Testing Requirements

Approval to Test

A TExES or ExCET test may be taken if one of the following criteria is met:

Educator Preparation Programs

If you are fulfilling the requirements in an SBEC/TEA-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP), you must receive approval to take a certification examination from your EPP. There are several types of teacher training programs:

  • University Initial - a program usually delivered as part of a baccalaureate program that includes student teaching
  • University Post Baccalaureate - a program that may be offered to an individual who already holds at least a bachelor's degree and is seeking certification
  • University Alternative Certification Program - an Alternative Certification Program offered by a university
  • Alternative Certification Program - a nontraditional EPP for teachers and administrators who hold bachelor's degrees or higher that may involve university coursework or other professional development experiences as well as intense mentoring and supervision during the candidate's first year in the role of educator

Further information about EPP programs and a list of approved EPPs is available on the SBEC website. After acceptance and approval to test from your EPP, follow the steps for registering to test.

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Out-of-State/Out-of-Country

If you are certified and hold a teaching credential from another state, a U.S. Territory or another country and are seeking to be certified in the equivalent fields, you must have your credentials reviewed by SBEC/TEA.

To have your credentials reviewed, go to the SBEC website and create an Educator Profile, complete an online application for review of credentials, and submit appropriate documents by mail to TEA. After your credentials have been reviewed, you will be mailed information regarding the tests that you are approved to take. You can then register to test.

NOTE: The TEA Division of Educator Standards does not approve out-of-state/out-of-country candidates. These candidates should call the TEA toll-free number (1-888-863-5880), and select option 2 to talk to a certification/credentialing specialist.

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Certification by Exam

If you hold a Texas classroom teaching certificate, you may add classroom certification areas by successfully completing the appropriate examination for the area(s) you are seeking.

NOTE: The TEA Division of Educator Standards does not approve certification by exam candidates. These candidates should call the TEA toll-free number (1-888-863-5880), and select option 2 to talk to a certification/credentialing specialist.

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Charter School

To fulfill the No Child Left Behind federal requirement to be highly qualified, charter school teachers must demonstrate content mastery in their assignment and competency in the same manner as teachers in public schools. Elementary teachers must demonstrate content mastery by passing TExES Generalist EC-4 (101). Secondary teachers must demonstrate content mastery by passing either the appropriate TExES or ExCET content examination or having at least 24 semester credit hours in the assigned content area.

NOTE: The TEA Division of Educator Standards does not approve charter school candidates. These candidates should call the TEA toll-free number (1-888-863-5880), and select option 2 to talk to a certification/credentialing specialist. Passing a TExES or ExCET test does not qualify charter school teachers for a Texas educator certificate.

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Temporary Teacher Certificate

The Temporary Teacher Certificate (TTC) provides an additional route for persons who hold a bachelor's degree or higher to enter the teaching profession in Texas.

  • Persons requesting a TTC must be employed by a Texas school district for the two-year validity period of the certificate.
  • The school district(s) must be approved by the SBEC/TEA and must assume the responsibility of training the individual for the validity period of the certificate.
  • A TTC can only be issued for grades 8-12 in curriculum areas that currently have an examination under the TExES program.
  • To acquire a TTC, you must apply for a Review of Credentials through the SBEC website. After the review of credentials has been completed, you will be notified by SBEC of the appropriate 8-12 TExES content exam for which you need to register in addition to the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities 8-12 test.

NOTE: The TEA Division of Educator Standards does not approve temporary teacher certificate candidates. These candidates should call the TEA toll-free number (1-888-863-5880), and select option 2 to talk to a certification/credentialing specialist.

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Exemptions for the Hearing Impaired

If you are deaf or hearing impaired, you may be exempt from the TExES or ExCET testing requirements. Texas Education Code §21.048 allows certain individuals who are deaf or hearing impaired to be issued a Temporary Exemption Certificate allowing them to teach in Texas public schools. Contact TEA or visit the SBEC website for more information.

NOTE: If your certification requires the Texas Assessment of Sign Communication (TASC), the Texas Assessment of Sign Communication-American Sign Language (TASC-ASL), and/or the TExES American Sign Language (ASL) test(s), you must pass these tests even if you are hearing impaired.

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