Official Teacher Certification Request

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:

  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. 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 .

  • 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 

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  

 

Once you have completed the certification application through TEA, paid the application fee, and completed fingerprinting, you must complete the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ request for teacher certification:

  • Submit a request to be recommended for certification with required documentation.
  1. |  (Bachelor's Programs)—select Create New Account from login window.
  2. |  (Master's Programs)—select Create New Account from login window.