Becoming a Principal or Superintendent in Texas

Principal

There are five requirements to obtain a Principal certificate.

must hold a master's degree from a university that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) (outside source)
- U.S. Department of Education Database for Accredited Colleges and Universities (outside source)
hold a valid classroom teaching certificate
have two years of creditable teaching experience as a classroom teacher
successfully complete an approved principal educator preparation program
successfully complete the required exam

TEA is redesigning Texas’ principal certification standards and corresponding tests. For more information, visit the Principal Certification Redesign homepage.

There are four requirements to obtain a Superintendent certificate.

must hold a master's degree from a university that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (outside source)
- U.S. Department of Education Database for Accredited Colleges and Universities (outside source)
hold a Principal certificate or the equivalent issued by the TEA, another state or country or,
completed the superintendent certificate application (PDF) and been approved by the TEA to substitute managerial experience in lieu of a principal certificate
successfully complete an approved superintendent educator preparation program
successfully complete the required exam