Testing Requirements
Important Testing Notice
You MUST upload your test score reports to the COE Canvas site once you receive them from the testing center. When requesting test scores be sent to the University, testing sites only send electronic score summaries, not actual test reports. VDOE does not accept electronic score summaries, they must have the hard copy print out of your test scores.
General Requirements for Admission
Students must submit proof of literacy proficiency in order to be formally admitted to the initial teacher licensure programs at the University of Mary Washington.
Post-Baccalaureate Programs – Testing Requirements
The student will be limited to 6 credit hours of UMW coursework if they have not submitted their qualifying literacy proficiency assessment.
Literacy Proficiency Options
Students must meet one of the below options for Admission into the College of Education:
- Standardized Test Scores:
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section: 500
- ACT English Plus Reading Score: 46
- Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate:
- High School credit for AP English or IB English
- College-Level English Courses:
- UMW ENGL Writing Course (English 101, 201, 202, 203, 302A, 306, 307, 312, 316A)
- Required Grade: B or better
- Dual Enrollment English:
- DE Courses: ENG 111, ENG 112, ENG 210 or equivalent*
- Required Grade: B or better
- Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA):
- Composite Score: 470
* Equivalent courses found on the UMW Transfer Credit Website.
What Licensure Tests am I required to Take?
Important: All Undergraduate Licensure Programs, licensure testing must be completed by November 15th for spring interns and July 1st for fall interns – BEFORE the start of your internship.
Test Fee Waivers
All students demonstrating financial need who need to take the VCLA and/or a Praxis test may apply for a test waiver.
ETS offers fee waivers for the Praxis; if applicable, students should apply for this option before requesting the waiver from UMW (https://www.ets.org/praxis/about/fees/fee_waivers/https://www.ets.org/praxis/site/test-takers/register/fee-waivers.html)
COE Testing Fee Waiver Application
Deadline: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed the first Friday or each month during the fall and spring semesters.
Praxis Subject Assessment
Praxis Subject Assessment tests must be passed prior to the internship for specific endorsement areas.
Link: Find your assessment for your endorsement area
Link: Sign Up for Praxis Subject Assessment
Accommodations for Test Takers with Disabilities or Health-related needs: https://www.ets.org/praxis/register/disabilities/?WT.ac=praxishome_praxisregisterdisabilities_180911
Fee Waiver Criteria: https://www.ets.org/praxis/about/fees/fee_waivers/
Praxis Teaching Reading: Elementary
The Praxis Teaching Reading: Elementary must be passed prior to the internship for individuals seeking licensure in Elementary Education P-6 or Special Education: General Curriculum. The passing score requirement is 159.
Link: Sign Up for the RVE
Child Abuse Recognition and Intervention Training
Individuals must complete training in child abuse recognition and intervention training prior to placement for field experiences.
Link: Complete the Child Abuse Recognition and Intervention Training
Virginia State and Local Civic Education Module
Link: Complete the Virginia State and Local Civic Education Module
Dyslexia Awareness Module
Link: Complete Dyslexia Awareness Module
