The Educator CAFE must recommend all of the College's candidates for certification. Certification requirements for each program are established in the Texas Administrative Code and are listed below.

Once a candidate meets all of the requirements they must submit a Certification Recommendation Form to the Certification Officer.

Initial Standard Teacher Certification Requirements

1. Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education;
2. Complete an approved educator preparation program; and
3. Pass the required TExES Certification Exams for the certification being sought.

Educational Diagnostician Certification Requirements

1. Complete an educational diagnostician preparation program;
2. Pass the TExES Exam 253 Educational Diagnostician;
3. Hold, at a minimum, a master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education;
4. Hold a valid classroom teaching certificate; and,
5. Have three (3) creditable years of teaching experience as a classroom teacher. 

Principal Certification Requirements

1. Complete a principal preparation program
2. Pass the appropriate required exams: 1) TExES Exam Principal as Instructional Leader (268), and 2) Principal as School Leader (PASL);
3. Hold, at a minimum, a master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education;
4. Hold a valid classroom teaching certificate; and,
5. Have two (2) creditable years of teaching experience as a classroom teacher.

Reading Specialist Certification Requirements

1. Complete a reading specialist preparation program;
2. Pass the TExES Exam Reading Specialist (151);
3. Hold, at a minimum, a master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education; and,
4. Have two (2) creditable years of teaching experience as a classroom teacher.

School Counselor Certification Requirements

1. Complete a school counselor preparation program;
2. Pass the TExES Exam School Counselor (252);
3. Hold, at a minimum, a 48-hour master’s degree in counseling from an accredited institution of higher education.
4. Have two (2) creditable years of teaching experience as a classroom teacher.