Certification Requirements

The Educator CAFE must recommend all of the College's candidates for certification. Certification requirements for each program are established in the Texas Administrative Code and are listed below.

Once a candidate meets all of the requirements they must submit a Certification Recommendation Form to the Certification Officer.

Initial Standard Teacher Certification Requirements

1. Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education;
2. Complete an approved educator preparation program; and
3. Pass the required TExES Certification Exams for the certification being sought.

Educational Diagnostician Certification Requirements

1. Complete an educational diagnostician preparation program;
2. Pass the TExES Exam 253 Educational Diagnostician;
3. Hold, at a minimum, a master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education;
4. Hold a valid classroom teaching certificate; and,
5. Have three (3) creditable years of teaching experience as a classroom teacher. 

Principal Certification Requirements

1. Complete a principal preparation program
2. Pass the appropriate required exams: 1) TExES Exam Principal as Instructional Leader (268), and 2) Principal as School Leader (PASL);
3. Hold, at a minimum, a master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education;
4. Hold a valid classroom teaching certificate; and,
5. Have two (2) creditable years of teaching experience as a classroom teacher.

Reading Specialist Certification Requirements

1. Complete a reading specialist preparation program;
2. Pass the TExES Exam Reading Specialist (151);
3. Hold, at a minimum, a master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education; and,
4. Have two (2) creditable years of teaching experience as a classroom teacher.

School Counselor Certification Requirements

1. Complete a school counselor preparation program;
2. Pass the TExES Exam School Counselor (252);
3. Hold, at a minimum, a 48-hour master’s degree in counseling from an accredited institution of higher education.
4. Have two (2) creditable years of teaching experience as a classroom teacher.

- Certification Recommendation Form