Most questions about becoming a teacher in Texas eventually land here:
“Do I actually qualify?”
Not how long it takes.
Not how much it costs.
Just whether the door is open — or how far away you really are.
This article is designed to answer that question clearly and honestly. No assumptions. No fine print. Just the real requirements Texas expects before someone can move forward with teacher certification.
If you already know you qualify and want the full process, see How to Get Your Teaching Certificate in Texas
If you’re still deciding, keep reading.
Texas doesn’t hide the ball here. Certification is built around a small set of non-negotiables.
At a high level, Texas looks for:
Education or equivalent work experience
Demonstrated subject knowledge
Readiness to teach in a real classroom
Clearance to work with students
How you meet those expectations depends on your background.
You do not need an education major. Texas allows certification candidates with degrees in almost any field.
What matters is:
The degree comes from an accredited institution
You meet the minimum GPA set by the preparation program
You’re eligible to prepare for certification exams
If you’re unsure whether your degree qualifies, see What Do You Need to Be a Teacher in Texas.
This is where many people assume teaching isn’t an option — but in Texas, that’s not always true.
Some candidates qualify through Career and Technical Education (CTE) certification pathways, which prioritize verified wage-earning experience over formal academics.
CTE areas often include:
Criminal Justice
Automotive Technology
Culinary Arts
Cosmetology
Trade & Industrial fields
Typical eligibility guidelines:
Associate’s degree: usually paired with 2 years of full-time experience in the field
High school diploma: usually paired with 5 years of full-time experience in the field
Not every subject qualifies, and approval depends on the occupation and district needs.
If this may apply to you, start with No Degree – ECAP to confirm eligibility.
Texas requires certification exams because districts need confidence that teachers understand both what they’re teaching and how students learn.
While exam details vary by subject, the expectation itself is consistent:
You must demonstrate readiness before leading a classroom
Exams align to real classroom responsibilities
For candidates who haven’t tested in years, this can feel intimidating — but it’s also manageable with planning.
If you want a high-level overview of exam categories (not prep strategies), see List of Texas Teacher Certification Tests: What You Must Take to Teach.
All Texas teachers must complete:
Fingerprinting
A criminal background review
This requirement applies to every certification route and exists to protect students and schools. Most candidates complete this step near the end of the process.
Certain legal or disciplinary histories may require additional review. This does not automatically disqualify a candidate, but transparency matters.
Texas may evaluate:
Criminal history
Prior certification issues (if applicable)
Professional conduct disclosures
When in doubt, early clarification is always better than guessing.
Not all teaching certifications carry the same demand.
Some subject areas offer:
More consistent job openings
Faster hiring timelines
Greater flexibility for new teachers
Elementary education, in particular, continues to be one of the most consistently in-demand areas across Texas.
For hiring context, see Outlook for Elementary Teaching Jobs in Texas.
You’re likely a viable certification candidate if:
You have a bachelor’s degree or qualifying CTE experience
You’re willing to prepare for certification exams
You can pass a background check
You’re open to structured requirements
Missing one item doesn’t always mean “no.” Often, it just means not yet.
This article answers:
Do I qualify?
Is certification realistic for me?
It does not replace the full certification walkthrough.
When you’re ready for that, the definitive guide will be How to Get Your Teaching Certificate in Texas once published.
Most people don’t miss out on teaching because they aren’t capable. They miss out because they assume the requirements are stricter than they actually are.
For many candidates in Texas, the door isn’t closed — it just hasn’t been clearly explained yet.