Houston

Certification and Testing

According to Texas state law, any uncertified teacher must be enrolled in an Alternative Certification Program (ACP) in order to enter the classroom.

All Houston corps members are required to participate in an Alternative Certification Program (ACP), in which they become certified in one year. Houston corps members gain teaching certification by participating in the ACP determined by their district. After completing all requirements of ACP, corps members receive a five-year Texas Teaching Certificate.

Houston Independent School District’s ACP includes a college coursework component, which allows corps members to take between three and five courses at the University of St. Thomas specific to their content and certification area.

Certification costs range from $4,900 to $6,700, which can be deducted from corps members' paychecks. Additionally, corps members have the opportunity to begin a master's program at a local university during their two-year corps commitment. Applicants assigned to teach in Houston will receive more information about certification exams once accepted.

At a Glance

Costs to Begin Teaching
Testing: $120-240
Processing: $200
Up-front Certification Program Cost: $350

Costs to Maintain Emergency Credential
Costs incurred prior to fall teaching: $190-310 (approximately)
Costs incurred over the course of the first year of teaching (via payroll deduction): $3,200-$5,900