Understanding the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) 2026 July

In the field of education, ensuring that future teachers possess the necessary academic skills is crucial for maintaining quality instruction standards. The Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) plays a vital role in this process. Designed as a prerequisite for entrance into teacher preparation programs, the PAPA measures the fundamental skills of reading, writing, and mathematics. This assessment ensures that candidates are academically prepared to succeed in rigorous educator preparation programs and, ultimately, in the teaching profession.

This comprehensive guide explores the PAPA in detail, offering insights into its structure, significance, preparation strategies, and related resources to support aspiring educators.

Key Takeaways

• The PAPA assesses basic academic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.

• It is a prerequisite for admission into many teacher education programs, particularly in Pennsylvania.

• Strong preparation strategies are essential for success on the PAPA.

• Official and accredited resources are available to assist candidates in preparing for the assessment.

What Is the PAPA?

The Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) is a series of standardized tests administered to individuals seeking admission into teacher preparation programs, particularly within the state of Pennsylvania. Developed by Pearson under the guidance of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the PAPA evaluates whether candidates possess the essential academic skills required for effective teaching.

The PAPA consists of three subtests:

• Reading: Measures the ability to comprehend, analyze, and evaluate written material.

• Mathematics: Assesses quantitative reasoning and problem-solving abilities.

• Writing: Tests grammar, usage, and the ability to develop written arguments and explanations.

  Candidates may choose to take all three subtests in a single session or complete them separately.

  Why Is the PAPA Important?

The PAPA is crucial for several reasons:

• Admission Requirement: It is often a mandatory requirement for entry into accredited teacher preparation programs.

• Academic Readiness: It ensures that candidates have a firm grasp of essential academic skills before advancing into professional coursework.

• Licensing and Certification: Although not directly tied to certification, PAPA success often correlates with the ability to meet other licensure requirements later in the teacher credentialing process.

  Institutions rely on the PAPA scores to make informed decisions about candidates' readiness, maintaining the integrity and quality of their teacher education programs.

  Preparing for the PAPA

  Success on the PAPA requires thoughtful preparation. Here are several strategies to help candidates perform at their best:

  • Understand the Test Format: Familiarity with the test’s structure helps reduce anxiety and improve efficiency.

Addressing these challenges proactively can make a significant difference in overall performance.

Candidates applying to CVS Pharmacy can prepare with our free CVS Health pre-employment assessment practice — covering situational judgment, customer service scenarios, and work style questions.

Job candidates can prepare for the Predictive Index cognitive screening with our free PI Cognitive Assessment practice test — covering numerical, verbal, and abstract reasoning in a 12-minute timed format.

Pakistani candidates taking NTS entry tests for public service, university admission, or competitive exams can prepare with our free NTS National Testing Service practice test — covering English, quantitative reasoning, and subject-specific topics.

Nelson-Denny reading test candidates often also prepare with our WRAT practice test to benchmark reading vocabulary and comprehension at the same standardized achievement test level.