Additional Certification by Exam Information
If you hold a valid Texas classroom teaching certificate and a bachelor's degree you may add classroom certification areas by completing the appropriate examination. You must register for the test through the appropriate testing company. Once you have passed the test you must log in to your account, verify your scores and apply for the certificate.
Steps to Follow to Add Certification by Examination:
- Verify Your Name
The name on your educator certificate must match the photo ID you present at the testing site. If a name change is needed, submit a help desk ticket to Educator Certification before registering for an exam. - Register for the Exam
Sign up with the appropriate testing company. TEA does not administer exams. - Confirm Scores and Apply
Log in to your educator account to verify passing scores. From the Applications menu, select Additional Certification by Examination and complete the application. - Background Check and Certificate Update
Once your application is approved and a clear background check is confirmed, the new certification area will be added to your existing standard certificate.
Certification by Examination is Not Available for:
- Early Childhood: Prekindergarten-Grade 3
- Initial certification
- Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments
- A certificate other than classroom teacher (e.g. School Counselor, Principal, Superintendent, Learning Resources/School Librarian, Educational Diagnostician)
The Science of Teaching Reading (STR) Exam is additionally required if attempting to add any of the following areas:
- Core Subjects with Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood–Grade 6
- Core Subjects with Science of Teaching Reading: Grades 4–8
- English Language Arts and Reading with Science of Teaching Reading: Grades 4–8
- English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies with Science of Teaching Reading: Grades 4–8
For required test and deadlines to apply for certification, please view the Required Texas Certification Tests chart.