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.
Certification Renewal Overview
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:
Certificate Type | Required CPE Hours |
Classroom Teacher | 150 hours |
Principal, Superintendent, Counselor, Librarian, Educational Diagnostician, Reading Specialist | 200 hours |
Multiple Certificates (Classroom Teacher, Administrator, and/or Student Services) | 200 hours total |
- 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. If you have issues with TEALearn and need technical assistance, please submit a TEALearn Help Desk ticket. For dyslexia course content questions, please send an email to specialeducation@tea.texas.gov.
- 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:
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Acceptable CPE Activities
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:
- Online Courses and Webinars
Many TEA-approved providers offer virtual learning options that meet CPE requirements. - College Coursework
Courses taken at accredited institutions of higher education, even outside Texas, are eligible.- 1 semester credit hour = 15 CPE hours
- Independent Study (up to 20% of total hours)
Includes:- Reading professional books, journals, or articles
- Developing curriculum
- Authoring published educational content
- Professional Presentations or Mentoring
- Teaching or presenting CPE activities (up to 10% of total hours)
- Mentoring other educators (up to 30% of total hours)
- 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.
Note: These CPE activities are also valid for in-state Texas educators.
For additional details on the content of required CPE hours based on certificate type, you may either visit 19 TAC Chapter 232, §232.11, or select the certificate type below.
Teacher Certificate CPE Requirements
Principal Certificate CPE Requirements
Superintendent Certificate CPE Requirements
School Counselor Certificate CPE Requirements
School Librarian/Educational Diagnostician/Reading Specialist Certificate CPE Requirements
Renewal Application Instructions
Six months before your certificate’s expiration date, you will receive an email reminder sent to the address listed in your educator account. However, please note that you are responsible for meeting renewal requirements, even if you do not receive the notification.
(Reference: 19 TAC §232.1(c))
To renew your standard certificate, you must apply and pay online through the Educator Certification Online System (ECOS). Follow these steps:
- Log in to your TEAL account: TEAL Login
- Click “View My Educator Certification Account” to access ECOS.
- In ECOS, verify that your profile information is accurate, then click “Continue” at the bottom of the page.
- From the left-hand menu, select “Applications”, then choose “Renew a Standard Certificate.”
- Follow the prompts to complete your renewal application and submit payment.
If you are experiencing difficulty accessing your TEAL account, you can contact TEAL Access for assistance. Please submit a Help Desk ticket and a representative will help you regain access and guide you through any necessary steps.
Approved CPE Providers
Below are links to approved CPE providers where you can find eligible training opportunities for certificate renewal.
Only CPE activities from approved providers will be recognized for certificate renewal.
The following organizations are considered pre-approved Continuing Professional Education (CPE) providers and may offer CPE activities without needing additional approval:
- State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC)
- Texas Education Agency (TEA)
- Accredited institutions of higher education recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
- Regional Education Service Centers (ESCs)
- Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools (in-service/staff development must comply with TEC §21.451)
- Accredited private schools recognized by the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission and International Association for Learner Driven Schools
- Professional membership associations or non-profits that:
- Have offered professional development in Texas for at least five years
- Hold tax-exempt status under 26 U.S.C. §501(c)(3) or §501(c)(6), or are a state association affiliated with a national association that holds tax-exempt status
Providers must maintain records of:
- Activity content and clock hours
- Attendance logs or certificates of completion
- Dates and locations of training
Educators must retain documentation for five years and submit it only if requested during a certificate renewal audit.
Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Providers:
To better support educators in finding professional development opportunities aligned with their instructional focus, we have updated the way approved CPE providers are listed. Providers are now categorized by primary subject areas, making it easier for educators to identify offerings that match their areas of certification and align with their professional learning goals. The list of approved CPE providers will continue to be updated regularly as new continuing professional education offerings are reviewed and approved.
CPE providers are required to notify TEA of any updates to their provider information. To submit changes, please complete and submit the CPE Provider Update Form.
Apply to Become a TEA-Approved CPE Provider
Organizations that deliver professional development for Texas educators can apply to become TEA-approved Continuing Professional Education (CPE) providers. Approved providers help educators meet certificate renewal requirements and ensure training aligns with state standards.
Eligibility:
Applicants must offer PD that supports educator professional growth, uses evidence-based practices, and complies with Texas Administrative Code Chapter 232, Subchapter A and state law.
Application Process & Timelines:
- Submit your application through the TEA Help Desk, Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Provider.
- If corrections are needed, you will have 10 business days to respond.
- Final decision within 60 calendar days of a complete application submission.
- Applicants not approved may reapply one year from the date of the final decision to deny.
Ready to apply?
Start your application → CPE Provider Registration Application
Please use the TEA Help Desk to submit questions about standard certificate renewal and continuing professional education. Once on the Educator Certification and CPE webpage, please click the red Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Educator tile. You may also call Educator Certification directly at 512-936-8400 and select option 2.
Educator Certification Summer Phone Hours (June 1 – August 31, 2026)
Due to increased certification application volume during the summer months, phone support will be available Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 noon. (CST).
Outside of these hours, please submit your questions through the TEA Help Desk, and our team will assist you as quickly as possible.
