Professional Certifications

Principal Certification Superintendent Certification

Texas Education Agency Requirements

English Language Proficiency

An applicant for certification in Texas must be able to communicate, listen, read, write, and comprehend the English language sufficiently to use it easily and readily in daily communication and teaching. English language proficiency shall be evidenced by one of the following:

(A) completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States; or

(B) verification of minimum scaled scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) of 24 for speaking, 22 for listening, 22 for reading, and 21 for writing; (TOEFL scores must not be older than 2 years from the date of application) or

(C) if an undergraduate or graduate degree was earned at an institution of higher education in a country outside of the United States listed in TAC 230.11

Consult WTAMU’s university policy on language proficiency.

Criminal History Information

A criminal background check including fingerprinting will be performed by the Texas Education Agency before a certification-seeking candidate will be allowed to certify or gain employment on a non-teacher certificate. TAC 227.1(b)(1)(2).

Items on a candidate’s criminal history report may render the candidate ineligible for certification. 

Candidates may request a preliminary TEA background check for an evaluation of their criminal history. Please note that applicants may request a preliminary TEA background check for an opinion of charge prior to starting a program

All applicants with any prior or current criminal charges are encouraged to discuss their specific background with the Director of Educator Preparation Programs before enrolling in any academic program that includes a certification route.

Note: Requirements for licensure/certification vary from state to state. Our programs prepare candidates for certification and/or licensure in the State of Texas. We do not represent that our programs prepare candidates for licensure or certification in other states.