TESTING INFORMATION
Washington State requires teacher candidates to complete both a basic skills test and a content knowledge test to become a teacher. All candidates are required to submit test scores as part of their application process.
BASIC SKILLS TEST
All teacher candidates are required to take the WEST-B (Washington Educator Skills Test – Basic), or equivalent test, before they can begin a teacher certification program.
There is no passing score on the WEST-B, however, test scores are taken into consideration as part of the application. Accepted equivalents for the WEST-B are the ACT, SAT, Praxis, etc. You can view a list of accepted tests on PESB’s website.
If you are interested in entering any teacher certification program in the state, you should sign up and get the WEST-B done as soon as possible. It can take 2-6 weeks to get scores and may delay your ability to enroll in the program.
CONTENT TESTS
Each endorsement has a corresponding content test. All teacher candidates must pass their content tests as part of the application process. Candidates may be offered conditional admission without the content test if the rest of their application is strong. Candidates must pass their content test before they enter student teaching.
World Language Candidates: In addition to taking the WEST-E, world language candidates must also take the ACTFL. The ACTFL is taken in the language you want to teach and covers written and oral fluency.
Do not delay taking your content test. If you were conditionally admitted, you must show proof of registration before starting modules, and you cannot complete more than five modules or begin student teaching until this is done. Candidates requesting a Program Verification form (4050E) must meet additional requirements before approval.
CASE BY CASE EXCEPTIONS
All NWED candidates who have attempted their NES/WEST-E exam and are applying for a Case by Case Exception (CBCE) must submit an application for official review along with 2 pieces of evidence, as outlined below. Since each submission will require a separate committee be called to review, decisions may take 2-4 weeks before being finalized.
Note: CBCE is not accepted for ACTFL tests. Candidates must pass the ACTFL OPI/WPT with a score of Advanced Low or higher.
CBCE is available to NWED candidates only. Candidates in other programs will not be considered.
To be considered, candidates must provide two pieces of evidence, along with an application. More information can be found in the following documents:
CBCE Requirements and Instructions
Note: As of January 2026, candidates must have scored a minimum of 200 on their WEST-E/NES testing in order to qualify for the CBCE application to align with state FLEX standards.
PROGRAM VERIFICATION
Special Education candidates needing a Verification of Program Enrollment (4050E) form will need to complete the following requirements before the program will submit the verification:
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Successful completion of Modules 99, 116, 601, & 606 (please note completion of all SPED modules will be necessary to pass the WEST-E in SPED)
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Registration for the WEST-E Special Education is to be taken within 30 days
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Registration in the Field Experience (to begin as soon as the WEST-E is passed
NWED will not sign off on any candidates' 4050E form until these requirements are met. Our goal is to ensure that all candidates out in the field, teaching SPED, are getting the necessary training to serve their students.
4050E forms are limited to one per candidate.
Note: As of May 5, 2021, the edTPA is no longer a program requirement.