Texas Teacher Certification
Complete guide to teacher certification in Texas. Find required exams, registration info, salary data, and practice tests.
Certification Requirements in Texas
Bachelor's degree, approved educator preparation program, passing TExES exams (including content area and PPR), Texas background check and fingerprinting.
Exam Costs & Test Day Information
Registration & Fees
Most teacher certification exams in Texas cost between $90–$200 per attempt, depending on the exam board (Praxis, NBPTS, AACRAO, etc.). Fees typically cover the exam, score report, and official score verification sent to your state certification board.
Register through the official exam provider's website. Many providers offer discounted test registration during certain times of year or for bulk registrations from teacher preparation programs.
Test Day & Format
Exams are offered year-round at testing centers throughout Texas. Most tests are computer-based and can be scheduled on your preferred date. Plan for 2–4 hours total (including check-in and breaks).
Bring a valid government-issued ID and arrive 15 minutes early. No calculators, notes, or unauthorized materials are permitted in the testing room.
Certification Area Requirements
Teaching credential for elementary grades
Elementary Education: Content Knowledge (5018)
PRAXIS | Code: 5018
80 questions • 120 min
Required Score: 165
Practice Test →Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (5001)
PRAXIS | Code: 5001
80 questions • 150 min
Required Score: 220
Practice Test →Complete Exam Requirements
Elementary Education: Content Knowledge (5018)
PRAXIS | Code: 5018 • 80 questions • 120 min
Required Score
165
Nat: 157
Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (5001)
PRAXIS | Code: 5001 • 80 questions • 150 min
Required Score
220
Nat: 157
Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (5001)
PRAXIS | Code: 5001 • 80 questions • 150 min
Required Score
220
Nat: 157
English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038)
PRAXIS | Code: 5038 • 130 questions • 150 min
Required Score
170
Nat: 167
English to Speakers of Other Languages / ESOL (5362)
PRAXIS | Code: 5362 • 120 questions • 150 min
Required Score
158
Nat: 155
Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications (5354)
PRAXIS | Code: 5354 • 100 questions • 120 min
Required Score
158
Nat: 155
All Available Exams in Texas
176 exams across 5 exam series.
Texas Teaching Certification — FAQ
How do I get a teaching certificate in Texas?
Bachelor's degree, approved educator preparation program, passing TExES exams (including content area and PPR), Texas background check and fingerprinting.