Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Teaching Certification

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) grants educational certification to professionals providing services in the schools. Individuals with just an educational certification are eligible to provide services 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.

As of 2014, PDE offers two options for speech-language pathologists in Pennsylvania. The two types of educational certifications include: Instructional 1 certification, Special Education – Speech/Language Impaired PK-12 and Educational Specialist certification, Specialist – Speech-Language Pathologist PK-12.

Teachers of the deaf/hard of hearing are eligible to apply for an instructional certification only, Special Education – Hearing Impaired PK-12.

For additional information regarding PDE Certification for Educational Specialists in Speech-Language Pathology, Teachers of the Speech/Language Impaired, and Teachers of the Hearing Impaired, please contact: Bureau of Teacher Certification and Preparation, PA Department of Education, 333 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333.)

Act 48 

The Law States, educators must maintain their education certificates as active by earning 6 collegiate or 6 PDE approved in-service credits, or 180 continuing education hours, or any combination of the above every 5 years. The five-year period began July 1, 2000. For those individuals who were issued their certificates in August 2000 and thereafter, the five-year period begins with the effective date of issuance of the initial certificate.

Additional Support links:

Subject Specific Program Guidelines →

The Framework for School Speech and Language Pathologist Educational Specialist Program Guidelines →

For additional information regarding Commonwealth of PA Certification for Teachers of the Speech and Language Impaired and Teachers of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing, please visit this website.