Certification
Contact Information
TEA Help Desk
Educator Certification:
(512) 936-8400 option 2
Phone support is available Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (CST).
You may also submit your questions through the TEA Help Desk. Your inquiry will be reviewed by the appropriate team, and a response will be provided as soon as possible.
Whether you are becoming certified for the first time, adding a certification area, renewing an existing certificate, or seeking assignment guidance, this page provides resources for Texas educators, school districts, educator preparation programs, and certification applicants. Use the sections below to find information about certification requirements, testing, certificate renewal, educator preparation programs, assignment requirements, and staffing flexibility options.
Stay current by reviewing certification announcements and updates.
Need help setting up your educator account? Visit the Educator Certification Online System (ECOS) page for account setup instructions, step-by-step guides, and other certification system resources. If you experience difficulty creating or accessing your account, contact your regional Education Service Center (ESC) representative for assistance.
Educator Certification Resources
Resources related to certification pathways, testing, certificate issuance, renewal, and educator preparation programs.
Approved Texas Educator Preparation Programs
Military Community & First Responders
Out-of-State/Country Certified Educators
Renewing a standard certificate and continuing professional education (CPE) requirements
Additional certification by examination
Additional certification by examination that requires work experience
Principal and Superintendent certification
Student Services certification
Revalidating a lifetime certificate
Virtual certificate information (certificate lookup)
Visiting International Teachers
Certificate Issuance Update
Due to recent legislative changes, TEA has implemented a more comprehensive background check process for certification applicants. These enhanced reviews help ensure the safety of Texas students but may increase the time required for certificate issuance.
We understand that applicants are eager to receive their certificates and recognize that these delays can be frustrating. Unfortunately, TEA is unable to estimate how long an individual review will take and cannot provide a timeline for certificate issuance while these checks are pending.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete these required reviews and issue certificates as quickly as possible while maintaining these important safeguards.
Assignment Requirements and Flexibility
Resources related to educator assignments, staffing requirements, permits, waivers, and certification flexibility options for school districts.
- School District Hiring Information
- State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) rules
- Chapter 231 Requirements for Public School Personnel Assignments
- Certification Assignment Flexibility Options
- Emergency Permits Guide
- School District Teaching Permits
- Certification Waivers
- Special Education Personnel Assignment Guidance
Approved Districts for House Bill 2 Delay of Teacher Certification Requirements (TEC 21.0032)
The following districts have been approved to delay implementation of teacher certification requirements for foundation curriculum courses until the beginning of the 2029–2030 academic year. Each link directs to the district’s locally approved plan outlining how the district will transition to full certification by the deadline.
All districts were required to complete the Application Submission for Delay of Teacher Certification Requirements.
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There are 572 approved districts. For additional information or questions regarding a district’s plan, please contact the district directly.