Your Path to Certification Checklist
Below, find step-by-step guides to completing a TWU program leading to Texas educator certification.
Follow the guide for your certification pathway and check off each step as you go.
- Choose Initial Teacher Certification if you are earning your first teaching certificate.
- Choose Graduate Professional Certification if you already hold a teaching certificate and are seeking an additional professional certificate.
Don’t hesitate to contact your advisor or the Office of Educator Preparation Services (Stoddard Hall 211, copeadvising@twu.edu, or 940-898-2829) if you have questions.
Use the Initial Teacher Certification checklist below if you are earning your first Texas teaching certificate. This includes:
- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students completing Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
- Graduate students completing M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education with Teacher Certification
- Graduate students completing Post-Bachelor’s Initial Teacher Certification program
CHECKLIST: Initial Teacher Certification (Undergraduate & Graduate)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Use the Graduate Professional Certification checklist below if you already hold a Texas teaching certificate and are completing a graduate degree or certificate program leading to an additional professional certification, such as:
- Principal as Instructional Leader
- Educational Diagnostician
- Reading Specialist
- School Counselor
- School Librarian
- Superintendent
CHECKLIST: Graduate Professional Certification
1. Join TWU Family & Choose Certification Area
Apply to the graduate degree or certificate program associated with the professional certification you are seeking.
Review available certification programs before applying so you select the pathway that matches your professional goal.
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.
3. Get Admitted to the Educator Preparation Program
Admission to a TWU graduate program and admission to the TWU Educator Preparation Program are separate processes.
Complete the EPP application in SL&L when directed by your program or the Office of Educator Preparation Services.
Requirements and application timing vary by certification program.
Admission Requirements & Deadlines
4. Complete Coursework and Field-Based Experiences
Complete the coursework required for your professional certificate.
Record required activities and documentation in SL&L as directed.
Maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA, meet your program’s academic requirements, and complete assigned state-required trainings in Digital Literacy, Dyslexia, and Mental Health.
5. Take Certification Practice Exams and Real TExES Exams
Consult your program about practice exams, testing approval, and certification exam timing.
TWU Requirements for TExES Exams
6. Complete Your Practicum or Internship Experience
Follow your program’s directions to begin the required practicum or internship.
7. Apply for Graduation
During your final semester, apply for graduation by the university deadline if you are earning a degree. Watch for university emails or check Student Self-Service.
If you are completing a certification-only program, follow your program’s completion instructions.
8. Apply for Your Official License
Once you have completed and passed your certification exam, apply for certification through TEA and pay the application fee.
Page last updated 4:32 PM, September 28, 2026