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Teacher Certifications

Content Exams NES-WESTE

Washington State requires that you attempt at least one exit exam before you begin student teaching. 

You are ready to take the exit exam(s) upon completing most of your major or minor content courses. You will need to pass all test subjects you wish to be endorsed in.

Passing score for NES is 220; passing score for WEST-E is 240. Please register for this test online through Pearson and select CWU to receive your scores electronically.

Look for the "Online Proctoring" section to see if the test you need can be taken from home!

Registering for NES and WEST-E tests

This shows how to register for WEST-B tests. The process is the same for NES and WEST-E tests.

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What happens if I don't pass my Content Test?

CWU has developed, at the request of the state standards board, a Case-by-Case Exceptions Program to assist candidates in demonstrating their content knowledge through alternative measures. Case-by-Case is only open to current CWU students and our alumni. Case-by-Case may only be used for your primary endorsement (Major) not minors or add-on endorsements. Successfully passing a Case-by-Case meets the same certification requirement as passing the test.

You will be required to analyze your Diagnostic Score Report to identify the two lowest content domains and provide evidence that you indeed know that content and simply struggle with tests. It is approximately the same amount of work as writing a several page persuasive argument per test/subtest.

Things you need ready to register and successfully complete the process:

Accessing your CWU Account

  • All Communication will be sent through your CWU email address
  • If you do not remember your login information, you will need to call Service Desk at (509) 963-2001 M-F between 7am and 4pm.
  • They will verify your information and walk you through the process. They will verify your identity with the data we have on file.
    • If you do not have a personal email on file that is current, the process of getting you into your account will be delayed. Verifying your identity will be a multi-step process so be prepared for a longer call. It will be helpful to be in a quiet place with both your cell phone and a computer. 
  • When contacting Service Desk tell them you are an Education Certificate user.
  • All CWU email users require multifactor authorization. You will need to have two devices ready (cell phone and computer, tablet or a second phone) during your call to Service Desk. Information can be found on the Information Services webpage.

Diagnostic Report from Pearson

  • This was emailed to you after you took your original test.
  • Pearson keeps your reports available online for two years.
  • Score reports are available in your account for 2 years. From your account, you may view, print, and save your scores during the 2 years. Beyond 2 years you may request a copy of your test results using the online form.
  • If you cannot find your diagnostic report, and Pearson cannot find your report, you will have to attempt the test again to be eligible. Your Diagnostic Report is how you will determine what evidence you need to provide.
  • ALUMNI Elementary, Special and Early Childhood Education Majors

    Once you have access to your CWU email as well as your Diagnostic Report, you can apply for the Alumni Cohort Case-by-Case Program.

    There are spots for 45 subtests per alumni cohort and you will receive an invitation in your CWU email, to join the Canvas course.

    Applications for the Winter 2026 Alumni Cohort are CLOSED

    If you wish to retake the test in the meantime, please remember to have your scores sent to CWU.

  • CURRENT Elementary, Special and Early Childhood Education Majors

    Your test attempts prior to Student Teaching are monitored based on the date you provided in your clearance process.

    At the end of the quarter prior to Student Teaching, the Teacher Certification Program provides a draft roster to the Education, Development, Teaching, and Learning department for students needing to be enrolled in one or two sections EDEL 493. Please watch your CWU email for information about enrollment.

    If you agree, you will be automatically enrolled in the necessary 1 credit each seminars to take concurrently with Student Teaching. All work and deadlines will be completed in the Canvas course. Passing these courses with an S will satisfy the Content Test certification requirement.

  • All Other Subject Majors CURRENT and ALUMNI

    Essentially, you will be writing an argumentative essay in sections using evidence from your coursework or student teaching that demonstrates you have content knowledge in your lowest tested areas. This typically ends up being equivalent to three pages of writing.

    Once you have access to your CWU email as well as your Diagnostic Report, you can apply for the Case-by-Case Program. Please check your CWU email regularly as all communication from application through certification will be through your CWU email.

    Applications are processed at the beginning of every month and your patience is appreciated. When you application has been processed, you will be emailed resources, directions, templates and submission links. Please save that email in a safe spot until you are done.

    Apply to Case-by-Case

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Teacher Certification Program

Black Hall 208-9