Your Path to Certification Checklist

Below, find a step-by-step guide to becoming a certified teacher through TWU.

Check off each step as you go. Don't hesitate to reach out to your advisor or the Office of Educator Preparation Services (Stoddard Hall 211, copeadvising@twu.edu, 940-898-2829) anytime you have questions.

1. Join TWU Family & Choose Certification Area

Undergrads: Apply to TWU for your degree.

Already have a degree? Apply to the TWU Graduate School. The Certification Office will follow up with next steps.

Either way, choose your certification area.

Certification Areas

2. Meet with Your Advisor

Check in regularly to make sure you're on track. Advisors help you navigate deadlines, requirements, and any bumps along the way.

Advising

3. Get Admitted to the Educator Preparation Program

Being a TWU student doesn't automatically mean you're in the teaching program. Texas requires a separate EPP application.

Check the EPP website for requirements and deadlines.

Admission Requirements & Deadlines

4. Complete Coursework and Field-Based Experiences

During your EDUC 3000/4000-level courses, you'll log required field-based experience hours in K-12 classrooms via SL&L. Maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA. You'll also complete short state-required trainings in Digital Literacy, Dyslexia, and Mental Health during this stage.

SL&L Login

5. Take Certification Practice Exams and Real TExES Exams

Pass your TExES exams before your clinical teaching semester. Take a practice exam during EDUC 3000 courses. Once you pass, you'll be cleared for the real exam.

TWU Requirements for TExES Exams

6. Apply for Clinical Teaching

Submit your clinical teaching/residency application by the deadline. Stay close to your advisor to track this.

How to Apply for Clinical Teaching

7. Apply for Graduation

During your final semester (usually while student teaching), apply to graduate. Watch for university emails or check Student Self-Service.

8. Apply for Your Official License

About two weeks before graduation, apply for certification through TEA. A $78 application fee applies, plus a fingerprinting/background check fee if you haven't done this before.

After your final grades post and degree is conferred, TWU recommends you to the state. Certificates typically appear online within minutes.

TEA Login

Page last updated 9:15 AM, September 10, 2026