Washington Educator Skills Test - Basic (WEST-B)
Beginning September 2001, the WEST-B became a requirement for all prospective teachers in Washington. The WEST-B is a basic skills exam in reading, writing and mathematics. A passing score (240 out of 300) is required in each section prior to admission to any of Washington State University’s teacher preparation programs (undergraduate, post-baccalaureate or Master in Teaching).
Additional information can be found on the Professional Educator Standards Board’s (PESB) website.
Washington Educator Skills Test - Endorsement
(WEST-E)
Beginning September 1, 2005, all candidates applying for initial certification or teachers applying to add an endorsement to their current Washington teacher certificate must pass a content area exam know as the WEST-E.
Until September 1, 2008, the Praxis II series was used to meet the WEST-E requirement. After this date, Washington’s new WEST-E exams became available for most endorsement areas.
WEST-E tests will not be available until January 2010, for the following programs:
- Designated World Language (French, German and Spanish)
Candidates enrolled in the above programs can use the Praxis series until August 31, 2010.
Washington State University requires all students to pass the WEST-E prior to student teaching. To avoid delaying your student teaching it is advised that you take the WEST-E no later than the semester prior to student teaching.
Special Note to Designated World Language and Bilingual Candidates: In addition to completing the WEST-E, students completing endorsements in Designated World Languages after September 1, 2010, must pass the oral and written portions of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL) exam at the advance low level. Bilingual candidates completing their program after September 1, 2009, must pass the ACTFL exam at the advance mid level in addition to the WEST-E.
For additional information review WSU’s WEST-E Frequently Asked Questions, the WEST or the Professional Educator Standards Board’s (PESB) website.
