Texas Educator Certification

Candidates are allowed only 4 retakes per test. For more information regarding this new policy, please refer to the Educator Testing page on the TEA website.

CTX Contact Information

If you completed all requirements to be released for a state exam and have already received an email confirming your test approval, please see the directions below. If you need to be released again, please contact your program coordinator.

Login and Registration Information

TEA changed the log-in process for ECOS (formerly SBEC) to TEAL. If you have already created a TEAL log-in, please do not create a new one.

How to log-in to TEAL

If you have problems logging into TEAL or ECOS, you will need to contact TEA.

TEA has also changed testing vendors from ETS to Pearson. Starting September 1, 2018, you will need to create a new account with Pearson. You will also now need to register for your exam AND schedule a test appointment.

Pearson account information

Account creation & Registration instructions

Pearson Registration page

• Make sure to read all registration and testing policies carefully.
• You will now be required to bring to the exam administration two pieces of original (no photocopies or digital ID) and valid (unexpired) identification, printed in English in the exact name in which you registered.
• Your identification must contain your name, a recent recognizable photograph, and your signature.
• The first and last names on your ID must exactly match your name on your test registration. If your ID does not match your test registration, you will not be permitted to test, and you will not be eligible for a refund.
• At the test center you will be required to provide a digital signature, have your photograph taken and provide a palm vein scan.

Requesting Testing Accommodations

A Requesting Accommodations video is available on the Pearson website for candidates who need alternative testing arrangements.

1. Visit the page for Alternative Testing Arrangements here: Alternative Testing Arrangements
2. Select an exam from the drop-down list.
3. Select the link for the video.

Timeline for requests: Candidates who wish to request alternative testing arrangements should register as early as possible in advance of their desired exam date because of the additional time needed to process the registration and to schedule the exam administration date. After registering, candidates must submit a completed Alternative Testing Arrangements Request Form and any required documentation. Most candidates will be contacted regarding the resolution of a request for alternative testing arrangements within three weeks after the request form and all required documentation have been received.

If you have problems with test registration, you will need to contact Pearson.

ETS Account Information:

Information about creating an account with ETS and registering for the PASL can be found on the PASL Registration link on the ETS website. Currently there are only two PASL registration windows available each year (Spring and Fall). Registration, reschedule and cancellation deadlines can be found at the PASL Dates and Deadlines link on the ETS website.

If you have problems with PASL registration, you will need to contact ETS.

Application Instructions

• Log-in to the Educator Certification Online System (ECOS) through TEAL.
• Make sure it says Educator Certification Online System at the top of the page.
• Choose Application from the left side links.
• Choose Standard Certificate Texas Program.
• Follow the prompts. Concordia University is a university-based program.

Certification Requirements

Initial Teacher Certification

• Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and successfully complete the Teacher Education Preparation Program at Concordia University. Degrees are awarded and the program is considered successfully completed once the Registrar has determined that all requirements have been met and final grades and degrees have been certified.
• Pass both the Pedagogy Professional Responsibilities (PPR) and all required Content state exams.
• Complete Fingerprinting.
• Submit a state application. (See application instructions.)

Reading Specialist Certification

• Hold a master's degree from an accredited college or university and successfully complete the Advanced Literacy with Reading Specialist Preparation Program at Concordia University. Degrees are awarded and the program is considered successfully completed once the Registrar has determined that all requirements have been met and final grades and degrees have been certified.
• Have at least two years of experience as a teacher in a public or accredited private school and submit service records or proof of service.
• Pass the Reading Specialist exam.
• Submit a state application. (See application instructions.)

Principal Certification

• Hold a master's degree from an accredited college or university and successfully complete the Educational Administration specialization and Principal Certification Preparation Program at Concordia University. Degrees are awarded and the program is considered successfully completed once the Registrar has determined that all requirements have been met and final grades and degrees have been certified.
• Hold a valid classroom teaching certificate.
• Have at least two years of experience as a teacher in a public or accredited private school and submit service records or proof of service.
• Pass the both the Principal as Instructional Leader (268) and Performance Assessment for School Leaders (PASL-368) exams.
• Submit a state application. (See application instructions.)

Superintendent Certification

• Successfully complete the Ed.D. in Educational Administration and Superintendent Certification Program at Concordia University. Degrees are awarded and the program is considered successfully completed once the Registrar has determined that all requirements have been met and final grades and degrees have been certified.
• Hold valid principal certification or complete the superintendent certification application, been approved by the TEA to substitute managerial experience in lieu of a principal certificate and submitted proof of TEA approval to the Certification Office.
• Have at lease 3 creditable years of managerial experience in a public school district
• Pass the state Superintendent exam.
• Submit a state application. (See application instructions.)

Intern and Probationary certificates cannot be issued later than 30 days into a semester and must coincide with a semester.

In order to apply for an intern or probationary certificate through Concordia University Texas, you must:

• Be in good standing with the university;
• Pass the required state exam(s):
  • For an intern certificate: Principal candidates must pass the 268-Principal as Instructional Leader exam
  • For a probationary certificate: Candidates must pass all exams required for standard certification
• Submit your service record with at least two years of teaching experience to the Certification Office (for non-teacher class candidates only);
• Be enrolled in EDAD 5155, EDAD 5156, or EDU 5145;
• Have an appropriate position;
• Return the completed eligibility form (to obtain an eligibility form, contact your program director) to the Certification Office; and
• Complete the appropriate application (intern or probationary) through the Education Certification Online System (ECOS).

During the intern or probationary certification period, you must:

1. Be enrolled in a supervisory course (EDAD 5156 or EDAD 5145) during the intern/probationary year and complete these courses with a B or better;
2. Maintain a 3.0 GPA with the university;
3. Meet all due dates for observations and documentation, including submitting all documents on time to the practicum course in Blackboard Learn;
4. Pass all current coursework with a C or better;
5. Remain employed in the eligible position; and
6. Remain in good standing with the district and university.

TExES Test Preparation Resources

There are a range of test preparation resources offered through Pearson:

• Study Tips: Preparing for a Texas Educator Certification Exam replaces the ETS Registration bulletin with study tips and day of test information.
• Student Profile Worksheet is designed to gather information that may help you prepare for the exams.
• Interactive Practice Tests are full-length practice tests that include correct answers, explanations for correct answers and an automatic score summary report. Interactive practice tests are available for the PPR EC-12, Math 7-12, Science 7-12, BTLPT Spanish, LOTE Spanish and Principal as Instructional Leader (268).
• Preparation Manuals familiarize you with the competencies to be tested, test questions formats and pertinent study resources. There is a Preparation Manual available for each of the TExES tests.

West Texas A&M's Educational Services administers TExES practice exams for the PPR, most content-area exams and the principal exam. (https://apps.wtamu.edu/forms/texes_practice.php)

TExES Certification Exam Review for Teachers (TExEStest) Test prep modules are available for the PPR EC-12 and several high-need/high-volume areas, including principal certification. (https://texestest.org/texes/practice-tests/)

Some free test preparation resources are available for specific content areas:

• University of Houston 4-8 Mathematics Preparation (https://online.math.uh.edu/texes4to8/)
• Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Music Preparation/Review for Music EC-12 (https://www.tmea.org/divisions-regions/college/texes-review)
• Reading Rockets: Reading 101 (https://www.youtube.com/user/wetalearningmedia/playlists?sort=dd&shelf_id=5&view=50)
• TExES EC-6 Science Five Minute Test Prep (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1NGBc41d7E&list=PLwwPMrh4IrZGT9x9f12PqhkjDBGVlXC8s)

Commercial Test Prep Companies offer the purchase of test preparation materials. The following list is for your information; however, it is not an endorsement of the companies or their products:

• 240 Tutoring - This resource is made available to all undergraduate teacher education students at a reduced cost and covered by fees. Contact the program chair for access if you have completed the Introduction to Education course and do not have a login. Work completed through licenses purchased outside of the university cannot be linked to your CTX account and will not be eligible for official testing use (benchmarks and release to take the TExES exams).

• Certify Teacher
• Pass the TExES
• Mometrix TExES Flashcard Study System
• Mometrix TExES Secrets Study Guide
• Ultimate Guide to the Core Subjects EC-6
• Kaplan TExES
• Research & Education Associates Test Prep

Other resources are also available to review specific content:

• A glossary of reading terms is available on SEDL's website and is helpful for those taking the Core Subjects exams.
• The TEA STAAR released exams are available on the TEA website and can be used for review in a given content/grade level area.
• West Texas A&M's Virtual Math Lab is not specifically a certification preparation website; however, candidates may use it to review college algebra, intermediate algebra, beginning algebra or math for the sciences and other mathematical concepts in preparation for the core areas or math TExES exams. The math lab is accessible to anyone, not just West Texas A&M students.
• The Education Service Center in your region may offer review sessions for various TExES tests. Check the website for your Education Service Center for more information.

Concordia University Texas strives to graduate and certify only candidates who will be effective educators. Candidates are expected to demonstrate their ability to be effective educators throughout their program and will be assessed for educational dispositions and skills, as well as academic success. If a candidate’s GPA falls below the required GPA or other issues arise concerning the candidate’s ability to be an effective educator, the candidate may be dismissed from the certification program.

Reasons candidates may be dismissed from the certification program may include, but are not limited to, the following, at the discretion of the College of Education.

• Undergraduate GPA or content GPA falls below 2.75
• Graduate GPA falls below 3.0
• Concordia University College of Education or Texas Educator Code of Ethics violation
• Failure to meet recommended improvements regarding concerns that arise during the Teacher Education Disposition Review Process
• Criminal Background Check that precludes placement
• Failure to successfully complete required benchmarks
• School district refuses to accept the student for field experience, clinical teaching or practicum
• Student withdraws from the university or has not been enrolled for a year (three semesters)

Students will only be released to test and/or recommended for certification in the certification area that the candidate was prepared. If the candidate fails to become certified within five years of graduating or there is a significant change made by SBEC in certification standards or test requirements, CTX may require additional coursework or training before granting test approval.

Superintendent Certification Calendar – Cohort 8

• Benchmark 1 – Interview – 8/14/23 – 8/17/23
• Benchmark 2 – Qualifying Exam – 8/5/23 – 8/13/23
• Applications for Superintendent Certification Program Due – 9/8/23
• Superintendent Certification Program Acceptance Notices Sent – 9/15/24
• Superintendent Certification Program Student Acknowledgement Due – 9/22/24
• Practicum Site Supervisor Information Due – 8/1/24
• Benchmark 3 – Practice Test Attempt 1 Due – 12/1/24
• Benchmark 3 – Practice Test Attempt 2 Due – 5/1/25

Superintendent Certification Calendar – Cohort 9

• Benchmark 1 – Interview – 7/22/24 – 7/26/24
• Benchmark 2 – Qualifying Exam – 8/3/24 – 8/11/24
• Applications for Superintendent Certification Program Due – 8/14/24
• Superintendent Certification Program Acceptance Notices Sent – 8/20/24
• Superintendent Certification Program Student Acknowledgement Due – 8/23/24
• Practicum Site Supervisor Information Due – 8/1/25
• Benchmark 3 – Practice Test Attempt 1 Due – 12/1/25
• Benchmark 3 – Practice Test Attempt 2 Due – 5/1/26

Superintendent Certification Calendar – Cohort 10

• Benchmark 1 – Interview – 7/21/25 – 7/25/25
• Benchmark 2 – Qualifying Exam – 8/2/25 – 8/10/25
• Applications for Superintendent Certification Program Due – 8/13/25
• Superintendent Certification Program Acceptance Notices Sent – 8/19/25
• Superintendent Certification Program Student Acknowledgement Due – 8/22/25
• Practicum Site Supervisor Information Due – 8/1/26
• Benchmark 3 – Practice Test Attempt 1 Due – 12/1/26
• Benchmark 3 – Practice Test Attempt 2 Due – 5/1/27

State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) Approved Educator Standards

Creating a TEA educator record and TEA ID

TEA Educator Testing information

Texas Certification Renewal Information

Adding additional teacher certifications by exam

Certificate Lookup

Approved Texas Educator Preparation Programs (EPP)

TEA Login (TEAL)

TEA Educator Certification Contact information

Texas Educator Certification Testing (Pearson)

Pearson Contact information

TEA accreditation status and pass rate information

Concordia University prepared teachers are ready to integrate technology into their instruction to enhance student learning and implement Universal Design for Learning (UDL) when planning and teaching. In our teacher preparation program, candidates have multiple opportunities to learn about and use technology in many different courses for these purposes. For example, candidates learn to:

• Increase mutual understanding of and expectations related to components and mechanisms related to instructional technology in the educational system.
• Implement instructional technology goals and be able to communicate effective plans and needs with colleagues, network personnel, parents, students, and administrators.
• Identify and experiment with effective technology integration into the curriculum that can foster cooperative and collaborative learning, in-depth communication, stimulate higher level thinking and problem solving, and improves students' learning processes and outcomes.
• Identify and evaluate appropriate apps and multi-media for students to use for learning content, practicing skills, and generating learning products.
• Use interactive technologies, such as online polls, to promote open dialog, reflection, and collaboration among students.
• Apply technology integration processes and learn from successful and effective models of technology integration.
• Understand the importance of technology integration in the curriculum and how it impacts individual student learning, and the educational system.
• Teach the importance of Internet Safety and develop lesson ideas to ensure student safety as it relates to web use in our educational culture.
• Utilize digital media resources to create a unique digital resource for classroom integration.
• Evaluate good educational technology resources that play a critical role enabling the teacher to expand their own capabilities, change their perception about technology integration, and benefit from all the possibilities that technology has to offer.
• Develop an excellent planning tool to help understand how these various technology tools can be used effectively in your classroom, and its cost/benefit relationship to the level of student learning.
• Identify the social, ethical, legal, and human issues surrounding the use of technology in PK-12 schools and apply those principles in practice.
• Model and teach legal and ethical practice related to technology use.

Concordia University prepared teachers are ready to use technology to collect, manage, analyze, and use data appropriately and effectively to inform instructional decisions that increase student achievement. Our teacher candidates use multiple tools for formative and summative assessment and practice analyzing student data from informal and formal sources to make data-informed decisions to lead to better instruction and meeting the needs of their students. These are examples of how candidates use technology to assist with these processes:

• Demonstrate knowledge of Web 2.0/App tools and their application to the school learning environment.
• Develop strategies for teaching concepts and skills utilizing spreadsheet, presentation, and graphic organizer software, with consideration for development based on student needs.
• Develop skills to effectively utilize spreadsheet, presentation, and graphic organizers to present content to assist in student learning.
• Develop skills in manipulating, investigating and summarizing findings using formal and informal assessment data.
• Document and collect student work using digital and video cameras, online and app-based quizzes and surveys, online forums, and digital drop boxes.
• Create digital rubrics that link assessment to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
• Use state-level assessment data appropriately to inform instruction.

Here you will find technology standards for teachers ISTE, Texas, and information on UDL.