Typical Certification Process
- Candidate applies and pays online with TEA and submits fingerprints, if required. Please note that you must have a SSN to submit fingerprints.
- Candidate receives system-generated email acknowledging application.
- Entity recommends student for certification once all requirements are met.
- Candidate receives system-generated email stating they have been recommended.
- TEA runs criminal background check on student.
- Candidate is certified if background check is clear.
Once you have completed all requirements for Texas certification, you must apply online through TEAL, which is the new TEA Login. You will use this login to view your current certificate and apply for new certificates.
If you are having an issue accessing your account, please go to the TEA Help Desk and click “Submit a Request.”
Teacher Service records are required for all professional certifications except for Counselor and Superintendent. They must have an authorized signature and show at least two (2) years of classroom teaching for Reading Specialists and Principals. Educational Diagnosticians admitted after 9/1/18 must show at least three (3) years of classroom teaching. Service records are submitted at the time of application to the program. If an updated record needs to be submitted after program completion, please send to your program coordinator/department.
Fees for Certification
Fees for certifications are due at the time of application
- Intern, Probationary, or Standard Certificate: $78.00
- Fingerprint National Criminal Background Check: $40.25
- Fingerprint Scanning Fee (Payable to vendor): $10.00
Classroom Teacher Certificates
Professional Certificates
- Standard Certificate – Counselor, Educational Diagnostician, Reading Specialist, Principal, or Superintendent
- Probationary or Intern Certificate – Counselor, Ed Diag, Principal, Superintendent
Renew a Standard Certificate
If you hold a standard teaching certificate in Texas you must renew it every five years.