Teacher License in Texas
Quick Answer
To become a certified teacher in Texas, you need a bachelor's degree, passing TExES exam scores, and a background check. Temporary licensing is available for military members and spouses. The Texas Education Agency handles certification. Texas has massive teacher demand. Estimated costs are approximately $500 (excluding degree).
- Exam
- TExES (Texas Examinations of Educator Standards)
- Total Cost
- $500 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-5 years (including degree)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 5 years
Requirements
Teacher license in Texas
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $75
- Exam Fee
- $200
- Renewal Fee
- $75
- Total Estimated Cost
- $500
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Teacher license in Texas. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Texas licensing board.
Teacher Salary in Texas
Entry Level
$48,140
Median
$61,380
Experienced
$72,370
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Teacher in Texas.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Background check required
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
State exam required — TExES (Texas Examinations of Educator Standards)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$75.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-5 years (including degree).
Teacher Licensing in Texas: What to Know
Texas requires a degree, a state exam (TExES), and a background check. No CE is listed for renewal. A temporary license is available for military members and spouses. The Texas Education Agency handles certification. Texas uses its own exam system (TExES) rather than Praxis. Texas is the second-largest state by both population and number of school districts, creating massive teacher demand across urban, suburban, and rural settings. Alternative certification pathways are widely used in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Teacher license cost in Texas?
- The estimated total cost is $500, including application fees, exam fees ($200), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Teacher license in Texas?
- The process typically takes 4-5 years (including degree), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Teacher license in Texas?
- You need to pass the TExES (Texas Examinations of Educator Standards). State exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Teacher requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.