Overview
Verifying testing status ensures that all students in GCU's educator preparation program are meeting certification requirements on time. This process keeps both candidates and faculty informed and aligned with the program’s standards for successful completion.
Part 1: Proof of Content Knowledge Exam
As part of your progression in GCU's principal preparation program, you may be required to confirm your principal knowledge testing status. Please submit only ONE of the following options:
- Non-Certification Statement: If you are enrolled in a non-licensure program and do not require state testing, submit a screenshot of your program of study in the GCU portal affirming that you are in a program that does not lead to licensure and are not pursuing teacher certification.
- Proof of Principal Knowledge Exam Registration or Completion: Submit a screenshot confirming your registration for or completion of your principal knowledge exam(s). Proof of registration is required for all principal knowledge exams you are expected to take. For more information on the required exams, consult your Field Experience Counselor.
- Testing Deferment: If you have received a testing deferment because the state where you intend to certify does not require testing, submit a copy of the signed acknowledgment from your Field Experience Counselor.
In addition to placing evidence of your registration in this assignment, you should also upload evidence of your principal knowledge test registration or score reports in your student portal (if applicable). See the communication on testing and program requirements sent by the Office of Field Experience for additional details. Additionally, reach out to your Field Experience Counselor (FEC) should you have questions or need assistance with uploading to your student portal.
Part 2: Reflection
Being certification ready is important for your success as you transition to your educational administration career. Completing and passing the required principal licensure exam(s) demonstrates your readiness to take on a leadership role and ensures that you are fully prepared to meet state certification requirements. Passing scores on the principal knowledge exam(s) may be required prior to graduation from the Master of Education in Educational Administration, the Master of Education in Educational Administration with an emphasis in Christian Education, or the Master of Education in Educational Administration with an emphasis in Business and Administration program.
As your academic journey concludes you will need to provide GCU exam result(s) in order to process graduation and Institutional Recommendation without delay. If you are enrolled in a non-licensure program, please respond to the following prompts as though you were pursuing licensure, as understanding certification and exam requirements is important for all seeking a degree in or working in the field of education.
After submitting your evidence for Part 1 of this assignment, reflect on the following in 250-500 words:
For Candidates Seeking Principal Licensure:
- Identify the State you will be certified or practicing in.
- Identify exam(s) you will need to pass in order to be certified in that particular state.
- If you have not registered for your Principal Knowledge Exam, identify a time where you would want to attempt your exams. Including, why you have chosen that time in your academic journey. If you have registered or taken your Principal Knowledge Exam, discuss your decision to take the exam when you did.
- Discuss how certification will move you forward in your career path.
For Candidates Not Seeking Principal Licensure:
- What aspects of leadership and administration have you found most challenging in your coursework or practice, and how have you worked to address those challenges?
- How do you feel your professional practice has developed throughout your studies or leadership experiences? Can you provide an example of how this knowledge has impacted your leadership methods?
- What resources (readings, workshops, collaborations, etc.) have been most helpful in deepening your professional knowledge? How might you continue using or sharing these resources with others in your field?
- Discuss how completion of this program will move you forward in your career path.
If a Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) teacher does not yet have a license or credential, but can show relevant experience and explain their background, they should still be given the opportunity to work—with the condition that they participate in workshops and take required courses while teaching. At the same time, principals who hold a general education license should also have knowledge of special education and Deaf education. This ensures smoother collaboration and stronger support for both teachers and students.