Alternative Teacher Certification in Texas

Texas alternative certification requirements, step by step

Each requirement below is stated as Texas Education Agency / State Board for Educator Certification publishes it, with the governing source cited.

1. 1

   Earn a bachelor's degree

   Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution to qualify for enrollment in a Texas alternative certification program (ACP). Understanding intern, probationary, and standard certificates is critical: alternative route candidates typically begin on temporary credentials while completing an approved program.

   Source: tea.texas.gov

2. 2

   Enroll in an SBEC-approved alternative certification program

   Apply to and gain admission in an approved ACP that supports candidates teaching while completing certification requirements. SBEC-approved ACPs operate statewide alongside university-based EPPs and lead to the same standard certificate once TExES, clinical experience, and program requirements are satisfied.

   Source: tea.texas.gov

3. 3

   Pass required TExES examinations

   Complete the TExES exams required for your target certificate area before or during your internship, per program and SBEC rules. Texas uses TExES, not Praxis. Match exam codes to the certificate class the ACP will recommend.

   Source: tea.texas.gov

4. 4

   Obtain an intern or probationary certificate and teach

   Secure employment and receive an intern or probationary certificate, serving as a classroom teacher while completing your ACP coursework and field supervision. Temporary certificates may be issued for a maximum of three school years. Fingerprint-based background checks remain part of the ECOS workflow districts monitor during hiring.

   Source: tea.texas.gov

5. 5

   Complete the ACP and apply for a standard certificate

   Finish all program requirements within the allowed timeframe, then apply for your standard certificate through ECOS. Standard classroom teachers later renew every five years with 150 CPE clock hours. Out-of-state certified educators still use a Review of Credentials rather than automatic reciprocity.

   Source: tea.texas.gov

Texas alternative certification programs (ACPs) allow candidates to enter the classroom on intern or probationary certificates while completing coursework, mentoring, and testing requirements. SBEC approves numerous ACP providers across the state, from universities to regional service centers and private entities, creating a competitive marketplace of program options. Regardless of provider, candidates must pass the same TExES examinations and meet employment requirements as traditional EPP graduates.

The three-school-year cap on temporary certificates while completing an ACP is a hard planning constraint. Candidates who do not finish program requirements within that window may lose eligibility to continue on a provisional credential and must coordinate with their program and district to avoid employment disruption. Because Texas lacks standard reciprocity, alternative route candidates coming from other states still typically enter through credential review or by enrolling in a Texas ACP rather than transferring a provisional license directly.

ACP candidates apply through ECOS and must complete fingerprint clearance before employment as certified teachers. Upon successful program completion, they receive the same standard certificate as traditional-route peers, subject to the five-year renewal cycle and 150 CPE hours requirement. Districts frequently hire ACP interns for hard-to-staff subjects, making this pathway a major pipeline into Texas classrooms despite its rigorous testing and time limits.

Required exams and fees

Texas uses TExES. Fees and cut scores appear only when published by the cited source (as of August 2026).

Full Texas exam requirements →

Moving a license to Texas

Alternative certification is for candidates completing Texas-approved ACPs; out-of-state educators follow the separate Review of Credentials process without standard reciprocity.

Official Texas reciprocity guidance