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MyCwuResources for Certification
Below you will find several categories of resources and frequently asked questions.
Student Teaching Pre-Requisites
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How do I make an OSPI e-cert account?
You need to make an account on OSPI to be a certified teacher in Washington. Directions can be found on page 5 of the E-Cert User Guide(pdf)
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How do I complete the Pre-Residency clearance application?
Pre-Residency clearance is a Student Teaching pre-requisite. You will need to apply to OSPI before the student teaching application deadline. Directions can be found on page 7 of the E-Cert User Guide(pdf)
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How do I purchase liability insurance?
Check out our Liability Insurance page for information and a link to purchase this requirement annually.
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What does proof of registration of WEST-E NES exam mean?
In order to be a certified teacher you need to pass the required content exam. Typically you will take only one test that is either a NES test or a WEST-E test. If you are attempting to be certified in more than one endorsement, then you will need to pass those additional tests as well. Check out our Required Tests & Voucher Applications page for more information.
As part of your application for Student Teaching, you need to send the confirmation e-mail from Pearson that shows the date, location and test code. Please do not send us the reciept.
Testing
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Where do I register for WEST-E/NES tests?
You can register online for the exam(s) you are seeking endorsement(s) in.
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How do I know what WEST-E/NES test(s) I need to take?
In order to be a certified teacher you need to pass the required content exam. Typically you will take only one test that is either a NES test or a WEST-E test. If you are attempting to be certified in more than one endorsement, then you will need to pass those additional tests as well. Check out our Required Tests & Voucher Applications page for more information. Study guides for each test are linked in the table below.
Which Test Do I Take? Major/Minor
Test Description NES Test Code
Art Education Art 503 Biology Biology 305 Business and Marketing Education Business Education 309 Chemistry Chemistry 306 Computer Science Computer Science 315 Early Childhood Education (major or minor) Early Childhood Education 101
Earth and Space Science/Geology Earth and Space Science 307 Elementary Education Elementary Education Subtest 1 and Subtest 2
(You must pass both subtests)
102 AND 103 English Language Arts English Language Arts 301 Literacy Minor Essential Components of Elementary Reading Instruction 104 Secondary Math Mathematics 304 Middle Level Science Middle Grades General Science 204 Middle Level Math Middle Grades Mathematics 203 Broad Area Music Education Music- General 504 Physics Physics 308 Major/Minor
Test Description WEST-E Test Code
TESL Minor (IF you are bilingual and wish to teach in a dual language classroom, you will also need to take the ACTFL oral and written tests)
50 Dance Minor Dance 54 TESL/ELL/TESOL (if you wish to teach students learning English but not teach in a different language)
51 Family and Consumer Sciences Education Family and Consumer Sciences Education 41 PESH Health and Fitness 29 History Education (this test will ONLY let you teach History)
27 Middle Level Humanites Middle Level Humanites Subtest 1 and Subtest 2
(You must pass both subtests)
052 AND 053 Broad Area Music Education- Choral specialization Music: Choral 56 Broad Area Music Education- Instrumental specialization Music: Instrumental 57 History Education (this test will let you teach History and Social Studies)
28 Special Education (Major or minor) Special Education 70 Technology Education Technology Education 40 Theatre Arts/Drama Theatre Arts 55
Post-Student Teaching
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Should I e-mail Teacher Certification right after graduation to process my information?
We know this is an exciting step in your journey and you are eager to have your own classroom, but please be patient. The Teacher Certification Program will automatically recommend you to OSPI once we have recieved all necessary information. Typically the edTPA is the last piece to come to our office. When that comes in, it triggers the recommendation process.
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Can I look for jobs before my Teaching Certificate is issued?
Absolutely! Most school districts are aware that the recommendation process typically takes a few months after graduation. Check out Career Services for resources and information about applying for employment.
Glossary
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Endorsement
An Endorsement is the specific subject you intend to be certified in. It gives you a set range of grades and courses you are eligible to be employed in. Typically the endorsment name will match your major or minor.
This page contains links to websites outside of www.cwu.edu. The views and opinions expressed on unofficial pages of Central Washington University faculty, staff or students are strictly those of the page authors. The content of such pages has not been reviewed or approved by Central Washington University.
Updated 4/2/2021