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Testing & Certification

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Teacher candidates who wish to teach in an accredited institution must be certified. To obtain certification, candidates must complete the defined course work, pass the required state exams for certification, meet all requirements of the TCU College of Education preparation program and have a TCU conferred degree.

For information about certification, see the COE Educator Preparation Undergraduate Handbook. To be sure that they are meeting the requirements for graduation and certification, students should meet with Heather Doyle the semester before clinical teaching.

Test Registration

Courses have carefully been selected and crafted to meet the educational needs of students, as well as the requirements of the Texas Educational Agency and the State Board of Education. Students must successfully complete all certification exams required for initial certification, all requirements of the College of Education Educator Preparation Program, and a conferred degree from Texas Christian University to be eligible for recommendation for certification.

All-level certification is available for those who wish to teach:

  • Music
  • Art
  • Physical Education
  • Theatre
  • Deaf and Hard of Hearing


Generally speaking, students follow the same sequence of courses as secondary education students. All-level certification students complete a clinical teaching experience that includes elementary and secondary schools.

Courses have been carefully selected and crafted to meet the educational needs of students, as well as the requirements of the Texas Educational Agency and the State Board of Education.

For information about certification, see the School Counseling & Human Services Program Handbook or Educational Leadership Program Handbooks or contact the Director of Accreditation, Certification, and Assessment. Students must meet all TCU and TEA requirements, which are listed on the Certification Checklists on the Forms and Documents page.

A person who is enrolled or planning to enroll in a SBEC educator preparation program, or planning to take a certification exam may request a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter regarding the person’s potential ineligibility for certification due to a conviction or deferred adjudication for a felony or misdemeanor offense (TAC §227.1).

Note to students or alumni seeking Principal or Superintendent Certification:
Upon graduation from the M.Ed. or Ed.D. program, students seeking principal certification are encouraged to complete the TExES exam within one year. Alumni will not be given approval to attempt a certification exam more than five years after their date of graduation. To obtain permission to test, those who have exceeded the five-year time allotment must take additional coursework, including Law & Ethics, Instructional Supervision and a two-semester, 160-hour practicum, and must pass a practice certification exam.

In order for TCU to make a final recommendation to SBEC regarding certification, certification-seeking students must have completed the required curriculum, including the 160-hour campus- or district-based practicum, and passed the appropriate certification exam. 

Certification Checklists:

Graduate Admissions Requirements

There is a 5-time limit on taking any single certification exam under Texas Education Code. If the student does not pass after five tries, then the candidate must complete a waiver through the Texas Education Agency to take the exam again.

Important Test Redesign Updates

Certificate

Test Being Discontinued

Last Date to Test

Last Date to Apply and Recommend for Certificate

ELAR: Grades 7-12

231-ELAR 7-12 TExES

September 1, 2024

September 1, 2025

Physical Education: Early Childhood-Grade 12

158-Physical Education EC-12 TExES

September 1, 2024

September 1, 2025

 

The new federal rule by the U.S. Department of Education (34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v)) that went into effect on July 1, 2020, requires institutions of higher education to inform students if their program of study will fulfill educational requirements for licensure/certification for each state.  Professional licensure/certification requirements vary from state to state.  Texas Christian University College of Education educator certification degrees fulfills the Texas educational requirements for teacher and professional certifications. 

The licensing requirements are subject to change at the discretion of each individual state educator licensing board.  It is a strong recommendation that students inquire with the applicable state educator licensing board to confirm eligibility for licensure prior to enrolling in a degree program leading to licensure/certification.  Students can contact the state/territory education agency directly with questions.

Licensing/certification requirements vary by state/territory and may affect eligibility to meet requirements for licensure/certification in the event of relocating.  Prior to relocation, it is a recommendation to contact that state/territory to ensure eligible licensure/certification or reciprocity.  Please review the educational and testing requirements for the intended state/territory licensure to determine whether the current program meets those requirements.  Use the contact information provided below for verification of any requirements for educator licensure.

Upon reviewing the information provided below, if further questions remain or clarification is necessary please contact the Director of Accreditation, Certification, and Assessment.

The State Licensing Requirements should indicate if the program curriculum Meets the requirements in these states and US Territories, Does NOT Meet the requirement in these states and US Territories or Undetermined if the program has not yet determined if the curriculum requirements are met for these states and US Territories.

State Name of State Licensing Board or Department State Teacher Education Licensing Requirements - Without Experience State Teacher Education Licensing Requirements - With Experience State Principal Licensing Requirements Meet - Without Experience State Principal Licensing Requirements Meet - With Experience State Superintendent Licensing Requirements - Without Experience State Superintendent Licensing Requirements - With Experience
Alabama Alabama State Department of Education Meet * (SE) Meet   Not Eligible Meet   Not Eligible Meet 
Alaska Alaska Dept. of Education and Early Development, Teacher Certification Meet * (BCE) (SRC) (EPPV) Meet * (BCE) (SRC) (EPPV) Meet * (SRC) (GD) (VE) Meet * (SRC) (GD) (VE) Meet * (SRC) (GD) (VE) Meet * (SRC) (GD) (VE)
Arizona Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education Meet * (VC) (SBC) (SRC) (SE) Meet * (VC) (SBC) (SRC) (SE) (VE) Meet * (GD) (SBC) (VC)  Meet * (GD) (SBC) (VC) (VE) Meet * (GD) (SBC) (VC)  Meet * (GD) (SBC) (VC) (VE) 
Arkansas Arkansas Department of Education Meet * (VC) (SRC) Meet * (VC) (VE) Meet * (SE) (VC) (GD) Meet * (VC) (VE)  Meet * (SE) (VC) (GD) Meet * (VC) (VE) 
California California Department of Education Meet * (VC) Meet * (VC) (VE) Meet * (VC) (VE) Meet * (VC) (VE) Meet * (VC) Meet * (VC)
Colorado Colorado Department of Education Meet * (VC) (EPPV) (SE) Meet * (EPPV) (VC) (VE) Meet * (EPPV) (SE) (VC) Meet * (EPPV) (VE) (VC) (SE) Meet * (EPPV) (SE) (VC) Meet * (EPPV) (VE) (VC) (SE)
Connecticut Connecticut State Department of Education, Bureau of Educator Standards and Certification Meet *  (SE) (VC) (EPPV)  Meet *  (VE) (VC) Meet *  (GD) (SE) (EPPV) (VE) (VC)  Meet *  (GD) (SE) (EPPV) (VE) (VC) Meet *  (GD) (SE) (EPPV) (VE) (VC)  Meet *  (GD) (SE) (EPPV) (VE) (VC)
Delaware Delaware Department of Education Meet * (MP) (VC) (PE)  Meet * (MP) (VC) (VE) Meet *  (PE) (VC) Meet * (VE) (VC) Meet *  (PE) (VC) Meet * (VE) (VC)
District of Columbia District of Columbia Public Schools Meet * (BCE) (VC) (EPPV)  Meet * (BCE) (VC) (EPPV)  N/A Meet * (GD) (EPPV) (VC) (VE) N/A Meet * (GD) (EPPV) (VC) (VE)
Florida Florida Department of Education Meet *(VC) (SBC) (SRC) or (SE) Meet*(VC)(VE) (SBC) (SRC) or (SE) Meet * (SRC) (VC)   Meet * (SRC) (VC)   Meet * (SRC) (VC)   Meet * (SRC) (VC)  
Georgia Georgia Professional Standards Commission Meet * (SRC) (VC) (SE)  Meet * (SRC) (VE) (VC) Meet * (SRC) (VC) (SE) (VE) Meet * (SRC) (VC) (SE) (VE) Meet * (SRC) (VC) (SE) (VE) Meet * (SRC) (VC) (SE) (VE)
Hawaii Hawaii Teacher Standards Board Meet *  (VC) (EPPV) Meet *(VE) (VC) N/A N/A N/A N/A
Idaho Idaho State Department of Education Meet * (SRC) (PE) Meet * (SRC) (PE) Meet * (SRC) (PE) Meet * (SRC) (PE) Meet * (SRC) (PE) Meet * (SRC) (PE)
Illinois Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Meet*(VC) Meet*(VC) Meet * (GD) (VC) Meet * (GD) (VC) Meet * (GD) (VC) Meet * (GD) (VC)
Indiana Indiana Department of Education Office of Educator Licensing Meet * (SRC) (VC)   Meet * (SRC) (VC)  Meet * (SRC) (VC)  Meet * (SRC) (VC)  Meet * (SRC) (VC)  Meet * (SRC) (VC) 
Iowa Iowa Department of Education Meet * (SRC) (SE) (EPPV) (VC) Meet * (SRC) (SE) (EPPV) (VC) Meet * (GD) (VC) (EPPV)  Meet * (GD) (VC) (EPPV)  Meet * (GD) (VC) (EPPV)  Meet * (GD) (VC) (EPPV) 
Kansas Kansas State Department of Education Meet * (VC) (SE) (SBC) Meet * (VC) (VE) (SBC) Meet * (GD)  (GPA/3.25) (SE) Meet * (GD)  (GPA/3.25) (VE)  Meet * (GD)  (GPA/3.25) (SE) Meet * (GD)  (GPA/3.25) (VE) 
Kentucky Kentucky Department of Education Meet * (VC) (EPPV) (GPA) (SE)  Meet * (VC) (EPPV) (GPA) (VE)  Meet * (GD) (VC) (SRC) Meet * (GD) (VC) (VE)  Meet * (GD) (VC) (SRC) Meet * (GD) (VC) (VE) 
Louisiana Louisiana Department of Education Meet  * (VC) (EPPV) Meet  * (VC) (EPPV) (VE)  Meet* (VC) (SRC) Meet * (VE) (VC) (SRC) Meet* (VC) (SRC) Meet * (VE) (VC) (SRC)
Maine Certification Office, Maine Department of Education Meet * (SRC) (VC) (SBC) Meet * (SBC) (VE) (VC)  N/A N/A N/A N/A
Maryland Maryland State Department of Education Meet * (EPPV) (VC) Meet * (VE) (VC)   Meet * (GD) (VC) (EPPV)    Meet * (GD) (VE) (VC)  (EPPV)    Meet * (GD) (VC) (EPPV)    Meet * (GD) (VE) (VC)  (EPPV)   
Massachusetts Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Office of Educator Licensure Meet * (SE) (SRC) (EPPV) (VC) Meet * (SE) (VE) (VC) Meet * (SE) (SRC) (VC) Meet * (SRC) (VE) (VC) Meet * (SE) (SRC) (VC) Meet * (SRC) (VE) (VC)
Michigan Michigan Department of Education Meet *(EPPV) (SE) (VC) Meet *(VE) (VC)  Meet * (EPPV) (VC) Meet * (EPPV) (VC) Meet * (EPPV) (VC) Meet * (EPPV) (VC)
Minnesota Minnesota Department of Education Meet * (SE) (EPPV) (VC) Meet * (VE) (VC)   N/A N/A N/A N/A
Mississippi Mississippi Department of Education Meet* (EPPV) (VC) Meet* (EPPV) (VC) N/A N/A N/A N/A
Missouri Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Meet* (VC) (EPPV) Meet * (VE) (VC)   Meet *  (GD) (VC) (EPPV) Meet *  (GD) (VC) (VE) (EPPV) Meet *  (GD) (VC) (EPPV) Meet *  (GD) (VC) (VE) (EPPV)
Montana Montana Office of Public Instruction Meet * (PE) (EPPV) (VC)  Meet * (PE) (EPPV) (VC) N/A Meet * (VE) (EPPV) (VC) (PE) N/A Meet * (VE) (EPPV) (VC) (PE)
Nebraska Nebraska Department of Education Meet * (SRC) (SE) (EPPV) (SBC) (BCE) (VC) Meet * (SRC) (SE) (EPPV) (VC) Meet * (SRC) (SE) (EPPV) (SBC) (BCE) (VC) Meet * (SRC) (EPPV) (SE) (VC)   Meet * (SRC) (SE) (EPPV) (SBC) (BCE) (VC) Meet * (SRC) (EPPV) (SE) (VC)  
Nevada State of Nevada Board of Education, Office of Educator Licensure (Two Locations) Meet * (VC) (EPPV) Meet * (VC) (EPPV) Meet * (VC) (EPPV) Meet * (VC) (EPPV) Meet * (VC) (EPPV) Meet * (VC) (EPPV)
New Hampshire Division of Educator Support and Higher Education, Bureau of Credentialing Meet* (SE)  (VC) Meet * (VE) (VC)   Meet * (GD) (VC) Meet * (GD) (VC) Meet * (GD) (VC) Meet * (GD) (VC)
New Jersey New Jersey Department of Higher Education Meet * (GPA/3.0)(SE) (EPPV) (VC) Meet*  (VE) (VC) Meet * (SE) (VC)    Meet * (SE) (VC)    Meet * (SE) (VC)    Meet * (SE) (VC)   
New Mexico New Mexico Public Education Department Meet * (SE) (SBC) (VC) (EPPV) Meet * (EPPV) (VC) (VE) N/A Meet * (GD) (VC) (VE)  N/A Meet * (GD) (VC) (VE) 
New York Office of Teaching Initiatives Meet * (SBC) (SE) (VC) (GPA) (EPPV) Meet * (EPPV) (VC) (VE) Meet * (EPPV) (SE)   Meet * (EPPV) (SE)   Meet * (EPPV) (SE)   Meet * (EPPV) (SE)  
North Carolina North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Meet * (EPPV) (VC) (SE) Meet* (EPPV) (VC) (VE) Meet * (EPPV) (VC) (SE) Meet * (EPPV) (VC) (SE) Meet * (EPPV) (VC) (SE) Meet * (EPPV) (VC) (SE)
North Dakota North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board Meet * (EPPV) (VC) Meet* (VE) (VC) Meet * (EPPV) (VC) Meet* (VE)(EPPV) (VC) Meet * (EPPV) (VC) Meet* (VE) (VC) (EPPV) 
Ohio Ohio Department of Education Meet * (SE) (EPPV) (VC) Meet * (VE) (VC)   Meet * (SE) (EPPV) (VC) Meet * (SE) (EPPV) (VC) Meet * (SE) (EPPV) (VC) Meet * (SE) (EPPV) (VC)
Oklahoma Oklahoma State Department of Education Meet * (EPPV) (VC) Meet * (EPPV) (VC) Meet * (EPPV) (VC) Meet * (EPPV) (VC) Meet * (EPPV) (VC) Meet * (EPPV) (VC)
Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission Meet * (SBC) (SE) (VC)   Meet * (SBC) (SE) (VC)   Meet * (SBC) (SE) (VC) (VE) Meet * (SBC) (SE) (VC) (VE) Meet * (SBC) (SE) (VC) (VE) Meet * (SBC) (SE) (VC) (VE)
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Department of Education Meet * (GPA/3.0) (BCE) (VC) (SE) Meet * (SE) (VC) (VE)  N/A Meet * (GPA) (VC) (VE) N/A Meet * (GPA) (VC) (VE)
Rhode Island Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Meet* (SE) (EPPV) (VC) Meet* (SE)  (VC) Meet* (SE)  (GD) (EPPV) (VC) (VE) Meet* (SE)  (GD) (EPPV) (VC) (VE) Meet* (SE)  (GD) (EPPV) (VC) (VE) Meet* (SE)  (GD) (EPPV) (VC) (VE)
South Carolina South Carolina Department of Education Meet * (VC) (SBC) (SE)  Meet* (VC) (SBC) (VE) N/A Meet *  (GD) (VC) (SBC) (VE) (EPPV)    N/A Meet *  (GD) (VC) (SBC) (VE) (EPPV)   
South Dakota South Dakota Department of Education Meet * (PE) (SRC) (EPPV) (VC) Meet * (PE) (VE) (EPPV) (VC) Meet * (PE) (SRC) (EPPV) (VC) Meet * (PE) (VE) (EPPV) (VC) Meet * (PE) (SRC) (EPPV) (VC) Meet * (PE) (VE) (EPPV) (VC)
Tennessee Tennessee Department of Education Meet * (EPPV) (VC) Meet * (VC) Meet * (VC) (EPPV) (VE) (SE)   Meet * (VC) (EPPV) (VE) (SE)   Meet * (VC) (EPPV) (VE) (SE)   Meet * (VC) (EPPV) (VE) (SE)  
Texas Texas Education Agency Meet Meet Meet Meet Meet Meet
Utah Utah State Board of Education Meet * (SE) (EPPV) (VC) Meet * (SE) (VE) (EPPV) (VC) Meet * (SE)   (GD) (EPPV) (VC) (VE)  Meet * (SE)   (GD) (EPPV) (VC) (VE)  Meet * (SE)   (GD) (EPPV) (VC) (VE)  Meet * (SE)   (GD) (EPPV) (VC) (VE) 
Vermont Vermont Agency of Education-Licensing Office Meet Meet Meet Meet Meet Meet
Virginia Virginia Department of Education Meet Meet Meet Meet Meet Meet
Washington Professional Educator Standards Board Meet *  (BCE) (EPPV) (VC) (SBC) Meet *  (BCE) (VE) (VC) (SBC) N/A Meet * (GD) (VE) (VC)  (SBC) N/A Meet * (GD) (VE) (VC)  (SBC)
West Virginia West Virginia Department of Education Meet * (EPPV) (VC) (GPA) Meet * (VE) (VC)   Meet * (GD) (VC)  Meet * (GD) (VC)  Meet * (GD) (VC)  Meet * (GD) (VC) 
Wisconsin Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Meet   Meet   Meet  Meet  Meet  Meet 
Wyoming Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board Meet * (SBC) (SE) (EPPV) (VC) Meet * (SBC) (VE) (VC)  Meet  Meet  Meet  Meet 
US Territories when applicable          
American Samoa   N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
District of Columbia DC State Board of Education Meet *  (BCE)  Meet *  (BCE)  N/A Meet    N/A Meet   
Guam The Guam Education Board (GEB)   Meet Meet Meet Meet Meet Meet
Northern Mariana Islands   N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Puerto Rico   N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
US Virgin Islands Virgin Islands Department of Education Meet * (SRC) (PE) (VC) Meet * (SRC) (PE) (VC) N/A N/A N/A N/A

* Meets with Successful Completion of Praxis Exam (PE), State Exam (SE), Basic Competency Exam (BCE), State Required Coursework (SRC),  Graduate Degree (GD), Performance Assessment (PA), Grade Point Average (GPA), Mentoring Program (MP), Valid Certificate (VC), State Background Check (SBC), Verification of Experience (VE), and/or Educator Preparation Program Verification (EPPV)

An additional resource is the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC).  Learn more about Licensure/Certification requirements for out-of-state educators with a listing by state, including an interactive map by stateContact information for each state licensure/certification office is available.

For more information about Certification, please contact:

Heather Doyle
Director of Accreditation, Certification and Assessment
817-257-7202
heather.doyle@tcu.edu
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