TEA Requirements for Provisional Certificate

The Texas Education Agency under the direction of the State Board of Education has established general requirements for the Provisional teaching certificate. These requirements include:

1. Bachelor's degree from, and recommendation of, an institution of higher learning approved for teacher education by the Texas Education Agency.
2. Be at least 18 years of age.
3. Be of good moral character as evidenced by the recommendation of a Texas senior college.
4. Be clear of felony and misdemeanor convictions for a crime which directly relates to the duties and responsibilities of the teaching profession. As of September 1, 1982, all applicants for Texas certificates will be screened for a record of felony or misdemeanor convictions through the Texas Department of Public Safety. Article 6252-13c, Texas Civil Statues, authorizes the Commissioner of Education to suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue a teaching certificate for a person who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor which directly relates to duties and responsibilities of the teaching profession. All potential certificate applicants with criminal convictions should contact the certification officer of McMurry University immediately to seek clarification of their certification status.
5. Be willing to support and defend the constitutions of the United States and Texas.
6. Have college credit or examination credit in knowledge of the Texas and federal constitutions and United States history.
7. Achieve a satisfactory score on a competency examination of basic skills in mathematics, reading, and writing/composition. TASP will be the test of basic skills required by the Texas Education Agency.
8. Achieve a satisfactory score on the EXCET examinations prescribed by the State Board of Education. This test shall be required criterion for receipt of the Provisional teaching certificate. Students will take the exam during or after their last semester of enrollment.