Certification Office
The Educator Certification Office works with educator preparation programs across the university, including those in Fine Arts, Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences, by managing approvals for certification exams and recommending students for certification as they prepare to go out and change the world.
Eligible students may be recommended for certification by our certification officer after successfully completing all teacher certification requirements, including the required Texas Education Agency (TEA)-approved exams. Be sure to reference the Certification Checklist and other certification information on the Educator Preparation Services Wiki.
What is the GPA Requirement?
A minimum 2.5 GPA is required by all teacher preparation programs. The requirements outside of the College of Education vary by degree and certification program. Please check the requirements for those colleges.
Do I need to redo my fingerprints if I was fingerprinted as a substitute teacher?
No. If you completed Substitute Teacher Fingerprints during your Professional Development Sequence, then you have fulfilled the Fingerprinting Requirement. However, you may need to contact TEA to link your fingerprints to your TEA Certification Application. More information on the fingerprinting process can be found on the TEA website.
Do you offer any teacher preparation courses or programs online?
No, the University of Texas at Austin only offers traditional, daytime courses for Initial and Postbaccalaureate Certification programs. Professional certificates are not online, but classes may be available in late afternoon and evening to accommodate working professionals.
Can I take the Texas Education Agency’s Teacher Certification Exams online?
No, students must take the exam at a Testing Center. Dates of availability are at the Texas Education Certification Examination Program website.
I am moving to Texas and I am currently certified to teach in another state. How do I become certified to teach in Texas?
Please follow the instructions outlined on the TEA website. A complete review of credentials is necessary for out-of-state teachers. Teachers with certificates from other countries will be required to complete an accredited certification program in the U.S.
Can I become TEA-certified through a Postbaccalaureate program if my undergraduate degree is in a different field?
Yes, the Postbaccalaureate option allows students to certify in a field outside of their undergraduate degree. However, students may need to take additional foundation courses before they enter the Professional Development Sequence. This is looked at on a case-by-case basis.
Learn more:
How long does the Postbaccalaureate take?
Postbaccalaureate programs last approximately two years because every student will need to complete a Professional Development Sequence (PDS) that lasts three to four semesters, depending on the program. Students may also be required to take a semester of foundational courses. Exemption from these courses is on a case-by-case basis. Please contact an advisor regarding course questions.
Is the Postbaccalaureate the same as a Master’s degree program?
No, the Postbaccalaureate is not a degree program. Students are classified as degree-holders, TEA-certification seekers. The program allows students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree to complete the required courses and student teaching necessary to hold a teacher’s certificate.
I have a job offer and I’ve taken my tests, but my TEA certification hasn’t come through.
Students who are graduating in the current semester and have completed all requirements and need an Anticipation Letter for a job offer should contact the COE Certification Officer.
Will my military service, training or education apply to my TEA certification?
In accordance with 19 TAC 228.35 (a)(5), the College of Education evaluates and may accept military service, training or education toward fulfillment of program prerequisite admission requirements. Military service, training, or education must be directly related to the certificate being sought and may not take the place of certification examinations. Service, training or education may not count as part of an internship, clinical teaching or practicum requirements and must be provided by an approved Educator Preparation Program or accredited institution of higher education within the past five years. The Program Director will determine whether or not military service, training or education is relevant and could be used as a substitution.
Learn more about certification requirements for working in other states
