Where Do I Start?
Step 1 - Complete a practice exam with a score of 85% or higher.
Undergraduate Initial Teacher Certification
- A representative test score of 85% or higher on an online practice exam (free representative exam by request )
- A study plan showing diagnostic scores and dates/times of study
Educational Leadership - TExES Requirements for Test Approval
Graduate Initial Teacher Certification
- A representative test score of 85% or higher on an online practice exam (preferably, an interactive practice exam or exam from free representative exam by request )
- Documented proof of at least nine hours of exam preparation. (Screenshots of study programs, study plans, confirmation of study session attendance, etc.)
Step 2 - Request to take the real exam and attach your practice exam scores.
Approval to Test
Candidates need approval in order to register for Texas educator certification exams. Submit a request for licensure examination approval and attach a pdf of your passing practice test score taken within the past 45 days. Please note, test takers are limited to 5 attempts on any Texas educator certification test under Texas Education Code §21.048(a-1).
Undergraduate Applications
Undergraduate Licensure Exam Application (Bachelor's Programs)
*If you are a new student with the University and do not have a UNTD Student ID login, you will have to set up a Dynamic Forms user account (select Create New Account from login window).
Graduate Applications
Graduate Licensure Exam Application (Master's Programs)
*If you are a new student with the University and do not have a UNTD Student ID login, you will have to set up a Dynamic Forms user account (select Create New Account from login window).
Test Registration
Retesting Study Plans
Texas Educator Examination Program is the recommended first stop for preparation resources. We highly encourage the use of a study plan (multi-subject or single-subject) to analyze diagnostic scores and map out your study efforts.
Resources for Study
The School of Education has TExES Study Guides available for check out from the University Library. Certify Teacher Access is available to students and alumni free of charge. Faculty and staff have also compiled a list of low cost and no cost preparation resources available from other institutions and commercial entities.
The PACT
A Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) can be used for admission to an alternative certification or post-baccalaureate educator preparation program (EPP). Applicants enrolling in a preparation program that requires a PACT exam beginning January 27, 2020, must complete a passing score on the appropriate new TX PACT content examination (TX PACT) that corresponds with each certificate area. TX PACT exams are not the same as the TExES content-pedagogy certification exams used for standard certification.
Fee Waivers for Military Service
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. More information
Step 3 – Once all certification exams have been taken and passed, and you are complete in your degree program (close to graduation), apply for standard certification.
Requirements for Texas Educator Certification
Candidates seeking standard certification in the state of Texas will need to complete the following:
- Complete program requirements.
- Graduate (or already possess a conferred Bachelor’s degree).
- Pass all appropriate certification exams (content and pedagogy).
- Apply for standard/intern/probationary certification with TEA and pay the fee.
- Complete fingerprinting and pass a required national background check.
Required Fingerprinting of Applicants for Certification
TEA requires that applicants for a Texas certification must be fingerprinted through their contracted DPS vendor unless the applicant currently resides outside Texas, and is unable to utilize a Texas location of the vendor. For further information see TEA Fingerprinting.
- A fee of $39.50 is required for processing of fingerprints though DPS, FBI and TEA. TEA requires all applicants for certification and all certified educators 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 of 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
- Submit a request to be recommended for certificationwith 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.
Fee Waivers for Military Service
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
Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation of Educator Certification Candidates
A Request for Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation is a non-mandatory, non-binding evaluation of an individual’s self-reported criminal history, by the agency’s educator investigations staff. The evaluation is a service provided to the requestor for a non-refundable fee made by credit card. The requestor will receive a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter by email from the agency advising the requestor of a determination of potential ineligibility for educator certification. The evaluation is based solely on the information that is provided by the requestor. Participation in the evaluation will not preclude you from being required to submit to a national criminal history review at the time you apply for your educator certification. This means you will be required to be fingerprinted and to pay the applicable fees at that time. Your criminal history will be reviewed at that time and you may be subject to an investigation based on that criminal history, including any relevant information regarding the criminal history evaluated that you failed to submit for evaluation. For further information or to request this service, please visit the TEA website.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I pass all of my certification exams, will I become certified?
Certification only occurs when a candidate has met all requirements - including degree requirements, internship requirements, program requirements, testing, background check, and application and fee for certification. Please consult your program for specifics.
How do I receive approval to be recommended for certification?
First, apply for certification through TEAL and pay your fee. Then, complete and submit the Recommendation for Certification form at the top of this page.
What documentation do I produce for my background check?
Your TEAL account will show you a screen with your fingerprinting status. To process your request for certification, include verification of that green box with the words, "complete."
How many exams do I have to take?
See our infographic or the Clinical Teaching page for requirements.
Who do I contact for certification help?
Your certification officer, Shannin Garrett. shannin.garrett@untdallas.edu.