Standard Certificate Renewal and Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Information

Since September 1, 1999, the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) has issued the standard certificate, which is subject to renewal every five years.

This page provides comprehensive guidance for Texas educators on renewing a standard certificate and fulfilling Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements, as outlined in 19 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 232. General Certification Provisions, Subchapter A. Certificate Renewal and Continuing Professional Education Requirements. Whether you are actively teaching or temporarily away from the classroom, you will find the information you need to stay compliant and maintain your certification.

Texas standard certificates are valid for five years and must be renewed through the Educator Certification Online System (ECOS). Renewal is based on the completion of required CPE hours.

Renewal Requirements:

• CPE must directly relate to the certificate(s) being renewed with a focus on the standards required for issuance and completed during each five-year renewal period.
• All educators must receive CPE training regarding educating students with disabilities. This training must include specific information on educating students with dyslexia. To access the TEALearn dyslexia course, please go to TEA Learn Dyslexia.
• Individuals who hold a superintendent certificate must complete at least 2.5 hours of training every five years on identifying and reporting potential victims of sexual abuse, human trafficking, and other maltreatment of children, in accordance with Texas Education Code, 21.054(h).  For more information on Child Abuse and Human Trafficking, please visit the following webpages:
  • TEA Child Abuse Prevention Overview
  • TEA Human Trafficking of School-Aged Children
• If not renewed on time, the certificate becomes inactive but may still be renewed with the required CPE.  You will not be required to retake exams. A late renewal fee in addition to the standard renewal fee is applicable if renewed after the certificate expiration date.
• Completion of each CPE activity must be retained by each educator and should be evidenced by documentation (e.g., transcripts, certificates of completion, attendance logs, etc.), which must be kept for five years and provided to TEA if requested during a certificate renewal audit.

Exemptions from Certificate Renewal Requirements:

Under 19 TAC §232.7, the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) allows for hardship exemptions from certificate renewal requirements in specific circumstances. These exemptions are designed to support educators facing significant challenges that may prevent them from completing the required Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours.

Eligible Hardship Exemptions Include:

1. Catastrophic Illness – For the educator or an immediate family member.  The request for a hardship exemption can be submitted via help desk ticket to Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Exemption Request and must include documentation from a licensed physician.
2. Military Service – Active duty service that interferes with the ability to complete renewal requirements.  The request for a hardship exemption can be submitted via help desk ticket to Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Exemption Request and must include verified military records.
3. Other Extenuating Circumstances – For a school district on behalf of an educator who has an invalid certificate due to lack of earning the required continuing professional education (CPE) hours.  These requests must be accompanied by documentation and are subject to TEA approval.  If approved, the educator must pay the appropriate renewal fee.  The district must complete and sign the Hardship Exemption Form, including information and signature from the teacher and submit the completed form via help desk ticket to Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Exemption Request.

The hardship exemption is valid for the academic year in which the application is submitted and is intended for individuals who are currently employed by a Texas school district and require additional time to complete their renewal requirements. For individuals who are not currently employed by a school district, there is no specific deadline to renew the certificate. You will not be required to retake exams; however, please note that an additional late fee will apply. 

Note: At the end of the exemption period, the educator’s certificate will revert to “invalid” unless the renewal application is submitted.

CPE must be provided by approved providers and may include the following:

Formal Learning

• Workshops, conferences, and in-service training
• Online courses and webinars
• College coursework (1 semester credit = 15 CPE hours)

Independent Study (up to 20% of total hours)

• Self-study of professional materials (books, journals, videos)
• Online modules or recorded sessions

Professional Duties

• Curriculum development
• Mentoring other educators

Specialized Training Topics

Some roles require training in specific areas, including:

• Mental health first aid, trauma-informed care, grief-informed practices (up to 16 hours)
• Suicide prevention and AED training
• Digital literacy and instructional technology
• Dyslexia instruction and special education strategies
• Human trafficking and child abuse prevention (required for superintendents)

Acceptable CPE Activities for Texas Educators Living Outside the State:

1. Online Courses and Webinars
   Many TEA-approved providers offer virtual learning options that meet CPE requirements.
2. College Coursework
   Courses taken at accredited institutions of higher education, even outside Texas, are eligible.
   • 1 semester credit hour = 15 CPE hours
3. Independent Study (up to 20% of total hours)
   Includes:
   • Reading professional books, journals, or articles
   • Developing curriculum
   • Authoring published educational content
4. Professional Presentations or Mentoring
   • Teaching or presenting CPE activities (up to 10% of total hours)
   • Mentoring other educators (up to 30% of total hours)
5. Staff Development from Out-of-State Schools
   In-service or staff development completed through accredited public or private schools in other states, U.S. territories, or other countries may be accepted.