The state of Texas has a consistent need for qualified educators across its many school districts due to its rapidly growing student population. The process for becoming a certified teacher is managed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). Navigating this path requires meeting specific educational standards, completing a state-approved training program, and successfully passing a series of examinations. The certification process accommodates individuals entering the profession directly from college as well as those transitioning from other careers.
Foundational Education Requirements
Before beginning the formal teacher preparation process, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The degree does not need to be in education, allowing a wide range of majors to qualify for entry into a preparation program.
A minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) is also required for admission into a Texas Educator Preparation Program (EPP). Most programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5, calculated based on all undergraduate coursework or the last 60 semester hours completed. While some programs may require a slightly higher GPA, 2.5 is widely accepted as the baseline for entry.
Choosing a Certification Path
Once the foundational degree requirement is met, candidates must select one of the state’s two primary routes for completing the professional training necessary for certification. This choice depends largely on whether the candidate is a recent college graduate or a person with an existing degree looking to change careers. Both paths lead to the same standard teaching certificate but differ significantly in their structure and timeline.
Traditional University Programs
The traditional path is typically pursued by individuals who enter an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) as part of their undergraduate degree. These programs are housed within universities and integrate the required pedagogical coursework with the academic major. This route involves a structured sequence of classes covering educational theory, classroom management, and instructional methods over a period of four years or more.
A significant component of the traditional program is the clinical teaching experience, which functions as a full-time, unpaid student-teaching period. This experience allows the candidate to practice teaching under the guidance of a mentor teacher before being considered the official teacher of record. Clinical teachers do not typically receive a salary or benefits during this phase, and they do not require an intern or probationary certificate.
Alternative Certification Programs (ACPs)
Alternative Certification Programs (ACPs) are designed for college graduates who hold a bachelor’s degree and seek a faster transition into the classroom. These programs are offered by universities, school districts, education service centers, and private entities, accounting for a substantial portion of new Texas teachers each year. ACPs allow candidates to begin teaching as the teacher of record while simultaneously completing their training and coursework.
This expedited route includes an intensive period of coursework followed by a paid internship in a public school setting. The candidate receives a probationary certificate, valid for one calendar year, and is paid a full teacher’s salary and benefits while being supervised and mentored.
Required Examinations
Regardless of the chosen preparation path, all candidates must successfully pass a set of state-mandated tests to demonstrate competency in their subject area and professional knowledge. These assessments are known collectively as the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES). These exams ensure that educators possess the foundational knowledge and skills required for effective teaching.
Candidates must pass a content area exam specific to the subject and grade level they intend to teach. For example, a high school mathematics teacher would take the Mathematics 7-12 TExES, while an elementary teacher would take the Core Subjects EC-6 exam, which covers five subtests. Some certification fields, particularly those involving early childhood and elementary grades, also require the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam.
In addition to content-specific tests, all aspiring educators must pass the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) exam. This test focuses on broader teaching principles, including classroom management, instructional strategies, and professional ethics. Candidates must receive a passing score of 240 on most TExES subject areas.
The Application and Verification Process
Once program requirements and TExES exams are completed, the final administrative steps to receive the standard certificate begin. The application process is managed through the Educator Certification Online System (ECOS) under the Texas Education Agency Login (TEAL). The candidate must submit the final application for certification and pay the required application fee.
A mandatory component of the application is a national criminal background check, which requires all first-time applicants to be fingerprinted. This process is initiated within the ECOS system, where the candidate selects a digital fingerprinting option and pays a fee. The candidate then receives instructions to schedule an appointment with a state-approved vendor. The background check is a state law requirement for individuals who will have direct contact with students in the public school system.
Maintaining Your Texas Teaching Certificate
The standard teaching certificate is valid for a five-year period and must be renewed online through the ECOS system. Educators must meet ongoing requirements to maintain their status.
To renew the certificate, classroom teachers must complete 150 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) over the five-year renewal period. These CPE activities must directly relate to the certificate(s) being renewed and focus on content area knowledge, skills, professional ethics, and standards of conduct. Educators are responsible for tracking and documenting their completed hours, which can be earned through workshops, college coursework, or independent study from TEA-approved providers.