Certification Based on Credentials from another Country

Individuals who hold all 3 of the following may apply for a review of out-of-country credentials:

1. The equivalent of a bachelor’s degree granted by an accredited institution of higher education in the United States.
2. Completed an educator preparation program, including a teaching practicum.
3. Hold an appropriate educator certificate or credential issued by another country.

The detailed checklist below can be used to guide you through the entire process.

Detailed Check List

Application Information

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

1. Create a TEAL user account.
2. Submit an original course-by-course evaluation by a recognized foreign evaluation service. On the application form, indicate the “Texas Education Agency” for purpose of evaluation. The evaluation must be signed by an authorized representative of the evaluation service and must verify that the applicant:
   • holds the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree granted by an accredited institution of higher education in the United States, including the month, day, and year that the degree was conferred
   • has completed an educator preparation program, including teaching practicum
   • holds an appropriate educator certificate or credential issued by another country, including the effective date and validity period of the certificate, certification areas, and grade levels
     
     These organizations are members of either the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. or the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
     • Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, Inc.
     • Bruscan Educational Information Services
     • Center for Educational Documentation, Inc.
     • Educational Perspectives
     • Educational Records Evaluation Service
     • Foreign Credential Evaluations, Inc.
     • Foreign Credential Services of America
     • Global Credential Evaluators, Inc.
     • Global Education Group, Inc.
     • Globe Language Services
     • Institute of Foreign Credential Services (IFCS)
     • International Academic Credential Evaluator, Inc
     • International Education Research Foundation (IERF)
     • International Evaluation Service
     • Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
     • Scholaro (formerly Foreign Credits, Inc.)
     • SDR Educational Consultants
     • SpanTran: The Evaluation Company
     • Ucredo
     • World Education Services, Inc.
     • Worldwide Education Consultant Services, Inc.
3. Submit acceptable documentation of English language proficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I hold an out-of-country credential. How do I get a certificate in Texas?

You must apply for a review of credentials if you are seeking certification in Texas and you hold a teaching credential from another country. A detailed checklist can be used to guide yourself through the entire process.

2. Do you accept foreign transcripts? 

No. You must submit an original course-by-course evaluation by a recognized foreign evaluation service.   

3. What if my degree is from another country, but I hold an out-of-state certificate? What application do I submit? 

Please apply as an out-of-state applicant and you will submit an original course-by-course evaluation by a recognized foreign evaluation service.   

4. What if I did not complete student teaching/teaching practicum?

You do not qualify for a review of credentials and would be required to go through a Texas Educator Preparation Program.  

5. What if I am allowed to teach in my country and have a teaching certificate, but I did not complete a program?

If you did not complete a program in another country, including student teaching, you do not qualify for a review of credentials and would be required to go through a Texas Educator Preparation Program.  

6. What if I have a teaching credential but do not have a bachelor's degree or higher?

If you do not have at least a bachelor’s degree, you do not qualify for a review of credentials and would be required to go through a Texas Educator Preparation Program.  

7. I have an out-of-country bachelor’s degree in Education and have taught for many years. Can I apply for a review of credentials?

Individuals who hold the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree granted by an accredited institution of higher education in the United States, who have completed an educator preparation program, including a teaching practicum, and who hold an appropriate educator certificate or credential issued by another country may apply for a review of credentials.

8. I have a degree from another country but also completed a U.S. degree in Education. Am I eligible for a review of credentials?

Without a standard teaching certificate, you are not eligible for a review of credentials. We do not review transcripts, degree level or completion of program coursework. You will be required to go through a Texas Educator Preparation Program.  

9. Am I required to take the TOEFL exam?

Please review the English Language Proficiency website.

Social Security Number Required for Certification

Before a certificate can be issued, you must complete the fingerprinting process. To complete this process, you must first obtain a social security number. For more information on how to obtain a social security number, visit the Social Security Administration website.