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Exam Overview
The PreK–4 test is given by computer, either at a Pearson test center or online with a remote proctor. Every question is multiple choice with four answer choices, and there is no written assignment.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests (PECT): PreK–4 |
| Modules | Module 1 (006), Module 2 (007), Module 3 (008) |
| Questions | 126 multiple-choice questions in all, each with four answer choices |
| Testing time | 210 minutes for all three modules |
| Fees | Module 1 $46, Module 2 $46, Module 3 $53; all three together $131 |
| Score scale | 100 to 300 for each module |
| Passing scores | Module 1: 197. Module 2: 193. Module 3: 193 |
| Reference materials | Glossary of common acronyms in every module; on-screen calculator in Module 3 |
| Delivery | Test center by appointment year-round, or online proctoring during monthly testing windows |
The Three Modules
| Module | Subareas and Objectives | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Module 1 (006) | Child Development, Learning, and Assessment (0001 to 0003), 60%; Collaboration and Professionalism (0004 and 0005), 40% | 36 | 45 minutes |
| Module 2 (007) | Language and Literacy Development (0006 to 0009), 66%; Social Studies, Arts, and Humanities (0010 and 0011), 34% | 45 | 75 minutes |
| Module 3 (008) | Mathematics, Science, and Health (0012 to 0014), 100% | 45 | 90 minutes |
Module 1 has the highest passing score and the least time per question. Literacy alone is two-thirds of Module 2. Module 3 combines mathematics, science and health and physical education into one score, so do not skip any of the three.
How the Test Is Scored
For each module, your raw score is the number of scored questions you answer correctly. It is converted to a scaled score from 100 to 300, and the passing score is a scaled score, not a percentage. A test may include some questions that are being tried out for future use and do not count, and they are not marked, so treat every question as if it counts.
There is no penalty for a wrong answer, so answer every question.
Your score report shows each module's result and, for each objective, the approximate number of questions and the percentage you answered correctly. Objectives are not passed or failed; use them to decide what to study if you need to retake a module.
Test Center or Online
- At a test center you may take a restroom break, but the clock keeps running.
- If you take all three modules together, there is a 15-minute break between modules, plus a 15-minute tutorial and nondisclosure agreement at the start.
- With online proctoring you test at home and must meet the system and room requirements; a single-module online session has no breaks.
- At a test center you see preliminary results when you finish. Online-proctored candidates get no preliminary results and wait for the official score report, which is released within 10 business days.
What Kinds of Questions to Expect
- Classroom scenarios: a child's age, behavior or work sample, followed by the most appropriate next step
- Questions on developmental theories and milestones applied to a described child
- Assessment questions: choosing a tool, reading a score, using results to plan instruction
- Family, colleague and legal situations, including confidentiality and suspected abuse
- Literacy analysis: a running record, an invented spelling, a phonemic awareness task
- Pennsylvania-specific social studies on state and local government and Pennsylvania history
- Mathematics problems and student errors, science investigations, and motor skill and health questions
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