Teacher Certifications

Testing Information and Vouchers

Basic Skills Tests

Washington requires a test attempt for reading, writing and math. Typically students use their SAT or ACT scores and the WEST-B if they have never taken the either.

Teacher Certification Program at CWU maintains our own program requirements above the state minimums.

MATH

• SAT 515 (through 3/4/2016), 27.5 (beginning 3/5/2016)
• ACT 22
• WEST-B 235+

READING

• SAT 500 (through 3/4/2016), 27 (beginning 3/5/2016)
• ACT 22
• WEST-B 235+

WRITING

• SAT 490 (through 3/4/2016), 28 (beginning 3/5/2016), Did not exist before 2006
• ACT 8 (through 8/31/2015), 23 (9/2015-8/2016), 8 (beginning 9/1/2016)
• WEST-B 235+

Register for the WEST-B tests online.
You may be able to access old SAT reports or ACT reports to email to teachercertification@cwu.edu

Content Knowledge: WEST-E and NES

Washington State requires that you attempt at least one exit exam before you begin student teaching. 

You are ready to take the exit exam(s) upon completing most of your major or minor content courses. You will need to pass all test subjects you wish to be endorsed in.

Passing score for NES is 220; passing score for WEST-E is 240. Please register for this test online through Pearson and select CWU to receive your scores electronically.

Look for the "Online Proctoring" section to see if the test you need can be taken from home!

Which test do I take

There is no test for Secondary Education  or TeachSTEM, you are only taking content tests.

The list below is organized by the name of the major or minor. Tests preparation materials are included. It is advised to read the test profile for each Domain and use the any practice tests available to prepare. The links below are to the profiles on the WEST/NES site.

NES Tests

• Art Education Test Profile-Art  NES 503
• Biology Test Profile Biology NES 305
• Business and Marketing Education Test Profile Business Education NES 309
• Chemistry Test Profile Chemistry NES 306
• Computer Science Test Profile Computer Science NES 315
• Early Childhood Education (major or minor) Test Profile Early Childhood Education NES 101
• Earth and Space Science/Geology Test Profile Earth and Space Science NES 307
• Elementary Education Elementary Education Test Profile Subtest 1 NES 102 and Test Profile Subtest 2 103 (You must pass both subtests)
• English Language Arts Test Profile English Language Arts NES 301
• Literacy Minor Test Profile Essential Components of Elementary Reading Instruction NES 104
• Secondary Math Test Profile Mathematics NES 304
• Middle Level Science Test Profile Middle Grades General Science NES 204
• Middle Level Math Test Profile Middle Grades Mathematics NES 203
• Music Education Test Profile Music- General NES 504
• Physics Test Profile Physics NES 308

• Bilingual Education/Teaching English as a Second Language Minor
  Test Profile Bilingual Education WEST-E 50
  • If you are bilingual and wish to teach in a dual language classroom, you will also need to take the ACTFL oral (OSPI) and written (WPT) tests in the language you wish to be certified. Must rate at Advanced Mid level or higher
• Dance Minor Test Profile Dance WEST-E 54
• TELL and Bilingual Education/Teaching English as a Second Language Minors Test Profile English Language Learners WEST-E 51
  • If you wish to teach students learning English but not teach in a different language
• Family and Consumer Sciences Education Test Profile Family and Consumer Sciences Education WEST-E 41
• PESH Test Profile Health and Fitness WEST-E 29
• Music Education- Choral specialization Test Profile Music: Choral WEST-E 56
• Music Education- Instrumental specialization Test Profile Music: Instrumental WEST-E 57
• History/Social Studies Education Test Profile Social Studies WEST-E 28
  • This test will let you teach History and Social Studies and is preferred over the WEST-E 27
• Special Education (Major or minor) Test Profile Special Education WEST-E 70
• Technology Education Test Profile Technology Education WEST-E 40

Vouchers

What happens if I do not pass the content test?

CWU has developed, at the request of the state standards board, a Case-by-Case Exceptions Program to assist candidates in demonstrating their content knowledge through alternative measures. Case-by-Case is only open to current CWU students and our alumni. Case-by-Case may only be used for your primary endorsement (Major) not minors or add-on endorsements.

Things you need to register and successfully complete the process:

• Access your CWU account.
  • If you do not remember your login information, you will need to call Service Desk at (509) 963-2001 M-F between 7am and PM. They will verify your information and walk you through the process. Should take 10 minutes.
  • When contacting Service Desk tell them you are an Education Certificate user.
  • All CWU email users require multifactor authorization. You will need to have this ready during your call to Service Desk. Information can be found on the Information Services webpage.
• Register to become a Case-by-Case Candidate for each subtest needed, and submit credit card payment for each application
  • Case-by-Case costs $60 per WEST-E/NES test or subtest.
  • If you need to complete a Case-by-Case statement for more than one subtest you will COMPLETE THE CHECKOUT PROCESS TWICE.
• Submit your test scores and Diagnostic Report from.
  • Wait to apply until you have received your official score report for any recent tests.
  • If you cannot find your diagnostic report you will have to access a new one from Pearson. The Teacher Certification Program is not able to help you.
  • Contact Customer Service with Pearson if you need assistance with any of the steps below, .
    • Sign into your Pearson Account/Recover account information
    • Request a Copy of your Scores

Note: score reports are available in your account for 2 years. From your account, you may view, print, and save your scores during the 2 years. Beyond 2 years you may request a copy of your test results using the online form. Your testing history for all tests taken, reported as pass/fail status, is always available to you through your account.

How the Process works:

1. Complete the Success Plan Form. You will be required to log into your CWU account to do this so reach out to Service Desk first!
2. If you choose Option 2 at the end, you will be provided with a link to register and pay for Case-by-Case.
3. Registrations are processed once per week. Once your registration has been processed the School of Education will email you a detailed set of directions, attachments, and a submission link.
4. Read the instructions, gather evidence, and write an argument that outlines how the evidence shows you have met the content requirement in your lowest competencies. The most important piece is to do your best and submit something. Your Content Specialist will not be able to help you or provide feedback until they have something so turn in your best first effort.
5. Content Specialist will review your submission and either mark it as approved or provide feedback, request  revision, and/or suggest use of additional resources. You will continue the feedback cycle with your Content Specialist until they determine you have met the requirements and/or time to do so expires.
6. When your submission has been approved, the Teacher Certification Program is notified, and they will communicate with you about the next steps.