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
Please review the Criminal History Disclosure.
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
Once you have completed the certification application through TEA, paid the application
fee, and completed fingerprinting, you must complete the UNT Dallas request for teacher
certification:
- 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.