Troubleshooting edTPA Submission Errors

When you initiate the transfer, Pearson will convert all the files you have provided. If there are any issues during the process, you will be notified via email about the specific files that are causing errors. Such errors may occur due to files being corrupted or being in an unrecognized format.

edTPA has specific file type requirements for documents, audio, and video files. Refer to the evidence charts at the end of the edTPA handbooks for a description of the requirements. The handbook can be downloaded from the Description section of your edTPA as shown in the below screenshot:

The Portfolio page showing tabs for Spring 2022 edTPA Secondary Science, Task1, Task2, Task3, Assessment, Standards, Extensions, and Feedback. Description section showing multiple links for downloading the handbook, guides, supplemental resources, and errata, along with provided username and password details.

Submission Errors:

1. Transcoding Error

If you have a document file that cannot be transcoded properly or has an invalid file type, convert the file to a PDF and re-upload. If you have an audio or video file that will not transcode properly, reformat your file using a video transcoding or compression tool and re-upload. Refer to the Pearson edTPA site for additional Tips and Guides for Candidates.

If your files and/or artifacts do not meet edTPA standards, you will receive the following message in Tk20:

A pop-up showing message that multiple portfolio attachments do not meet the required specifications. List showing each task part requiring at least one file and stating that zero files were provided. Checkbox shown for preventing additional dialogues and OK button appears at the bottom.

To make the necessary edits defined by Pearson:

  1. Access your edTPA portfolio from the Portfolios
  2. To re-open your portfolio for editing in Tk20 and make revisions, click “Recall from Pearson.” Clicking this button does not automatically change the status or contents of your portfolio in the Pearson

    The section showing Recall from Pearson and Close buttons. Recall from Pearson highlighted.

  3. Revise your portfolio using the steps listed in section 5.2 of this guide.
  4. Once all identified files causing errors have been revised and updated in the respective artifacts, you can click “Transfer to Pearson"

    The section showing Submit, Transfer to Pearson, Save, and Close buttons. Transfer to pearson button highlighted.

  5. Upon successful transfer, Pearson will contact you via email to verify the contents of your edTPA portfolio and submit it for official scoring.
  6. You must log in to the Pearson ePortfolio System on edTPA.com or by clicking “Track My edTPA Transfer” to review your transferred portfolio and label the uploaded files as instructed in order to submit the portfolio for official scoring.

NOTE:  Please refer to the edTPA Errata Sheet which is already accessible to you under the Description section of your Portfolio. [Page: 18, Section: Important Information about Preparing and Submitting Evidence] to correct these errors.

2. Failed 5-Time Error

Sometimes you may receive the below error after transferring your edTPA to Pearson:

An Error Details section showing message that the portfolio transfer was terminated after five failed attempts and advising to try again or contact Pearson.

Please follow the below steps to resolve this error:

  1. Access your edTPA portfolio from the Portfolios
  2. To re-open your portfolio for editing in Tk20 and make revisions, click “Recall from Pearson.” Clicking this button does not automatically change the status or contents of your portfolio in the Pearson
  3. Once you have successfully recalled the edTPA, please click the "Transfer to Pearson" option.
  4. You must log in to the Pearson ePortfolio System on edTPA.com or by clicking “Track My edTPA Transfer” to review your transferred portfolio and label the uploaded files as instructed in order to submit the portfolio for official scoring.

Log in to the Pearson ePortfolio System and follow the submission instructions in order to have your portfolio officially scored by Pearson.

Was this article helpful?
1 out of 19 found this helpful

Articles in this section

How to Contact Support
There are many ways to reach out! Click the icon above for our support options.
Watermark Academy
Click the icon above to access the Watermark Academy for consultation, training, and implementation companion courses.
Customer Community
Can’t find the answer? Ask fellow users how they’re making the most of Watermark in our Community!