Certification Announcements and Updates
Certification Deadlines and Required Tests
The Required Texas Certification Tests chart list the required test and deadlines to apply for certification. For certificates and/or tests set to expire, candidates must meet the deadlines to complete requirements such as testing, coursework, and internships/student teaching by the posted deadline and must also apply and be recommended by their educator preparation program for certification by posted deadline of the specified year.
The required tests below have proposed deadlines to apply for certification that are approaching soon:
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| Certificate | Test Discontinued or to be Discontinued | Last Date to Apply and Recommend for Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Special Education: Early Childhood-Grade 12 | 161 Special Education EC-12 TExES | August 31, 2026 |
| Special Education Supplemental | 163 Special Education Supplemental TExES | August 31, 2026 |
| Core Subjects with Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood Grade 6 |
391 Core Subjects EC-6 TExES | August 31, 2028 |
The Science of Teaching Reading (STR) Exam
The STR exam will be required for the issuance of five certification fields.
- Early Childhood: EC – Grade 3
- 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
The STR exam will be required for the issuance of intern, probationary, and standard certifications for these certification fields beginning January 1, 2021.
Teachers who are currently standard certified in Core Subjects: EC-6, Core Subjects: 4-8, English Language Arts and Reading: 4-8, or English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies: 4-8 will not be required to pass the STR exam for renewal of their certificate. The STR exam requirement only impacts candidates seeking certification after Jan. 1, 2021.
Document Upload Available in the Educator Certification Online System (ECOS)
Via the "My Documents" tab in ECOS, Educator's have the ability to view documents received by TEA staff and upload documents themselves. Visit the documents upload instructions page for assistance.
School districts and Educator Preparation Programs also have the ability to view documents received by TEA staff and upload documents via the "Documents" tab in ECOS. Please see the Document Upload for Entities instructions for assistance.
Teacher Shortage Areas
The 2026-2027 teacher shortage areas are now available.
Minimum Salary Schedule
The 2025-2026 minimum salary schedule is now available on the Minimum Salary Schedules page.