Testing Overview

December 1, 2020: Testing is a requirement for the Residency Teacher Certificate.  The University of Puget Sound recognizes that securing a test reservation may be challenging as a result of test center closures due to Covid-19. Online proctoring has been announced for select WEST and NES tests to address restrictions to in-person testing.  Registration for these test will begin rolling out December 1, 2020.  Please see the WEST website for details regarding test availability and to determine if your content area is eligible for online proctoring. The deadline to complete testing for the MAT program is August 1, 2021. Please keep us informed of your test status if you cannot meet this deadline.

During spring semester of the M.A.T. program, teacher candidates will complete and submit their Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) in order to earn their Washington State teaching certification.

Please see below for additional information about testing.

Basic Skills & Content Area Testing

Candidates for the Master of Arts in Teaching degree are required to submit scores from an approved a basic skills exam and demonstrate proficiency in at least one content area by passing a corresponding WEST or NES subject exam.

While no state-mandated passing score is set for basic skills, applicants must submit individual scores in reading, writing, and mathematics for admission to a teacher preparation program. All applicants may use scores from SAT, ACT, and WEST-B.  Out-of-state applicants may also use scores from an approved alternative exam.

Content area exams set varying pass scores depending on subject and test format. Please refer to score requirements provided when registering for exams.  Candidates may apply for admission prior to testing but will be required to submit basic skill's scores and passing content area scores prior to fall enrollment.

*Alternatives to the WEST–B Test

Scores from the SAT or ACT taken after 2005 may be used to meet the basic skills requirement. Official scores should be sent directly from College Board to the University. Out-of-state applicants may also substitute either the PRAXIS I or CBEST for the WEST–B. Additionally, results from a combination of tests may be used to meet the requirement (e.g. ACT math + WEST-B reading + SAT reading).  There is no minimum score required.

Teacher Preparation Assessment (edTPA)

The state of Washington requires all teacher candidates to pass the edTPA as part of the certification process. This assessment will be completed and submitted during student teaching.