Pursuing a career as an educator in Texas requires navigating a structured certification process regulated by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). This framework ensures all teachers meet established standards for competence and professional conduct before entering a classroom. Understanding the specific steps involved, from initial education to final certification, is necessary for anyone aspiring to teach within the state’s public school system.
Foundational Educational Requirements
The initial step toward earning a Texas teaching certificate involves holding a four-year degree from an accredited institution of higher education. This degree can be in any discipline, providing flexibility for career changers from various professional backgrounds. Program acceptance is contingent upon the candidate meeting a minimum grade point average (GPA), typically 2.50 on a 4.0 scale, though some programs may require a higher standard. Official transcripts must be provided to the selected preparation program to verify the degree and calculate the qualifying GPA.
Selecting a Teacher Preparation Program
Teacher preparation in Texas is delivered through two distinct pathways. The choice often depends on the candidate’s current employment status and previous educational background. Both pathways are overseen by the TEA and lead to the same Standard Certificate, but they differ significantly in their structure and timeline for completion.
Traditional University Programs
Many aspiring teachers choose university-based educator preparation programs (EPPs) integrated into a college degree plan. These programs often lead to a Bachelor of Arts or Science in Education and are designed for individuals beginning their career or pursuing a post-baccalaureate degree. Traditional routes provide a structured curriculum, including coursework in pedagogy, content methodology, and a full semester of supervised clinical teaching. This practical experience ensures candidates apply theoretical knowledge in a classroom setting under the guidance of an experienced mentor teacher.
Alternative Certification Programs
The Alternative Certification Program (ACP) pathway serves professionals who already possess a bachelor’s degree but are seeking a career change into education. ACPs allow candidates to enter the classroom as a teacher of record while simultaneously completing their training requirements. These intensive programs condense the necessary coursework and field experience, making the path to certification faster for eligible individuals. The initial field experience often takes the form of a paid residency or internship, which serves as the supervised teaching component.
Mastering the Required Examinations
All candidates for a Texas teaching certificate must successfully pass the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) series of tests. These assessments verify that prospective teachers have the necessary knowledge and skills to instruct students effectively in Texas public schools. The exams are administered in a computerized format throughout the year, and candidates must register separately for each required test. The testing structure includes two primary components that must be completed before a Standard Certificate can be issued.
Content Exam
The Content Exam measures a candidate’s subject-specific knowledge in the area they intend to teach, such as Mathematics 7-12 or English Language Arts and Reading 4-8.
Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) Exam
The Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) exam evaluates a teacher’s grasp of classroom management, instructional planning, and professional ethics.
Candidates entering an Alternative Certification Program may need to take the Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) to demonstrate content proficiency before being formally admitted. The PACT is an option for individuals who do not have a degree major closely aligned with the subject they wish to teach.
Background Checks and Fingerprinting
Before any candidate can be placed in a classroom setting for clinical teaching or employment, a mandatory state and national criminal history review is required. This screening process is required by state law for all public school employees to maintain a safe environment for students. Candidates must complete electronic fingerprinting through an approved vendor, which submits the data to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Clearance of this background check is a prerequisite for the issuance of any teaching certificate.
Securing Your Initial Texas Teaching Certificate
Once a candidate has successfully completed all coursework, passed the required TExES exams, and received background check clearance, the preparation program recommends them to the TEA for initial certification. Candidates in Alternative Certification Programs typically receive an Intern or Probationary Certificate, which permits them to teach as the teacher of record while completing their supervised residency. This initial certificate is temporary, usually valid for one year, allowing the candidate to fulfill the practical teaching component of their training.
The Standard Certificate is obtained after the candidate successfully completes the full requirements of their educator preparation program and demonstrates at least one year of satisfactory teaching experience. The preparation program director must officially recommend the candidate to the TEA for the upgrade. This final, renewable certificate signifies full, professional standing as a Texas educator.
Maintaining and Renewing Certification
The Standard Certificate requires ongoing maintenance to remain valid. The certificate operates on a five-year renewal cycle, meaning teachers must complete specific requirements to avoid expiration. The primary requirement for renewal is the accumulation of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours.
Teachers must log a minimum of 150 CPE hours over the five-year period to qualify for renewal. These hours must come from TEA-approved activities, including professional development workshops, college coursework, or mentorship activities designed to improve instruction and content knowledge. Educators track and report their completed CPE credits through the TEA’s online Educator Certification Online System (ECOS).