Required Testing - Assessments
Students seeking Washington state teacher certification must follow the guidelines set forth by the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) which permits teachers, administrators, and educational staff associates to work in Washington schools. To earn a residency teacher certificate in Washington, candidates are required to take basic skills and content knowledge assessments. In addition, teacher candidates who are enrolled in PESB-approved teacher preparation programs are required to pass a performance assessment.
Acceptable Pre-Assessment Options
To be considered for the BAS-TE Program, submit assessment scores through your application to the Teacher Education program when possible. Acceptable assessment results include:
- ACT
- SAT
- A National Board Teaching Certificate
- Washington passing scores on all three tests (Reading, Mathematics, and Writing) of the Praxis I
- A passing score on the California Basic Educational Skills Test™ (CBEST®)
- A passing score on the NES Essential Academic Skills Test
- West B
If none of the above are available, the WEST-B (left) can be taken at LCC's Testing Center or online. For more information about campus based testing, please visit LCC's WEST-B information page.
Test Prep is recommended. No passing score is required, however, if you score below 235 on any area (reading, writing and math are all required), you will be placed on a remediation plan or need to provide additional information (transcripts with a grade of B or higher in related course, IBEST support participation etc.)
Teacher Certifcation Assessments
Study Materials
National Evaluation Series (NES) study materials are available at LCC's Alan Thompson Library - Check them out!
Candidates must pass either Early Childhood 101 assessment or both subtests for Elementary Education in order to earn their WA State Teacher Certification.
NES: Early Childhood Education 101
Early Childhood Teacher Education Candidates must pass the NES Early Childhood Education (101) test in order to teach children birth through 3rd grade in early care and education settings such as Head Start, childcare centers and preschool programs. Learn more >
NES: Elementary Education Subtests 102/103
Elementary Teacher Education Candidates must pass the NES Elementary Education tests (Subtests I and II) (102/103) in order to teach in elementary classrooms grades K - 8. Candidates may elect to also pass NES Early Childhood Education 101 test to be recommended for both endorsements. Learn more >