Certification Based on Credentials from another Country

If you hold a standard educator certificate or credential from a country outside of the United States and its territories, you must apply for a review of your out-of-country credentials.

Application Instructions

You must apply for the review of out-of-country credentials and pay a $164 non-refundable fee.

1. Create a TEAL user account. 
   • TEA will issue you a temporary number if you do not have an SSN. The temporary number allows you to create a TEA Login (TEAL) account and access the Educator Certification Online System (ECOS). Access to ECOS is needed to apply for a Review of Credentials. 
2. Submit an original course-by-course evaluation by a recognized foreign evaluation service.
   • List of foreign credential evaluation services recognized by TEA 
3. Submit an original written statement from your country's licensing agency.
4. Submit acceptable proof of oral English language proficiency.

Detailed information about the above required documents (PDF, KB 127.11)
 

Social Security Number Required for Certification

You must complete fingerprinting before a certificate will be issued. A social security number (SSN) is required to complete fingerprinting. Please visit the Social Security Administration for information regarding SSNs.

Results of the Review

Once the review of credentials is completed you will receive a notification by email. It is not necessary for you to contact TEA for an update on the status of your review since customer service representatives would not have such information available. The details of your review will be available online in your educator account from the Educator Main Menu under "My Documents" upon receipt of the completion notification email. The results will include the required tests for standard certificates and your eligibility for a one-year non-renewable certificate.

Note: Please use Google Chrome to view PDF document(s).

One-Year Certificate

Once you have completed the review of credentials, you may be eligible for a one-year certificate. Eligibility information can be found in the results of your review. You must submit acceptable proof of oral English language proficiency before the one-year certificate can be issued.

Standard certificate

Once your required tests and oral English language proficiency requirements are met you must apply for your standard certificate.