Information Content

Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA)

Basic Skills Requirement Waived Until 2025. Act 55 of 2022 Basic Skills Assessment Moratorium Act 55 of 2022 signed into law by Governor Wolf on July 8, 2022, requires the Secretary of Education to waive the requirement to satisfactorily complete the assessment of basic skills required under section 1207.3 and 22 Pa. Code § 49.18(c) (relating to assessment) for 3 years from July 8, 2022, through July 8, 2025. This applies to all students who enter preparation programs during this period as well as otherwise qualified candidates for licensure who make application during this period.

The PAPA includes three modules: Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. You may take one or all three modules at one test appointment. The PAPA series may be passed by meeting or exceeding the established minimum qualifying score on all three modules (see below), or by the Composite Score Option.

Format
Selected-response items and constructed-response assignments
  • Reading: 36 selected-response items
  • Mathematics: 36 selected-response items
  • Writing: 36 selected-response items, 2 sentence correction assignments, and 1 extended-response assignment
Time
  • CBT tutorial and nondisclosure agreement: 15 minutes
  • Reading: 45 minutes testing time
  • Mathematics: 75 minutes testing time
  • Writing: 75 minutes testing time

Examinees who take all three modules during a single test session will also have a 15-minute break between each module.

Test Dates
By appointment, year round. Test appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Check real-time seat availability Link opens in a new window..
Test Sites
CBT sites are located in Pennsylvania, nationwide, and in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Canada. Locate a test center Link opens in a new window..
Qualifying Score
Performance criterion (cutscore):
  • Reading: 220
  • Mathematics: 193
  • Writing: 220
Reference Materials Provided for this Test
A formulas page will be available during the Mathematics module. Review it now PDF.
A standard on-screen calculator will be available during the Mathematics module. Read more PDF.
Test Fee
  • Reading: $37
  • Mathematics: $44
  • Writing: $37
  • All three modules: $110
Review test fee and payment information.
Score Reporting
Reading and Mathematics modules:
  • Preliminary test results are provided at the test center at the conclusion of your test session.
  • Score reports are available within 10 business days after testing.

Writing module: Score reports are available within 20 business days after testing.

Testing Policies
When you register, you must agree to abide by all testing rules and policies. Read them now.
Prepare
View the tutorials and preparation materials available for this test.

Tests may include test questions that are being evaluated for future administrations and that do not affect an examinee's score.

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