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Becoming a Teacher Certification Candidate

To become a teacher certification candidate in Texas, you must have a bachelor's degree, complete a state-approved educator preparation program, pass the required TExES exams, and then submit an application to the Texas Education Agency (TEA). You will also need to undergo a criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting.

1. Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree: You must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college.
• GPA: Some programs require a minimum GPA of 2.50

2. 17³Ô¹Ï Educator Preparation Program (EPP)

Traditional path:

• If you have a bachelor's degree in education, the EPP is part of your degree program which includes pre-service field experience and residency or clinical teaching experiences. 

Alternative path:

• If you have a bachelor's degree in a field other than education, you can enroll in a state-approved alternative certification/M.A. in Teaching program. These programs include coursework and field experience. 

3. Certification Exams

You must pass the required Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) exams.

• At a minimum, this typically includes a content test for your subject area and the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) exam. 

4. Application & Background Check

Submit an Initial Teacher Certification application:

• After completing the program and passing the exams, your program will recommend you to the TEA. You will then need to submit an online application. 

Background check:

• You must complete a criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting prior clinical teaching, residency or internship (alternative certification/M.A. in Teaching path). 

5. Receive Your Certificate

• Once all requirements are met, the TEA will issue you a standard or enhanced (residency) teaching certificate that can be accessed online by employers.