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

  Undocumented and DACAmented students are valued members of the Texas State University community. If you have questions or concerns about how your legal status affects your eligibility for issuance of a standard teaching certificate, please take the following steps:

  • Review the resources available through the TXST Monarch Center for Immigrant Students.
  • Contact a proud supporter of Bobcat DREAMers in the Office of Educator Preparation.