Application Process

  • The following steps make up the application process to the Teacher Preparation & Certification Program. The steps are done in order, and an applicant may not move on to the next step until the previous step has been completed. Once all steps are complete, the application packet will be reviewed as a whole, and a final acceptance decision will be made.


    Step 1. Meet Entry Requirements
     

    • Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher education
    • 2.5 GPA or higher overall on a four-point scale, or 2.75 GPA minimum for the last 60 hours

    For applicants with undergraduate or graduate degrees from institutions of higher education outside the United States, see Foreign Requirements.


    Step 2. Applicant Data
     

    These forms need to be completed and turned in to the Alternative Certification:

    • Teacher Candidate Information Form
    • Demographic Information Form


    Step 3. Transcript Evaluation
     

    Submit official copies of transcripts from all universities and colleges attended, even if the transfer hours show up on another transcript. To be considered official, the transcripts must be sealed in a university envelope. There is a $25 fee for this service.

     

    Step 4. THEA 

    The minimum score needed to pass the Reading and Mathematics sections is 230. For the Writing Section, the minimum passing score is 220.


    Step 5. Pre-Admissions Content Test (PACT)
     

    Texas Administrative Code §227.10 (a)(3)(C) allows degreed individuals who have never been admitted to an SBEC-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP) to take a Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) to demonstrate content proficiency for possible admission into an EPP. Taking/Passing PACT does not ensure admittance into a program. PACT is the TExES content exam, one of the tests that is required by the state to acquire your Texas teacher certification. Please see the list of approves certification areas for our program.

    The TExES exams will no longer be used as the Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) exams after January 26, 2020.

     

    Step 6. Application Packet
     

    • Application (not available online)
    • Four references (forms included in packet)
    • Essay
    • Copy of driver's license or other state-issued ID
    • $50.00 processing fee

     

    Step 7. Formal Interview
     

    You will speak with the Department Director and/or Professional Development Consultant over the telephone in regards to your interests and attitude towards teaching. You will then take an online interview designed to measure your potential for teaching.

     
    Step 8. Final Evaluation
     

    After your file is complete, it will be evaluated for quality and your classroom teaching potential. Your professional recommendations will be reviewed. An acceptance decision will be rendered, and you will be notified of your status.