Teacher Certification FAQs

Most of the teacher preparation programs listed under the College of Education require a minimum 2.5 GPA. The requirements outside of the College of Education vary by degree and certification program. Please check the requirements for those colleges

• Fine Arts
• Liberal Arts
• Natural Sciences

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. 

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. 

No, students must take the exam at a Testing Center. Dates of availability are at the Texas Education Certification Examination Program website.

Please follow the instructions outlined on the TEA website. 

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.

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: 

• Professional Development Sequence, run by the Field Experiences office
• Postbaccalaureate Teacher Preparation

Postbaccalaureate programs last approximately two years because every student will need to complete a Professional Development Sequence (PDS) that lasts three-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. 

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.

The following Master’s plus Teacher Preparation programs are available:

• Master of Education Plus English TEA-Certification Preparation
• Master of Education Plus Social Studies TEA-Certification Preparation

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. 

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.