Pennsylvania Certification is a voluntary credentialing system offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PIE). It is designed to recognize individuals who meet rigorous standards of professional practice and performance in the area of teaching, school leadership, educational support, school counseling, and student support services. Pennsylvania Certification is awarded to candidates who can demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to be successful in the classroom and school environment. There are four types of Pennsylvania Certification: Instructional I, Instructional II, Educational Specialist and Administrative. Instructional I Certification is awarded to candidates who have completed a bachelor's degree or higher and who demonstrate the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to be successful in the classroom. Instructional II Certification is awarded to candidates who have completed an approved master's degree program and who demonstrate the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to be successful in the classroom. Educational Specialist Certification is awarded to candidates who have completed an approved master's degree program and who demonstrate the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to be successful in a specific leadership role. Administrative Certification is awarded to candidates who have completed an approved master's degree program and who demonstrate the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to be successful in a school administrator role.