There’s more than one way to get anywhere, but when it comes to getting your teaching certification in Texas, you want to pick the right lane for your journey. There are key differences between traditional and alternative teacher certifications. Both routes can lead to a rewarding teaching career, but they differ in structure, timeline, cost, and flexibility.
Whether you’re in college or a working professional looking to switch careers, this guide will help you make an informed decision. We’ll break down what each certification path involves and who each is best suited for—so you can choose the option that aligns with your goals, experience, and lifestyle.
What Is Traditional Teacher Certification?
Texas requires educators to have a bachelor’s degree to earn a teacher’s license. So that’s usually step one on a path towards certification. You may want to pursue traditional teacher certification as a way to complete a program that blends a bachelor’s degree and the certification process.
Admission Requirements
Traditional certification requires that you apply to a four-year college or university. Your prospective school will have its own set of requirements for enrollment. This typically requires a high school diploma or GED, college admission exams like the ACT or SAT, and transcripts with the appropriate GPA. You will need to check with your prospective school.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree and would still prefer to go the traditional route, you can pursue a graduate or post-baccalaureate program. Similarly, you would still need to show proof of a bachelor’s degree, have the appropriate GPA, and take graduate admission exams like the GRE or GMAT. Specific requirements will depend on your program and school.
Program Structure
Programs at the college and university level can vary, but typically, your teaching training will be part of your coursework within your major. You will complete your four-year degree program in topics like teaching, child psychology, pedagogy, and any subject-specific coursework.
Teaching certification programs include field work like job shadowing, student-teaching, and practicum. While completing required field work, pre-certified teachers typically complete certification tests like the Praxis. In Texas, this is called TExES.
Typical Timeline & Cost
For most people, it can take four years to go the traditional teaching certification route. This can vary based on the program. Some teaching programs include the teacher prep program in their four-year degree programs. If you have a bachelor’s degree and are pursuing a graduate certification program, this can take 2-4 years, depending on the program.
Full-time bachelor’s degree programs average $38,270 per student per year, including living expenses and supplies.
What Is Alternative Teacher Certification?
You can become a teacher in Texas through an Alternative Certification Program (ACP) instead of going the traditional route. ACPs are state-certified programs that professionals with bachelor’s degrees can enroll in to obtain teacher certification.
Who It’s Designed For
ACPs are great for degree professionals who are looking to change careers. These professionals often have career and life experience that can benefit students. Because these individuals already have a bachelor’s degree, they can get into teaching faster and without the high price tag of a traditional university program. Finding the best alternative certification program is the key to maximizing these benefits.
Program Structure
Once you decide to become a teacher in Texas through an ACP, you will need to enroll. Here are the general requirements:
- Have a bachelor’s degree
- Submit a transcript with at least a 2.5 GPA
- Complete a Pre-admission Content Test (PACT)
- Choose a subject area
- Work with an advisor to develop a certificate program
Many ACPs offer online coursework, providing you with flexibility. You will also complete a paid internship and take certification exams during this time.
Typical Timeline & Cost
On average, it takes 12-18 months to complete an alternative certification program. This includes coursework, exams, and a paid internship.
240 Certification’s ACP costs $4,135.
Pros & Cons of Each Path
There’s not always one clear path when you’re switching gears in your career. We’ve summed up the pros and cons of traditional and alternative certification processes.
Traditional Certification Pros
- Stability: You can enroll in an education program, achieve a bachelor’s degree, and get your teacher’s certification in one place
- Comprehensive training: Offers in-depth coursework in pedagogy, child psychology, and subject areas
- University resources: Access university resources beyond your teaching program
Traditional Certification Cons
- Time-intensive: Typically takes four years (or 2-4 more if pursuing post-baccalaureate programs)
- Costly: The average cost is over $38,000 per year
- Less flexibility: Best suited for those starting college, not ideal for career changers or those seeking a quicker path.
Alternative Certification Pros
- Faster: Complete in 12-18 months
- Lower cost: The 240 Certification program cost is $4,135
- Flexible format: Often includes online coursework, allowing for schedule flexibility
- Paid internship: Includes hands-on teaching experience that is often compensated
Alternative Certification Cons
- Not integrated with a degree: Requires a bachelor’s degree—does not provide one
- Intensity: Meant to be an accelerated option
- Limited subject areas: Not all programs have every subject area available for certification
Which Path Is Right for You?
You need to pick the certification path that is right for you. Traditional certification is most suitable for individuals without a bachelor’s degree or those interested in pursuing a graduate degree. But the traditional route is not the only way.
The alternative certification path is ideal for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to transition into teaching quickly and affordably. With flexible online coursework and a paid internship, it allows career changers to gain real classroom experience while working toward certification. It’s a streamlined, cost-effective option that gets you into the classroom in as little as 12 months.
240 Certification helps teachers get certified in Texas. We create custom plans tailored to your needs, and you'll have a dedicated advisor to guide you every step of the way.
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