Transferring your teaching license from Minnesota to Texas
Texas evaluates out-of-state teaching credentials on a case-by-case basis. Expect a credential review by Texas Education Agency (TEA) and additional Texas-specific exam or coursework requirements before a full license is issued.
See 4,545 open teaching jobs in Texas →Your current credential (Minnesota)
- Issuing authority
- Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB)
- License type
- Tier 1 License (non-traditional) or Tier 2 License (traditional) (1 year (Tier 1) or renewable (Tier 2))
- Reciprocity policy
- Minnesota evaluates out-of-state licenses individually. Tier 2 may be issued to teachers with at least 2 years of out-of-state teaching experience.
Texas certification
- Issuing authority
- Texas Education Agency (TEA)
- License you'll earn
- Standard Teaching Certificate (5 years)
- Typical timeline
- ACP programs can begin in 6–8 weeks; full Standard Certificate typically issued after 1 year of teaching plus exams
- Texas reciprocity policy
- Texas participates in the NASDTEC compact. Out-of-state educators may receive Texas certification; TExES exams are typically required for the Standard Certificate. Texas is considered moderately reciprocity-friendly.
Exams typically required in Texas
Out-of-state applicants are usually asked to demonstrate content-area knowledge on Texas's preferred exams, even when basic-skills testing is waived through reciprocity. Plan for one or more of the following:
- Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) Core SubjectsContent knowledge for elementary educators
- TExES Content Area ExaminationsSubject knowledge for secondary and specialty areas
- TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR)Professional knowledge and teaching practice
Steps to transfer your license
- Verify your Minnesota credential is current. Texas will request a verification of your active Tier 1 License (non-traditional) or Tier 2 License (traditional) from Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB).
- Apply through Texas Education Agency (TEA). The application packet typically includes official transcripts, prior teaching service verification, and a fingerprint-based background check.
- Sit for any Texas-specific exams. Most states honor out-of-state content-area exams when scores meet their cutoff, but Texas may require an additional jurisprudence or state-specific assessment.
- Apply to Texas districts that match your endorsement. We're currently tracking 4,545 active openings — browse Texas teaching jobs to start identifying districts.