Learn how to become an Education Administrator or School Principal in Texas.
The Texas Education Agency issues administrative certificates to qualified applicants interested in becoming School principals or Superintendents.
Academic Obligations
School principal:
- You must possess a master’s degree from an accredited institution
- You must successfully complete an authorized school principal preparation program and receive their institutional recommendation
Superintendent:
- You must possess at least a master’s degree from an accredited institution
- You must successfully complete an authorized superintended preparation program and receive their institutional recommendation
Assessments
School principal:
- You must pass the Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES)School principal Test
Superintendent:
- You must pass the Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES) Superintendent Test
Classroom Teaching Experience Requirements
School principal:
- You must possess a valid classroom teaching certificate
- You must possess 2 years of classroom teaching experience
Superintendent:
- You must possess (at minimum) a valid school principal’s certificate
Document and Application Requirements
Utilize the Educator Certification Online System to apply for education administrator licensure in Texas. Make sure to send the following info to the Texas Education Agency Office of Educator Certification:
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended, showing your receipt of a master’s degree (at minimum) and successful completion of the appropriate education administrator preparation program
- Institutional recommendation from your education administrator preparation program
- Exam score reports
- Application fees
Mail the above info to the Texas Education Agency, Office of Educator Certification, William B. Travis Building, 1701 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas, 78701.
Background Check Requirements
Before you acquire your education administrator license, you must undergo a criminal history background check. The Department of Public Safety offers electronic capture and fingerprints through live scan technology via their Fingerprint Applicant Service of Texas (FAST). For additional info, contact the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Service at 512- 424-2478.
State Contacts
For additional info on education administrator preparation programs in Texas, make contact with the institutions offering them.
For further info on education administrator licensure in Texas, contact the Office of Educator Certification at 512-936-8400.
