2026 Certification Guide
How to Become a Teacher in Texas
Everything you need to know to earn a Texas teaching certificate — from degree requirements and required exams to alternative routes and reciprocity.
Step-by-Step: Getting Certified in Texas
- 1
Complete Your Education
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. This typically includes completing an approved teacher preparation program that includes coursework in pedagogy, child development, and your subject area.
- 2
Complete Student Teaching
Complete a supervised student teaching experience (clinical practice) in an approved school setting. Most programs require a full semester of student teaching under a cooperating teacher.
- 3
Pass Required Assessments
Texas requires passing state-approved assessments before certification is issued:
- 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
- 4
Apply for Your Certificate
Submit your application to Texas Education Agency (TEA), including transcripts, test scores, proof of student teaching completion, and any applicable fees. Most applications are processed through an online portal.
- 5
Start Teaching & Advance Your License
Your Standard Teaching Certificate (valid 5 years) allows you to begin teaching. Advance to a Standard Teaching Certificate (renewed) (5 years, renewable) by meeting additional requirements such as completing a mentorship program or additional coursework.
Pass the TExES exam
Mometrix study guide & practice tests for the TExES — prep with confidence.
Alternative Paths to Certification in Texas
If you have a bachelor's degree in another field or relevant professional experience, these routes may let you enter the classroom sooner while completing certification requirements.
- Texas Alternative Certification Programs (ACP): Offered by approved providers; teach while completing coursework
- Teach For America (active in Houston, Dallas, and Rio Grande Valley)
- iTeach and other private ACP providers
- Career and Technical Education certificates
Out-of-State Certification & Reciprocity
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.
Tip: If you hold a valid teaching license from another state, contact Texas Education Agency (TEA) directly about your reciprocity options before re-taking any exams. Many states streamline the process for experienced educators.
What Will You Earn in Texas?
Now that you know how to get certified, find out what to expect to earn. Texas teachers start around $33,000 and average $57,641 per year statewide.
Texas Teacher Salary Guide →Ready to apply?
Browse current teaching positions in Texas — apply directly on district sites.
Data sources: Texas Education Agency. Certification requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Texas Education Agency (TEA) before beginning a preparation program. EduJobsBoard is not affiliated with any state education department.
Frequently asked questions about teaching in Texas
- How do I become a teacher in Texas?
- Texas certification is administered by Texas Education Agency (TEA). The standard path is a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution from an approved teacher-prep program, completion of state-required exams (Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) Core Subjects, TExES Content Area Examinations, TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR)), and a background check. Total timeline is approximately ACP programs can begin in 6–8 weeks; full Standard Certificate typically issued after 1 year of teaching plus exams.
- What exams are required to teach in Texas?
- Texas requires the following exams: Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) Core Subjects (Content knowledge for elementary educators); TExES Content Area Examinations (Subject knowledge for secondary and specialty areas); TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) (Professional knowledge and teaching practice). Most are computer-based and offered year-round at testing centers.
- How long is a Texas teaching license valid?
- The initial Standard Teaching Certificate is valid for 5 years. After meeting professional development and experience requirements, you can advance to the Standard Teaching Certificate (renewed) which is valid for 5 years, renewable.
- Can I teach in Texas with a license from another state?
- 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.
- Are there alternative routes to teaching in Texas?
- Texas Alternative Certification Programs (ACP): Offered by approved providers; teach while completing coursework; Teach For America (active in Houston, Dallas, and Rio Grande Valley); iTeach and other private ACP providers; Career and Technical Education certificates