WEST Directory for Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) and National Evaluation Systems (NES) Latest Update

The WEST Directory for Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) and National Evaluation Systems (NES) represents an essential resource for understanding the educator certification and testing process for teachers in Washington State. These two entities—the PESB and NES—work together to uphold the standards of education in the state and ensure that prospective educators are properly assessed in their competencies and knowledge base before they are licensed to teach. The directory serves as a guide for educators, offering a detailed explanation of the assessment systems, test details, and relevant information about certifications, and its latest updates.

1. The Washington Educator Skills Tests (WEST) Overview

The Washington Educator Skills Tests (WEST) are a set of standardized exams designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for becoming an educator in Washington State. These exams are a critical component in the educator preparation process, ensuring that only qualified individuals are granted teaching certifications in the state. There are two primary categories of the WEST exams: the WEST–B (Basic Skills Assessment) and the WEST–E (Endorsement Assessments).

WEST–B (Basic Skills Assessment)

The WEST–B assesses fundamental skills necessary for teaching. It tests the basic competencies in reading, writing, and mathematics. These competencies are vital because they serve as the foundation upon which educators can develop and deliver effective instruction in the classroom. All prospective teachers must pass the WEST–B before entering a teacher preparation program in Washington State. The WEST–B is used to determine whether a candidate has the necessary academic abilities to succeed in an educator program and ultimately become a teacher.

• Reading: This section of the WEST–B evaluates the test-taker’s ability to comprehend and interpret written passages. It is designed to assess general reading comprehension skills that are critical for understanding complex texts and for teaching reading skills to students at various grade levels.

• Writing: The writing section assesses a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in written English. This is important because teachers must be able to convey ideas clearly, both in writing and oral communication, in order to facilitate student learning. The writing test consists of multiple-choice questions and a writing assignment.

• Mathematics: This part of the test evaluates basic mathematical understanding. It includes questions related to arithmetic, algebra, and data interpretation. While the mathematical skills required by teachers may vary depending on the grade level and subject area, all educators need a foundational understanding of mathematics to effectively teach their students.

The WEST–B is administered by Pearson’s Evaluation Systems group, and it serves as one of the primary gateways into a teaching career in Washington. A passing score on the WEST–B is required not only for program admission but also for candidates seeking an out-of-state teacher certification in Washington.

WEST–E (Endorsement Assessments)

The WEST–E tests are more specialized and focus on specific content areas for those seeking endorsements in particular subject areas. Endorsements allow teachers to specialize in teaching certain subjects, such as English, mathematics, science, or social studies. The WEST–E assessments are aligned with the state’s standards and the Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs) for each subject area.

These assessments are designed to ensure that educators have a deep understanding of the content they are qualified to teach. For instance, candidates seeking to teach high school mathematics must pass the appropriate WEST–E assessment that measures their knowledge of mathematical concepts and teaching methods in line with Washington State’s curriculum guidelines.

The WEST–E is crucial for teachers who wish to add endorsements to their certification. It is taken after completing the necessary coursework in a teacher preparation program and is often required to be eligible for certification in specialized subject areas. By ensuring that teachers possess subject-specific knowledge, the WEST–E guarantees that Washington’s students are receiving high-quality education in each subject area.

2. The Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB)

The Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) is the state agency responsible for setting and maintaining the professional standards for educators in Washington. PESB oversees educator preparation programs, the certification process, and the ongoing professional development of teachers throughout their careers. PESB ensures that Washington’s educators meet the high standards of proficiency and ethical conduct required for quality teaching.

One of the primary responsibilities of PESB is ensuring that prospective educators have met the state’s academic and professional standards. This includes reviewing educator preparation programs, issuing and renewing educator certifications, and ensuring that teachers are appropriately licensed to teach in Washington schools. PESB also supports educators in their professional growth by providing resources and guidance related to continuing education, renewal of certifications, and maintaining best practices in the classroom.

The PESB works closely with the Evaluation Systems group (which administers the WEST exams) to ensure that the certification requirements, including test scores, align with the state’s broader educational goals. It also serves as a regulatory body that helps maintain consistency and transparency in teacher qualification standards.

3. The National Evaluation Series (NES)

The National Evaluation Series (NES) is a set of professional assessments designed for educator certification. While the WEST assessments are specific to Washington State, the NES is a broader national system of exams that can be used in multiple states. Some of the tests within the NES system are used as a part of the certification process in Washington, particularly for candidates seeking endorsements in specialized subject areas.

NES exams assess a range of teacher competencies, from general knowledge to specific skills required to teach certain subjects. The NES is administered by Pearson and includes both multiple-choice questions and constructed-response items, which measure a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of subject areas and their ability to apply that knowledge in classroom settings.

NES exams are recognized by several states, making them a valuable credential for teachers seeking certification across state lines. In Washington, candidates for specific endorsements may be required to take and pass relevant NES exams as part of the certification process.

4. Recent Updates and Changes

As of January 2025, there have been no significant updates to the structure of the WEST exams, PESB requirements, or the collaboration between PESB and NES. However, it is important for prospective educators to stay informed about any changes to test procedures, scoring thresholds, and certification requirements. Updates regarding the PESB and NES may be posted regularly on the official websites of both organizations.

Changes could include updates to exam content, changes in certification procedures, or the introduction of new endorsements and certifications. It is also possible that new assessments may be introduced in the future to better align with evolving educational standards.

5. How to Access the Directory and Stay Informed

To keep up with the latest updates and access the full directory of the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) and National Evaluation Systems (NES), individuals should visit the official websites of both organizations. The PESB website contains valuable information regarding the requirements for teacher certification, including detailed instructions on taking the WEST–B and WEST–E exams.

Similarly, the NES website offers resources for educators looking to take the necessary exams for certification in various subject areas. These resources include test objectives, registration procedures, study materials, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Conclusion

The WEST Directory for Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) and National Evaluation Systems (NES) is an essential resource for educators seeking certification in Washington State. It provides comprehensive information about the various assessments required for teacher certification and serves as a guide for educators navigating the certification process. Whether applying for a teaching position, seeking endorsements, or renewing a certification, the PESB and NES work together to ensure that Washington’s teachers meet high standards of knowledge and professionalism, contributing to the success of students across the state. Staying informed about the latest updates and requirements is crucial for educators in order to achieve and maintain certification.