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 pass 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.
Test Name
Important Information
WEST-B: Washington Educator Skills Test - Basic
To be considered for the BAS-TE Program, applicants must take the WEST-B and submit their scores to LCC, or submit evidence of completion of an approved alternative test (ACT, SAT). 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.)
The WEST-B can be taken at LCC's Testing Center. For more information, please visit LCC's WEST-B information page.
National Evaluation Series (NES)
Candidates must pass at least one option for teacher certification.
Study materials are available at LCC's Alan Thompson Library.
NES: 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 >
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 >