Have a Degree? Add on a Teaching Certificate
Wondering how to earn a teaching certificate with a bachelor’s degree? Explore this page and download our free Certification Guide!
Choose Your Certification Pathway
How to Earn Your Texas Teaching Certificate
Once you know the pathway you want, you can start taking steps to get there. Here's a quick overview. Learn more in the guide!
- 1
Decide what you want to teach.
Before you enroll in a teaching program, you’ll need to know the subject and grade level you want to teach. These will determine the teaching certificate you earn.
Explore Texas teacher certification areas.
- 2
Look for state-approved teaching programs.
Make sure to look for programs that are state-approved and offer your chosen teaching certificate!
You can find alternative certification, certificate-only or combined master’s degree + certificate teaching programs.
Explore Texas teaching programs. - 3
Apply to teaching programs and enroll.
Keep in mind that if your degree is in a subject other than the one you want to teach, you may need to take a few additional classes before you begin. Check your program’s coursework requirements!
TEACH San Antonio can help you save money on teaching program applications! We’ll reimburse up to $100 for any required application expenses—like application and transcript fees. Get $100 back.
- 4
Pass Texas certification tests.
Before you get certified, you’ll need to pass the TExES (a.k.a. Texas Examinations of Educator Standards). This test is meant to show you know your stuff well enough to teach it. It covers content in your subject area, as well as specific teaching strategies.
You’ll usually take the TExES around the time you finish your teaching program.
- 5
Complete a background check.
To get your teaching certificate in Texas, you'll need to complete a fingerprint background check. The Texas Education Agency will evaluate any criminal history on a case-by-case basis. (1)
- 6
Apply for your initial Texas teaching certificate.
Almost there! Your teaching program will need to confirm that you’re eligible to apply for your teaching certificate.
Once you get confirmation, you’ll create an account through the Texas Education Agency’s online portal. You’ll use this account for your certificate application.
Get the Free Guide
The TEACH San Antonio Certification Guide covers everything you need to start your journey. Get details about teaching pathways, certification areas and steps to certification, all in one place!
It’s completely free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s next
Applications Made Easy
Applying to teaching programs or jobs? Get step-by-step advice and free templates to make your application stand out.
Read MoreCareer Coaching in San Antonio
Talk to an expert about how to become a certified teacher in San Antonio. Get free advice on what to teach and how to choose and apply to the right program.
Read MoreReferences
- National Criminal History Checks FAQs. Texas Education Agency. https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/investigations/national-criminal-history-checks-faqs
- TEA Current Teacher Certification Fees. University of Texas at Austin. https://cloud.wikis.utexas.edu/wiki/spaces/COEfieldexperiences/pages/27310020/TEA+Current+Teacher+Certification+Fees
- Exams. Texas Educator Certification Examination Program. Pearson Education. https://www.tx.nesinc.com/PageView.aspx?f=GEN_Tests.html
- Staff Salary FTE Report. Statewide Regions. 2023–24. https://rptsvr1.tea.texas.gov/cgi/sas/broker
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