Your Path to Certification Checklist
Below, find a step-by-step guide to becoming a certified teacher through ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ.
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 ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ Family & Choose Certification Area
Undergrads: Apply to ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ for your degree.
Already have a degree? Apply to the ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ Graduate School. The Certification Office will follow up with next steps.
Either way, choose your certification area.
Certification Areas2. 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.
Advising3. Get Admitted to the Educator Preparation Program
Being a ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ 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 & Deadlines4. 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 Login5. 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.
²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ Requirements for TExES Exams6. Apply for Clinical Teaching
Submit your clinical teaching/residency application by the deadline. Stay close to your advisor to track this.
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, ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ recommends you to the state. Certificates typically appear online within minutes.
Page last updated 9:15 AM, September 10, 2026