PESB sets policy establishing the requirements to gain and maintain educator certification 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 the basic skills assessment and pass a content knowledge assessment. In addition, teacher candidates who are enrolled in PESB-approved teacher preparation programs are required to pass a performance assessment.
Each program is allocated a certain number of vouchers for the WEST-B, WEST-E/NES, and edTPA test takers. Programs may purchase vouchers to provide candidates with full or partial credit toward fees for test registration and preparation resources.
- For programs: purchase additional WEST-B / WEST-E / NES vouchers
- For programs: purchase additional edTPA vouchers
Basic skills testing
The WEST-B is Washington’s basic skills (reading, writing and mathematics) test for teachers. Taking a basic skills assessment is required for admission to approved teacher preparation programs and for persons from out-of-state applying for a Washington State residency teaching certificate.
- See our FAQ (document) on recent changes in testing requirements for the basic skills assessment.
Content knowledge testing
Washington uses content knowledge assessments, including the WEST-E and NES, to test subject or content area knowledge and demonstrate competency in an endorsement area for teacher candidates, in-service teachers, and teachers coming from out-of-state seeking any regular teaching endorsement.
Additionally, World Language and Bilingual education teacher candidates are required to pass the ACTFL assessment to demonstrate that they meet the adequate level of language proficiency.
School psychologists and school counselors take the Praxis II ESA as a content area assessment.
Performance assessment (WA edTPA)
Teacher candidates who are enrolled in PESB-approved teacher preparation programs are required to pass a performance assessment, the Washington edTPA, to complete their programs. The Washington edTPA includes three rubrics of Student Voice unique to Washington in addition to the national edTPA components.
WEST-B, WEST-E/NES, and WA edTPA resource hub
The assessments resource hub provides useful resources for programs and candidates to increase access to test related materials across the state regarding WEST-B. WEST-E/NES and edTPA.
