taught as separate courses.
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)

Occupational Therapist

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Discipline Occupational Therapist
License/Certificate Occupational Therapist
State Department State Board of Occupational Therapy Education and Licensure
State Department Hyperlink https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/OccupationalTherapy/Pages/default.aspx
Type of License/Certificate Licensure
Age Range Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement Master's
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework Applicants must meet the academic requirements of an educational program in occupational therapy approved by the Board, or an equivalent program.  Applicants have to successfully complete a period of supervised fieldwork experience at a recognized educational institute or training program approved by the educational institution where the academic requirements are met including a minimum of 6 months of supervised fieldwork for an occupational therapist and a minimum of 2 months of supervised fieldwork for occupational therapy assistant.
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work Successfully complete a period of supervised fieldwork experience at a recognized educational institute or training program approved by the educational institution where the academic requirements are met including:  a minimum of 6 months of supervised fieldwork for an occupational therapist and a minimum of 2 months of supervised fieldwork for occupational therapy assistant.
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) licensure examination or has qualified for a waiver of the licensure examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

Physical Therapist

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Discipline Physical Therapist
License/Certificate Physical therapist
State Department State Board of Physical Therapy
State Department Hyperlink https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/PhysicalTherapy/Pages/default.aspx
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement Master’s degree in physical therapy from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work? An applicant must complete at least 2,000 hours of experience providing patient-related acts and services verified by a supervising licensed physical therapist.
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? Applicant must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).

Psychologist

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Discipline Psychologist
License/Certificate Psychologist
State Department State Board of Psychology
State Department Hyperlink https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Psychology/Pages/default.aspx
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement Doctorate
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work? An applicant shall complete 1 year of acceptable postdoctoral supervised experience. One year is calculated as a period of at least 12 months consisting of at least 1,750 hours of experience. No more than 45 hours but no less than 15 hours of experience may be counted per week. Fifty percent of the required hours must be obtained performing diagnosis, assessment, therapy, other interventions, supervision or consultation, and receiving supervision or consultation. The remaining required hours may be obtained by teaching in association with an organized psychology program preparing practicing psychologists or a postdoctoral training program, psychological research, or any of the categories listed in this paragraph. The total experience must be obtained within 10-calendar years from the award of the doctoral degree.
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? Applicants shall obtain a passing score on the Examination for Professional Practice In Psychology and the Pennsylvania Psychology Law Examination to qualify for licensure.

School Psychologist

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Discipline School Psychologist
License/Certificate Specialist-School Psychologist
State Department Pennsylvania Department of Education
State Department Hyperlink https://www.education.pa.gov/Educators/Certification/Pages/default.aspx
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range Kindergarten - 12th grade
Degree Level Requirement Bachelor's
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work? Complete an approved internship experience consisting of at least 1,000 hours
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? Praxis School Psychologist (5403); Qualifying score: 155

Social Worker – Clinical

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Discipline Social Worker
License/Certificate Clinical Social Worker
State Department State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors
State Department Hyperlink https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/SocialWorkersMarriageanFamilyTherapistsandProfessionalCounselors/Pages/default.aspx#.Vqd7AvkrJhE
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement Master's
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work? An applicant must complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience after completion of the master's degree in social work. The supervised clinical experience shall be completed in no less than 2 years. 30 hours of continuing education for each biennial renewal.
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? An applicant must pass the Association of Social Work Boards - Clinical Examination.

Social Worker

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Discipline Social Worker
License/Certificate Social Worker
State Department State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors
State Department Hyperlink https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/SocialWorkersMarriageanFamilyTherapistsandProfessionalCounselors/Pages/default.aspx#.Vqd7AvkrJhE
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement Master's
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work? Has completed at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience after completion of the master’s degree in social work
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? A candidate must pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) master's level examination.

Speech Language Pathologist

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Discipline Speech-Language Pathologist
License/Certificate Speech-Language Pathologist
State Department State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language and Hearing
State Department Hyperlink https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Speech-Language%20Pathology%20and%20Audiology/Pages/default.aspx
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement Master's
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/049/chapter45/subchapBtoc.html  Completion of a program of study compromised of 39 graduate semester hours distributed as follows: 6 hours in normal processes of speech, language, and hearing; 20 hours in the nature of speech-language disorders, evaluation and treatment; 3 hours in case management; 3 hours in audiology; and 3 hours in habilitation and rehabilitation of speech-language problems associated with hearing-impairment; 4 hours allocated among the areas listed in this paragraph or earned in other course work related to speech-language pathology.
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work? The applicant shall begin the supervised professional experience within 4 years of conferral of the degree and shall complete no less than 1,260 hours in no less than 9 months, but no more than 2 years.
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? Speech-Language Pathology (5331); Qualifying score: 162

Vision Specialist

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Discipline Vision Specialist
License/Certificate Special Education-Visually Impaired
State Department Pennsylvania Department of Education
State Department Hyperlink https://www.education.pa.gov/Educators/Certification/Pages/default.aspx
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range PK- 12th grade
Degree Level Requirement Bachelor's
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? Special Education: Teaching Students with Visual Impairments (5282); Qualifying score: 163
Alternative Route Provisional or temporary The Pennsylvania Teacher Intern Certification Program is specifically designed for individuals who possess a minimum of a baccalaureate degree. Currently, the program is offered in 37 approved colleges and universities in Pennsylvania.