Updated October 2026.

Considering becoming a Texas teacher? One of the most popular routes is an alternative teacher certification program. When you’re comparing programs, here’s what to look at.

Can you meet the requirements?

Start with our guide to teacher certification requirements in Texas, then use the questions below to compare programs.

There are five high-level requirements to become a certified Texas teacher:

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree. Your degree must come from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. (Some career and technical education certifications, such as Trade and Industrial Education, have different requirements.)

2. Complete an Educator Preparation Program. If you don’t have a degree yet, you’ll complete a university program. If you have one, you can choose an alternative certification program or a post-baccalaureate program.

3. Pass your certification exams. Your program approves you to test. You’ll take a content exam in your subject and the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) exam.

4. Submit a state application. Apply for your certificate once your program confirms you’re eligible.

5. Complete fingerprinting. All first-time applicants are fingerprinted for a national criminal background check before working in a Texas school.

How much do alternative certification programs cost?

Costs vary a lot between programs, and fees aren’t always easy to compare. Look at the full cost before you choose. As of October 2026, here are the main fee categories.

1. Fees paid to the state and its test vendor. These are the same at every program:

  • Content exams: $116–$136 each, depending on the exam. Most candidates take one or two.
  • PPR exam: $116, required for all candidates.
  • Intern certificate: $78, plus about $50 for fingerprinting and the background check.
  • Standard certificate: $78, after your program recommends you.

Under Texas House Bill 2 (2025), some of these fees are waived or reimbursed for Special Education, Bilingual Education and certain Career and Technical Education certifications.

2. Application fee. Some programs charge one. Teachworthy doesn’t: we believe applying is the first step to understanding the process and deciding which path is right for you.

3. Enrollment or training fees. These are due before you’re hired, so they come out of your own pocket. Some programs charge a small enrollment fee plus a monthly fee for as long as you’re preparing and job-hunting. At Teachworthy, your Admission Fees are $495 in total (the $195 Enrollment Fee plus the $300 Curriculum Fee, up front or $50/month for six months), however long you take.

4. Program or internship fee. This is the largest fee, and it’s best paid from your teaching salary. At Teachworthy, the $4,005 Internship Fee is paid monthly ($445 for nine months), starting 60 days after your first day with students. Before you sign up anywhere, check whether you’d owe the full program fee even if you’re never hired.

5. Other costs. These can include test preparation, training materials and technology fees. Ask each program what’s required.

In total, Texas alternative certification programs commonly cost about $4,500 to $5,500 in program fees. Teachworthy’s total is $4,500. See our pricing and how we compare.

Online or face-to-face?

Some programs teach in a classroom on a set schedule, which suits people who learn best with an instructor. Most alternative certification candidates now train online. Some online programs let you start anytime and work at your own pace; others follow a semester schedule.

Teachworthy combines both. You’ll complete 9 online, self-paced courses (150 hours of coursework and training). And because great teaching depends on strong classroom culture, you’ll also attend the live, 2-day Capturing Kids’ Hearts training. Capturing Kids’ Hearts trains more than 50,000 educators every year.

Regional or statewide?

If you already live where you want to teach, a regional or statewide program will work. Either should give you the required training and, ideally, good relationships with local districts.

If you live in another part of Texas, are moving to Texas, or can move anywhere, a statewide program is usually more helpful. Teachworthy works with districts across Texas, which gives you the broadest job opportunities.

Which certification areas are offered?

Make sure the subject you want to teach is available through your program. Many university programs offer a limited number of certification areas. Teachworthy offers more than 50.

Once you’ve weighed these points, visited each program’s website and talked with each program, you’ll be ready to choose. Learn about the Teachworthy process and start your journey to becoming a Texas teacher.

Hear why Zaira Diaz chose Teachworthy.

“I’m from Puerto Rico. I went to university in Connecticut and then back to my home country where all my family lives. After starting my own family and really struggling because of the economic situation at home, I really wanted to teach in the United States. Since I was a little girl, I had always thought about becoming a teacher, but in Puerto Rico it wasn’t possible financially.

I reached out to Teachworthy and they were so encouraging right from the start. They convinced me that I could do the training while I was in Puerto Rico and that they would be able to help me find a teaching position. They have a great reputation with the school districts they serve. I felt I could really trust them.

They did just as they promised. I found a great teaching position and my life has changed in so many ways. My husband and kids all moved with me to Texas and I know that none of this would have been possible without the family I found at Teachworthy.”