In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, teaching isn’t just a job—it’s a journey of continuous advancement. If you are currently teaching on an Instructional I Certificate, you probably know that the clock is ticking. You have six years of service to convert that certificate to a permanent Instructional II.
But here is the good news: the path to permanent certification is also the fastest path to a higher salary. At ContinuingTeacherGradCourses.com, we help PA educators bridge the gap between where they are and where they want to be.
The Pennsylvania “24-Credit” Requirement
To move from Level I to Level II certification in Pennsylvania, the Department of Education (PDE) requires you to meet specific criteria. While years of service and an induction program are mandatory, the educational requirement is often the biggest hurdle.
The Requirements at a Glance:
- 24 Post-Baccalaureate Credits: You must earn 24 credits after your initial Bachelor’s degree was conferred.
- The “6-Credit” Rule: At least 6 of those 24 credits must be directly related to your area of certification or designed to improve professional practice.
- 3 Years of Service: You must complete three years of satisfactory teaching in Pennsylvania.
- Induction Program: You must complete a PDE-approved induction program through your school district.
Act 48 vs. Level II Credits: What’s the Difference?
Many Pennsylvania teachers get confused between Act 48 hours and Level II credits. Here is the simple breakdown:
| Feature | Act 48 Requirements | Level II Conversion |
| Purpose | To keep your certificate “Active.” | To make your certificate “Permanent.” |
| Frequency | Every 5 years. | Once (within 6 years of teaching). |
| Amount | 180 hours (or 6 credits). | 24 credits total. |
| Conversion | 1 Credit = 30 Act 48 Hours | 1 Credit = 1 Post-Bacc Credit |
Pro Tip: When you take a 3-credit graduate course with us, you are knocking out 90 Act 48 hours AND 3 credits toward your Level II at the same time. It’s the ultimate “two birds, one stone” strategy.
Why Pennsylvania Teachers Choose Online Credits
Pennsylvania is a massive state, from the busy streets of Philadelphia to the rural Allegheny National Forest. Accessing high-quality professional development shouldn’t depend on your zip code.
- Salary Lane Movement: Most PA school districts (like Pittsburgh, Central Bucks, or Reading) have specific pay scales for Master’s Equivalency or Bachelor’s + 24. Earning these credits can increase your salary by thousands of dollars long before you even reach Level II status.
- TIMS Integration: The PDE uses the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS). We provide official transcripts from accredited university partners that you can easily upload to TIMS to prove your 24-credit completion.
- Flexible for Coaches and Advisors: We know PA teachers are involved in everything from PIAA sports to Marching Band. Our 100% self-paced format means you can work on your credits when the season ends.
4 Steps to Your Instructional II Certificate
- Monitor Your TIMS Account: Check how many years of “service time” you have logged. Remember, you must convert before your 6th year of service ends.
- Plan Your 24 Credits: Don’t wait until year five! Take one or two courses a year to spread out the cost and the workload.
- Ensure Accreditation: Only credits from regionally accredited institutions are accepted by the PDE for Level II. All courses at ContinuingTeacherGradCourses.com meet this standard.
- Submit to PDE: Once you hit your 24 credits and 3 years of service, apply for Level II through TIMS and have your official transcripts sent directly to the state.
Start Moving Toward Level II Today
Don’t let your certificate lapse. Whether you are looking for that “BA+24” pay raise or just need to satisfy your Act 48 hours, we have the courses you need to succeed in the Pennsylvania education system.
Explore our PA-Ready Course Catalogue and take the next step in your career!