Step 1: Review Eligibility

Eligibility for Standard Teaching Certificate

• Criminal Background Check

  Please be aware the Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires a background check for issuance of a teaching certificate. Pursuant to Texas Administrative Code 249.16, you may be ineligible for issuance of a certificate upon completion of the Educator Preparation Program due to offenses considered to relate directly to the duties and responsibilities of the education profession. If you have a criminal history, the Office of Educator Preparation (OEP) recommends you

  1. review Texas Administrative Code 249.16, Eligibility of Persons with Criminal History for a Certificate for more information about specific offenses considered to relate directly to the duties and responsibilities of the education profession;
  2. pay for a Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation from the Texas Education Agency;
  3. schedule an appointment for free legal counseling services through Texas State University’s Attorney for Students; and,

  4. disclose this information to the director of the Office of Educator Preparation at Texas State University.

• Bachelor's degree

  To be eligible for certification, you must meet several criteria including a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. 

  • Participation in a graduation ceremony does not mean you have a degree.
  • The Texas State University Registrar's Office will officially confer degrees several weeks after the ceremony. To find the date that Degrees Post, see the Academic Calendar.
  • If you hold a degree from a previous institution, this information will already be on file with the university. 

• Student Teaching (or Internship)

  To be eligible for certification, you must meet several criteria including credit for Student Teaching or an Internship.

  • This is indicated by "CR" for EDST coursework on your official transcript. To determine when Grades Post, visit the Academic Calendar.

• Certification Exams

  To be eligible for certification, you must meet several criteria including passing scores on current, valid TExES certification exams (including ESL for EC-6 and Special Ed candidates).

  • For a list of required exams, read Certificates + Required Exams.

• Undocumented and DACAmented Students

  If you have questions or concerns about how your legal status affects your eligibility to complete the Educator Preparation Program, contact director.