Certification

• You must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Texas institutions do not offer a degree in education. Every teacher must have an academic major, as well as teacher training courses. The only exemption from the degree requirement is for individuals seeking Career and Technology certification to teach certain courses, such as welding or computer-aided drafting.
• You must complete teacher training through an approved program. These programs are offered through colleges and universities, school districts, regional service centers, community colleges, and other entities.
• You must successfully complete the appropriate teacher certification tests for the subject and grade level you wish to teach. For a list of the certification tests and information on which tests are required, click here.

• Programs for those who do not yet have a college degree. Colleges and universities offer programs for training teachers. You will receive a degree in an academic major, as well as the training you would need to be an effective teacher. For a list of colleges and universities that offer teacher training as part of an undergraduate degree program, click here.
• Programs for those who already have a college degree (post-baccalaureate programs). These programs, which include accelerated routes into teaching, offer training on how to be an effective teacher, as well as additional courses you might need in the subject area you wish to teach. For a list of these programs, click here.

• Teachers from other states or countries who hold acceptable credentials from their home state or country can gain certification in Texas by passing the appropriate Texas certification tests. For more information, click here.
• Some out-of-state teachers can gain certification in Texas based on the certification tests they took in another state if SBEC has found those tests to be similar to and at least as rigorous as equivalent Texas tests. SBEC began the process of reviewing other state tests in fall 2001. For an overview of this review process and a list of the out-of-state tests reviewed to date, click here.
• The Texas Education Agency provides the opportunity to be exempt from certification testing.  Please review the Out-of-State Test Exemption FAQ's to get more details about this process.  

If you hold a valid Texas classroom teaching certificate and a bachelor's degree you may add classroom certification areas by completing the appropriate examination. You must register for the test through the appropriate testing company. Once you have passed the test you must log in to your account, verify your scores, and apply for the certificate.

Additional Certification by Examination Steps:

• The name on your certificate must match the photo I.D. you will show at the testing site. Email TEA to complete a name change if needed.
• Register for the exam with the appropriate testing company. TEA is not the testing company.
• Log in to your educator account, to verify your passing scores and select Applications.
• Select Additional Certification by Examination and complete the application.
• The new certificate area will be added to your existing certificate pending a clean background check.