Certification Requirements and Procedures

Individuals are recommended for certification upon successful completion of the TWU Teacher Education Program, including student teaching/internship and passing all required TExES exams. If you have questions regarding this procedure, please contact the Office of Educator Preparation Service number, 940-898-2829 for assistance. The Office of Educator Preparation Service  is located on the Denton campus in Stoddard Hall, Room 211. Individuals desiring to teach in accredited public/private schools in Texas must be certified through the Texas Education Agency’s Certification and Standards Division.

Step 1

Application and acceptance to Texas Woman's University AND TWU’s Educator Preparation Program

• Full admission to TWU’s Educator Preparation Program, either at graduate or undergraduate level

• Unconditional admission to TWU Graduate School if seeking MAT, post-bac certification only, or Professional certificate

• Acceptance to TWU for a degree program does not guarantee acceptance into the Educator Preparation Program, a 2nd step required by the Texas Education Agency

Step 2

Complete your certification program, which includes:

• Successful completion of all coursework required for the degree or certification only plan

• Successful completion of all required TEA trainings/instruction (Digital Literacy Pre and Post Assessments, Dyslexia Instruction, and Mental Health Instruction)

• Successful completion of all required field experiences

• Successful completion of all required certification tests

More information about required certification exams can be found at the TExES Prep Center.

Step 3

Apply for graduation during your final semester, if applicable. 

Step 4

Apply for Certification

• Apply no sooner than two weeks before graduation or the end of final semester if not earning a degree.  Applying early will not speed up issuance of your certificate.

  • Go to your Educator Account on the TEA website and click on Apply for Standard Certificate.  Those who are receiving a degree must use the University-Based option. Those who are not receiving a degree must use the Alternative option.  If unsure, check with the Office of Educator Preparation Services.  Pay applicable fees:  $77 for application and current fee for fingerprinting, if needed. All first-time applicants must be fingerprinted as part of a national criminal background check. If you do not have fingerprints on file with TEA or an ISD through the Department of Public Safety’s approved vendor, you might be required to submit fingerprints again. Read more detailed information on fingerprinting.

• Degrees should post approximately one to two weeks after the semester ends, grades are posted, and degree requirements are verified by the Registrar’s Office and Graduate School.

• Office of Educator Preparation Services will recommend you for certification 4-5 days after your degree posts to your transcript.

• TEA will issue your certification within 10 minutes after you are recommended, but only if the criminal background check clears and the certificate fee has been paid.

Page last updated 11:39 AM, August 23, 2022