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College of Education
Office of Educator Preparation

Step 3: Apply for Certification

Issuance of Standard Teaching Certificate

Step 3: Apply for Certification

Expand FAQ List

  • When to apply for your Standard Teaching Certificate

    • The Texas Education Agency (TEA) does not specify a specific application window for this step in the program.

    • To help you identify the point at which you should apply for your teaching certificate, we have developed the table below.

      However, your path to certification will differ from others seeking the same certificate. 

      As a general rule, you should apply for your standard teaching certificate near the end of Student Teaching (or Internship).

      Your degree program Your timeline to apply
      Bachelor's + Certification After Student Teaching ends
      Second Bachelor's + Certification The last week of Student Teaching or Internship
      M.Ed. + Certification (CMED) The last week of Student Teaching or Internship
      Teacher Recruitment Program (TRP) The last week of Student Teaching or Internship
      Stand-Alone Teacher Certification The last week of Student Teaching or Internship

  • How to apply for your Standard Teaching Certificate

    • Log into your Texas Education Agency Login (TEAL) portal and follow the instructions below. NOTE:If you have technical issues with the application, submit a request with screenshots to the TEA Helpdesk or call 512.936.8400.

      Login using your previously created username and password. If you do not remember your login, submit a request to the TEA Helpdesk.

      When you log in to TEAL,click on the "Educator" link in the center of the page.

      Verify your personal information, click "Continue."

      Click on the Applications tab and select Standard Texas Certificate Program.

      The entity to select is based on your program:

      Your programYour "entity"
      Bachelor's + CertificationTexas State University (University Based)
      Second Bachelor's + CertificationTexas State University (University Based)
      M.Ed. + Certification (CMED)Texas State University (University Based)
      Teacher Recruitment Program (TRP)Texas State University (University Based)
      Stand-Alone Teacher CertificationTexas State University (Alternative Program)

    • Be sure to pay the fees and complete the fingerprinting requirements. If you are prompted to pay for previously completed fingerprinting, but you think this is an error, contact TEA.

      Pay the fee for the standard certificate, preferably online.

      Direct all questions about fingerprinting to the TEA Fingerprinting Helpdesk.

  • How your application will be reviewed

    • The Certification Officer checks applications on a regular basis and reviews applications in the order they are received.

      1. Your application will be routed to Texas State University via the Educational Certification Online System (ECOS).
      2. The Certification Officer will check your Texas State records for a bachelor's degree and satisfactory completion of Student Teaching (or Internship). This is indicated by a "Degree Awarded" date and "CR" for EDST coursework on your transcript. For Grades Available and Degrees Post dates, see the Academic Calendar.
      3. The Certification Officer will check TEA records for passing scores on required Certification Exams. See Certificates + Required Exams.
      4. If you meet the criteria for certification, the Certification Officer will recommend you for Standard Teacher Certification. 
      5. You will receive an email (be sure you are still checking your BobcatMail).
      6. After a few days, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) will issue your certificate.

    • You will be notified of your certification status by either the Office of Educator Preparation or TEA.

      • These emails will carry detailed, time-sensitive instructions.
      • Check your BobcatMail daily, even on weekends and over holidays.
      • Consider updating the email in your TEAL account to a permanent email address. You can do this through your TEAL account.

    • There are a variety of reasons why your application may be held or removed. If this is the case, you will receive an email with detailed information about the reason for your status. Here are a couple of common examples:

      Status Reason
      Removed You completed the wrong type of application and will be sent instructions to correct the issue.
      On Hold The Office of Educator Preparation is waiting for the Registrar's Office to officially post grades and/or degrees to your transcript. Your application will be re-evaluated according to the Grades Available or Degrees Post dates on the Academic Calendar.

Steps for Issuance of Certificate