SOE Alumni Resources

Test Approval Policy for Finishers: Due to state certification testing and program changes, a UNT Dallas student who finished our teaching program and graduated more than one year prior to their request for testing, or they have tested and been unsuccessful on any attempt, the candidate will need to complete remediation before retaking the certification exam.

Please reach out to SOE@untdallas.edu and a program coordinator will determine the remediation plan which may include additional coursework.

Remediation may include:

• 85% or higher score achieved on the Representative Exams (access to canvas required)
• Additional Coursework

TAC 228.31

The EPP shall grant test approval when the EPP determines the candidate is ready, or if the candidate is a completer. An EPP may make test approval contingent on a candidate completing additional coursework and/or training to show that the candidate is prepared to pass the test if the candidate is seeking test approval from the EPP in an area where the standards and/or test changed since the candidate completed all requirements of the EPP or if the candidate has returned to the EPP for test approval one or more years following the academic year of completion of all program requirements.

Please complete the request for a verification letter and allow up to one week for processing.  

Verification letters are sometimes needed for employment in a school district or to show proof of completion of the program/completion of certification testing requirements.

Additionally, school districts may also request a deficiency letter if the candidate has graduated and is employed but has not yet completed some certification components.

The UNT Dallas School of Education Certification Office is responsible for verifying students’ completion of program and certification requirements. 

All verification letters are routed and completed by the certification officer, Ms. Shannin Garrett.  Feel free to email her at shannin.garrett@untdallas.edu if you have further questions or need to follow up on your verification letter request. 

UNT Dallas alumni are strongly encouraged to take advantage of our free, on-demand practice tests through Canvas.  Free representative exam by request 

Testing requirements may have changed since your time in the program, please use the Testing Roadmap to determine the exams you will need. 

We may have other resources available to assist you with your preparation. Please reach out to soe@untdallas.edu and let us know what you need to be successful!

Once you have adequately prepared for the exam, you may request permission to test. Undergraduate Alumni Test Request Form  Candidates need approval in order to register for Texas educator certification exams.

Please note, test takers are limited to 5 attempts on any Texas educator certification test under Texas Education Code §21.048(a-1).

Candidates seeking standard certification through UNT Dallas in the state of Texas will need to complete the following:

1. Complete program requirements.
2. Graduate (or already possess a conferred Bachelor’s degree).
3. Pass all appropriate certification exams (content and pedagogy).
4. Apply for standard/intern/probationary certification with TEA and pay the fee.
5. Complete fingerprinting and pass a required national background check. 
6. Submit a request to be recommended for certification with required documentation.
   • Undergraduate Students and Alumni| New Student (Bachelor's Programs)—select Create New Account from login window.
   • Graduate Students and Alumni| New Student (Master's Programs)—select Create New Account from login window.

TEA requires that applicants for a Texas certification must be fingerprinted through their contracted DPS vendor unless the applicant currently resides outside of Texas, and is unable to utilize the Texas location of the vendor.  For further information see TEA Fingerprinting.

• A fee of $39.50 is required for processing fingerprints though DPS, FBI and TEA. TEA requires all applicants for certification and all certified educators are required to be fingerprinted under TEC Chapter 22, Subchapter C to pay this fingerprinting fee online.
• An additional fee of $9.95 is paid to the vendor at the time of appointment. This fee is assessed for scanning prints.
• A FAST Fingerprint Pass is issued to the applicant/educator by TEA once online payment has been made; a fingerprinting appointment cannot be scheduled without this document in hand. This document, along with a valid photo ID must be presented at the time of appointment.
• Fingerprinting results are received by TEA typically 3-5 days after the appointment.
• Digital fingerprinting through the vendor is offered at over 80 locations currently. For a list of current sites, see Vendor Sites

Under Senate Bill 807, certain educator certification fees are waived for members of the military, military spouses, and military veterans. Military service members can also use military experience to meet certain requirements under the Health Science and Trade Industrial Education Certification. For more information, go to TEA Website