240 Certification Help Center

Your one-stop resource for FAQs, documents, and program information.

FAQs

Program FAQs

What is 240 Certification?

240 Certification is a state-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP) that helps aspiring teachers in Texas earn their full teaching certification through a flexible and affordable alternative certification route. It is specifically designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are ready to transition into a teaching career, whether you’re a recent college graduate or a career changer.

How does alternative certification work?

240 Certification is an alternative teacher certification program approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). It’s designed to help individuals with a bachelor’s degree (or nearly finished) become fully certified teachers in Texas through a flexible, online pathway.

Here’s how the program works:

  1. Apply and Get Admitted
    Submit your application, transcripts, and complete our admissions process. We’ll review your qualifications—including GPA and content-area eligibility.
  2. Start Online Coursework
    Once enrolled, you’ll begin self-paced, asynchronous coursework designed by experienced educators. This includes TEA-required training and instructional preparation.
  3. Complete 50 Hours of Field-Based Observation and Pass Certification Exams
    While working through your coursework, you’ll complete 50 hours of observation with certified teachers (virtually or in person) and prepare for the required TExES content exam(s) and PPR exam—with full access to 240 Tutoring’s online study guides.
  4. Begin Teaching with an SOE
    After passing your content exam and completing your coursework and observation hours, you’ll be issued a Statement of Eligibility (SOE)—allowing you to teach full-time on an intern or clinical certificate.
  5. Finish Your Internship or Clinical Teaching
    Teach for one academic year (internship) or complete a 14–15 week unpaid clinical teaching placement, depending on your chosen path.
  6. Earn Your Standard Certificate
    After successfully completing all program requirements, you’ll be recommended to TEA for your Standard Texas Teaching Certificate.

Throughout the process, you’ll be supported by personal advisors and experienced educators who guide you every step of the way.

What kind of support will I get during the program?

You’ll have a dedicated Program Advisor—a certified Texas educator who will guide you through every step, from enrollment to certification. You’ll also get:

  • Unlimited, FREE access to 240 Tutoring study guides for your certification tests
  • Ongoing email, text, and phone support straight from your Program Advisor, no call centers.
  • Support from your Field Supervisor during your teaching internship or clinical placement
How long does the program take?

The full 240 Certification program typically takes 12–18 months to complete.

However, many candidates can begin teaching in just a few months after enrollment—once they’ve finished their first coursework block, passed the content exam, and completed 50 hours of field-based experience.

Candidates have up to two years from their admission date to finish all program requirements.

How soon can I start teaching and get paid?

Most candidates can begin teaching in just a few months after enrolling. To become eligible for a paid teaching internship, you’ll need to:

  1. Complete the first block of online coursework
  2. Pass your content exam
  3. Complete 50 hours of field-based experience (observations)

Once these steps are done, you’ll receive your Statement of Eligibility (SOE), which allows you to be hired as a full-time, paid teacher while you finish the program.

What subjects can I teach?

240 Certification is approved to offer the following certificate categories:

  • Core Subjects with the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) EC-6
  • Core Subjects with the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) 4-8
  • English Language Arts & Reading 4-8
  • Mathematics 4-8
  • Science 4-8
  • Social Studies 4-8
  • English Language Arts & Reading 7-12
  • Mathematics 7-12
  • Science 7-12
  • History 7-12
  • Social Studies 7-12
  • Special Education EC-12

Supplemental certifications, which can be tied to the levels/subject areas of certification include:

  • Bilingual Supplemental
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) Supplemental
Do you certify outside of Texas?

No. Currently, 240 Certification only serves candidates pursuing a Texas certification.

What is the difference between 240 Tutoring and 240 Certification?

240 Certification is a Texas alternative certification program that trains and supports aspiring teachers while guiding them through the full certification process—from enrollment to earning a standard teaching certificate.

240 Tutoring is our sister company that provides online study guides to help you pass your certification exams.

How is 240 Certification different from other programs?

With 240 Certification, you’ll get everything you expect from a high-quality alternative certification program: affordability, online, self-paced coursework, flexible start dates, and the option to complete a paid teaching internship while you work toward full certification.

But what truly sets us apart is the personalized support. From the moment you enroll, you’re matched with a dedicated Program Advisor—a certified educator who will guide you step-by-step through the entire process, from coursework and exams to your first year in the classroom. You’ll never have to figure things out on your own.

Plus, you’ll receive free access to 240 Tutoring study guides, giving you the tools and confidence to pass your certification exams. And because we’re run by experienced teachers, our program is designed with your success in mind—both in the classroom and throughout your certification journey.

Admission & Eligibility

What are the admission requirements for 240 Certification?

To be eligible for 240 Certification, you must:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree (or be in your final semester of completing one) from an accredited university.
  • Have a 2.5 GPA, either overall or in your last 60 credit hours.
How do I apply to 240 Certification?

Applying is quick and easy:

  • Fill out the online application at www.240Certification.com/apply.
  • Submit your official college transcripts.
  • Complete the short “Tell Us About You” form.

Once your application is reviewed (usually within 1–3 business days), you’ll receive an email letting you know if you’re eligible to enroll.

How do I send my official transcripts?

You can send your official transcripts in one of two ways:

  1. Electronically – Have your college or university email them directly to: transcripts@240certification.com

OR

  1. By Mail – Send printed, sealed transcripts to:
    240 Certification
    ATTN Dr. Lara Cavin
    3122 Nealy Way, Ste. 211-B
    Longview, TX 75605

To be considered “official,” transcripts must come directly from your school—not from you.

What if my university has closed down (either in the United States or abroad) and I am unable to request my official transcript?

If your university has closed (in the U.S. or abroad), check if a third-party service is managing transcript requests—many closed schools arrange this. If not, try contacting the school’s accrediting agency, which is usually listed online, to see if they have guidance.

Texas law requires an official transcript showing your conferred degree. If you have another degree, like a master’s, we may be able to use that instead. However, without any official transcript verifying your degree, we unfortunately can’t move forward with your application.

Are there any enrollment or application fees?

There are no application fees. It is free to submit our online application.

If you meet our admission criteria and are invited into the program, payment is due at enrollment.

Do I need a degree?

Yes. To enroll in 240 Certification, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. You’ll also need a 2.5 GPA, either overall or in your last 60 credit hours.

If you’re in your final semester, you can apply and start the program, but you’ll need to finish your degree before you can teach.

Can I apply if I’m still working on my bachelor’s degree?

Yes! If you’re in your final semester of earning your bachelor’s degree, you can apply now. If accepted, you’ll receive contingency admission and can begin the program. You’ll just need to submit your final, official transcript once your degree is conferred before you can start teaching.

What if my GPA is under a 2.5?

To enroll in 240 Certification, you must have at least a 2.5 GPA, either overall or in your last 60 credit hours. Graduate-level courses (even if the degree isn’t finished) can count toward the last 60 hours.

For 240 Certification, we require an overall GPA or a last 60 hour GPA of 2.5. If your GPA is below 2.5, you’ll need to raise it by taking additional college courses and earning higher grades. 

240 Certification does not accept alternatives like a passing PACT exam in place of the GPA requirement.

What if I’ve taken certification exams before and passed or failed them?

Prior testing attempts—whether passed or failed—don’t automatically disqualify you from applying to 240 Certification, but they do factor into the application review.

Things we’ll consider include:

  • Are you still enrolled in another EPP?
  • Are you applying for the same certification area in which you’ve had failed attempts?
  • How long ago did you take the exam(s)?
  • Were your attempts on the TX PACT or TExES exams?

This information helps us determine the best next steps and whether additional requirements may be needed. We encourage you to apply regardless of past testing history.

If you have questions about your situation, reach out to admin@240certification.com—we’re happy to help!

How long does the admission process take?

Once we have received your initial online application, all required Official transcripts and your Tell Us About You form, it takes approximately 1-3 business days for our Admissions team to process your application. We will communicate the next steps with you via email once your application review is completed.

Certification & Testing

What certifications are available from 240 Certification?

240 Certification is approved to offer the following certificate categories:

  • Core Subjects with the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) EC-6
  • Core Subjects with the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) 4-8
  • English Language Arts & Reading 4-8
  • Mathematics 4-8
  • Science 4-8
  • Social Studies 4-8
  • English Language Arts & Reading 7-12
  • Mathematics 7-12
  • Science 7-12
  • History 7-12
  • Social Studies 7-12
  • Special Education EC-12

Supplemental certifications, which can be tied to the levels/subject areas of certification include:

  • Bilingual Supplemental
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) Supplemental
Can I get certified in EC-3?

We currently do not offer the EC-3 certification area. However, these grade levels are covered with the EC-6 Core Subjects certification. This is the route we encourage our applicants to pursue when they are wishing to pursue the EC-3 cert area.

Can I get certified in a subject you don’t offer, like PE or Business?

240 Certification currently offers certification in core subjects—such as math, science, ELAR, social studies, and special education—because these are high-need areas that most school districts urgently need to fill. This makes you a more marketable candidate when applying for teaching jobs.

We don’t currently offer areas like PE or Business, but once you earn your Standard Teaching Certificate, you can add additional certifications by exam without re-enrolling in another program.

Do I get to choose what certification area I want to pursue?

You can indicate your preferred certification area when you apply, but final approval depends on whether you meet TEA and 240 Certification’s eligibility requirements based on your transcript coursework.

How does 240 determine my certification area?

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) sets the minimum requirements to qualify for a certification area, and 240 Certification follows those guidelines closely.

We perform a course-by-course transcript review across all the colleges or universities you’ve attende. This checks for:

  • At least 12 credit hours in the certification subject (or 15 hours for math or science above Grade 7)

  • A 2.5 GPA in that subject area

If you meet both requirements, you’ll be approved for that certification area. If not, you can still qualify by passing the TX PACT exam for the subject you wish to pursue.

For Social Studies 7–12, at least 9 of the 12 required hours must come from history, government, economics, or geography. For Science 4–8 and 7–12, the 15 required hours must include at least 3 credit hours each in biology, chemistry, and physics. AP and CLEP credits may also count toward your content hours.

What if I choose a certification and then want to change my mind later on?

It’s completely normal to change your mind, and it happens often! You can switch certification areas, but it’s easier to do early in the program. To change, you must meet the coursework and GPA requirements for the new area, and your coursework will need to match that new subject. We’ll work with you to make sure the new area aligns with your goals and helps you stay on track for a successful teaching placement.

What is the TX PACT Exam, and do I need to take it?

The TX PACT (Texas Pre-Admission Content Test) is used to demonstrate subject-area knowledge before being admitted into an Educator Preparation Program (EPP). It is not a certification exam, but an entry requirement for certain applicants.

At 240 Certification, the TX PACT is required if:

  • You are seeking certification in a subject where you do not meet the 12/15 hour coursework requirement
  • 15 hours are required for math or science 
  • Social Studies 7–12 must include at least 9 hours in history, government/political science, economics, or geography
  • Your subject-specific GPA is below 2.5 (this is in addition to the coursework requirement)

Important: At 240 Certification, the TX PACT cannot be used as a substitute for an overall or last 60-hour GPA below 2.5. You must meet GPA requirements independently of the exam.

If you’re unsure whether you need the TX PACT, email us at admin@240certification.com—we’re happy to guide you! For more info about the TX Pact Exam, visit TEA’s website here.

Pricing

What is the price for 240 Certification?

240 Certification is designed to be one of the most affordable alternative certification programs in Texas, offering high-quality training and support at a competitive cost. Candidates can choose from three flexible payment options:

1. Pay in Full – $4,135

  • Includes a $350 discount for paying up front.
  • Covers program tuition, two semesters of field experience fees (internship or clinical teaching), and the required $35 TEA technology fee.
  • Best value for those who want to save money overall.

2. Monthly Subscription – $4,485 Total

  • Pay $250 per month for 13 months.
  • An additional $600 per semester is due when field experience begins (1 semester for clinical teaching, 2 semesters for internship).
  • A $35 TEA technology fee is added to your first payment.
  • Offers flexibility for those who prefer to spread out payments over time.

3. Pay in Full via Financing – $4,135

  • Same total cost and discount as the Pay in Full option.
  • Payment is made through an outside lender (bank or credit union) and must be received before the program begins. Candidates are responsible for securing their own financing.

 

Additional Costs Not Included in Tuition: Certification Exams (Content, PPR, and any supplemental exams), Fingerprinting/Background Check (required by TEA), and any retake fees for certification tests, if applicable.

Are there discounts and payment plan options available?

Yes! 240 Certification offers both payment plans and discount options to make the program more affordable:

  • Monthly Payment Plan – Pay as you go with low monthly payments and semester-based field experience fees.

  • Pay-in-Full Discount – Save $350 by paying upfront at a reduced total cost.

  • Military Discount – Active service members, veterans, and their spouses receive a $125 discount on their first payment (monthly plan only).
Is there a price difference if I choose the clinical teaching route vs. the teaching internship?

Yes. While the overall tuition remains the same, the field experience fees differ:

  • Teaching Internship (paid, 2 semesters): $600 per semester = $1,200 total
  • Clinical Teaching (unpaid, 1 semester): $600 total

So, the clinical teaching route is less expensive in terms of field experience fees, but keep in mind it’s an unpaid placement, unlike the internship.

What if I have a grant, scholarship, or my school district is offering to fund my program?

If you’re receiving funding through a grant, scholarship, or your school district, you’ll usually work directly with the district for reimbursement. 

If your district wants to coordinate payment directly with 240 Certification, they can contact our Program Coordinator, Marissa Phillips, at payments@240certification.com or call (903) 471-0957 to set up a custom payment plan.

Do alternative certification programs (ACPs) accept financial aid or defer student loans?

No, ACPs like 240 Certification do not accept federal financial aid or offer student loan deferments, since they are not institutions of Higher Education like colleges or universities. However, ACPs are designed to be much more affordable, with lower upfront costs and flexible payment options—most candidates finish paying before they’re even certified.

Can I use my GI Bill to pay for tuition?

Unfortunately, no. The VA has reclassified all alternative certification programs—including 240 Certification—as non-institutions of higher learning since they are not colleges or universities. As a result, Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits cannot be used toward our program.

However, we offer a military discount and affordable payment options to help make the program accessible for veterans, active service members, and their spouses.

Are there any financial resources or loan forgiveness programs that can help with my existing student loans?

Yes, there are several student loan forgiveness programs available for teachers, especially in high-need or shortage areas. These programs are offered at both the state and federal level. You can find detailed information about eligibility and how to apply on the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website here.

Does the program cost cover certification exam fees?

No. Certification exams, fingerprinting, and state certification fees are not included in the program cost. These are separate expenses paid directly to the appropriate agencies when you reach those steps in the process.

Does 240 Certification offer a deferred payment option where I pay after I start teaching?

No, 240 Certification does not offer a deferred payment plan that starts after your teaching internship. However, we keep costs low from the start—offering one of the most affordable programs in Texas, often saving you hundreds or even thousands compared to other programs with deferred payment options.

After Enrollment

How long does the program take?

The full 240 Certification program typically takes 12–18 months to complete. 

However, many candidates can begin teaching in just a few months after enrollment—once they’ve finished their first coursework block, passed the content exam, and completed 50 hours of field-based experience. 

Candidates have up to two years from their admission date to finish all program requirements.

How soon can I start teaching?

Most candidates can begin teaching in just a few months after enrolling. To become eligible for a paid teaching internship, you’ll need to:

  • Complete the first block of online coursework
  • Pass your content exam
  • Complete 50 hours of field-based experience (observations)

Once these steps are done, you’ll receive your Statement of Eligibility (SOE), which allows you to be hired as a full-time, paid teacher while you finish the program.

Can I do my teaching internship at my school district?

Yes! You can complete your teaching internship or clinical teaching at any TEA-approved Texas school, including public, private, or charter schools. To confirm if your school qualifies, use the TEA’s approved school search tools:

What is a late hire?

A late hire is a candidate who both enrolls with 240 Certification and is hired by a school district after the district’s official late hire date—which is 45 days before the first day of school.

Both actions (enrollment and hiring) must happen after that date to qualify. If either occurs earlier, the candidate is not considered a late hire.

What are the differences between clinical (student) teaching and an internship?

Both clinical teaching and internships meet certification requirements, but they differ in structure, pay, and responsibility:

  • Clinical Teaching (also known as student teaching) is a 14–15 week unpaid placement where you teach alongside a certified mentor teacher. You’ll gradually take on full teaching responsibilities and complete at least two full weeks as the lead teacher before transitioning duties back. This option is ideal if you can afford to student teach full-time without pay and want a shorter path to certification.
  • Internship Teaching is a full-year, paid position where you serve as the teacher of record in your own classroom. You’re responsible for all duties assigned to a teacher and receive salary and benefits like any first-year teacher. You must secure your own position at a TEA-approved school.

Both paths provide valuable experience—your choice depends on your timeline, financial situation, and comfort level stepping into full classroom leadership.

Can I count time as a paraprofessional, substitute, or prior EPP experience toward the 50 required observation hours?

Possibly—depending on your situation.

  • Long-term substitute experience (30+ consecutive days in the same role within the past 2 years) may count for up to 25 of the 50 hours, with documentation on district letterhead.
  • Paraprofessional or short-term substitute time before admission can’t count, but post-admission paraprofessionals may count hours if they’re actively observing a teacher in a qualified classroom setting.

If transferring from another EPP, 240 Certification may accept completed coursework or field experience from the past 5 years—contact us at admin@240certification.com to review your situation.

Do you offer deficiency plans?

Yes, 240 Certification can provide a deficiency plan, but only for enrolled candidates. Once you’re in the program, you can request one through your Program Advisor. 

Deficiency plans are not available during the admissions or invitation process.

How do I get my Statement of Eligibility (SOE) letter?

SOE letters are only issued to enrolled candidates—not applicants—after completing specific requirements:

For standard hires, you must:

  • Complete Block 1 coursework
  • Pass your content exam
  • Finish 50 hours of field-based observation

For late hires, you only need to pass your content exam to be eligible for hire. You’ll then have 90 days from your first day of teaching to complete Block 1 and your observation hours.

Questions about your SOE should be directed to your Program Advisor once you’re enrolled.

Is the coursework all online?

Yes! All of our coursework is online, asynchronous and self-paced. So you get to move through the content at the pace you prefer!

Can any of the observation hours be done virtually?

Yes! We allow for half of your observation hours (up to 25 hours) to be completed virtually. Once you enroll, you will have access to our online library of videos that will count towards observation hours. We do recommend that you choose videos that pertain to your content area.

Special Cases and International

I earned my degree outside the U.S. What do I need to apply?

If you earned your degree outside the United States, you’ll follow the standard application process, plus a few additional steps required for international applicants.

Standard Application Steps:

  1. Fill out the online application at www.240Certification.com/apply.
  2. Submit your official college transcripts.
  3. Complete the short “Tell Us About You” form.

Additional Requirements for International Applicants:

Instead of standard transcripts, you must submit a course-by-course credential evaluation with:

  • An overall GPA equivalent
  • A conferred degree date (month/day/year)
  • An evaluation signed by the service provider

Evaluations should be sent directly to: transcripts@240certification.com

How do I get a course-by-course credential evaluation for a foreign degree?

If your degree was earned outside the United States, you’ll need to submit a course-by-course credential evaluation as part of your application. This evaluation:

  • Converts your academic records into the U.S. grading scale
  • Verifies your degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher
  • Must include your overall GPA and the full date your degree was awarded (month/day/year)
  • Must be signed by the evaluator

You must use a provider that is a member of either: The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or The Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE).

Some commonly used evaluation services include:

Once completed, have the evaluation emailed directly to: transcripts@240certification.com.

If I’m from an English-speaking country, do I still need a credential evaluation?

Yes. If your degree was earned outside of the United States, you are required to submit a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA, even if English is the official language of your country. This evaluation verifies that your degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher, as required by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

How do I know if I need to take the TOEFL iBT to apply?

All international applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements. Whether or not you need to take the TOEFL iBT depends on your educational background.

You do NOT need to take the TOEFL iBT if you meet one of the following:

  1. You completed a degree (undergraduate or graduate) at a college or university in the United States or a U.S. territory
  2. You earned a degree from a university in a TEA-approved country where English is the primary language of instruction (check the official list on the TEA website)

If you do not meet either of these criteria, you’ll need to take the TOEFL iBT and achieve at least a High-Intermediate score in all four areas: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.

Important Notes:

  • TOEFL iBT scores are valid for two years
  • You must complete all four sections of the test for scores to count
  • 240 Certification does not sponsor visas or provide visa-related services

This requirement helps ensure you’re prepared to communicate effectively in the classroom and meet TEA standards.

Can I skip the TOEFL or get a waiver?

No. English proficiency is a state requirement set by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and cannot be waived by 240 Certification.

To be exempt from taking the TOEFL iBT, you must have earned an undergraduate or graduate degree from a college or university in one of the countries on the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) approved list.

If your degree is not from a U.S. institution or a country on the SBEC-approved list, you are required to take the TOEFL iBT and achieve passing scores in all four sections: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.

You can view the list of TEA-approved countries here.

What if I don’t have a Social Security number?

You do not need a Social Security number to apply to 240 Certification or to take your certification exams. However, it is required for fingerprinting, which is necessary before you can hold an Intern, Probationary, or Standard certificate, or be employed in a Texas public school.

If you do not have a U.S. Social Security number, you can request a temporary file number from the TEA Help Desk. Your request must include:

  • A copy of your current passport
  • Your full name and date of birth
  • Your email and phone number

Once issued, you’ll receive a “P” number to set up your TEAL and ECOS accounts with TEA. You’ll also be assigned a TEA ID number, which can be used for testing and certification tracking—but not in place of a Social Security number for official certification.

Note: 240 Certification does not provide visa sponsorship or immigration support.

I was in another Educator Preparation Program (EPP). Can I transfer to 240 Certification?

Yes, 240 Certification does accept transfers from other EPPs, but certain criteria must be met:

To be eligible, you must:

  1. Be released in good standing from your previous program
  2. Not have failed or withdrawn from an internship or clinical teaching assignment
  3. Meet 240 Certification’s standard admission requirements

We also review your testing history, and in some cases, you may be asked to pass a TX PACT exam before continuing the application.

You’ll also need to submit a TEA Candidate Transfer Form, signed by your previous EPP. 240 Certification will initiate this form with you near the end of the application process.

If I was in another teacher certification program, can I transfer any completed classes or observation hours? Will I get a discount?

You may be able to transfer some coursework or observation hours, but this is handled case by case and is not guaranteed.

Possible transfer credits include:

  • Observation hours (if completed under TAC-compliant conditions)
  • TEA training courses (must match those used by 240 Certification)
  • Content exams already passed
  • Education coursework (only if the PPR exam was passed before admission)

These will be discussed during your Initial Advising Meeting (IAM) and reviewed by the Director of Curriculum.

Note: Any approved course substitutions do not reduce tuition.

What if I have multiple testing attempts?

Testing attempts will be taken into consideration and the applicant could be required to take the PACT exam prior to admission.

I’m already certified to teach in another state or country. Can I get certified in Texas?

If you hold a standard teaching certificate from another U.S. state, territory, or country, you may not need to complete an alternative certification program like 240 Certification.

Your first step is to apply for a Review of Credentials through the Texas Education Agency (TEA). TEA will evaluate your certification and determine what additional steps, if any, are required for you to become certified in Texas.

Visit the TEA website for instructions and begin this process before applying to an Educator Preparation Program.

Out-of-State Certified Educators

Certification Based on Credentials from another country

District Partners

What is the cost to become a 240 Certification partner?

There is no cost to become a 240 Certification partner—partnership is completely free.

As a partner, your teacher candidates can receive exclusive tuition discounts.

While most partners join at no cost, some choose to invest further by covering tuition or other fees on behalf of their candidates. These paid partnership options are entirely optional and customizable based on your organization’s goals.

What candidate data do I have access to from the Cert portal?

As a district partner, the Cert Portal gives you real-time access to detailed certification progress for each teacher enrolled in 240 Certification. You can view:

  • The current stage of each candidate (Application, SOE Ready, PPR Ready, Program Completion)
  • Milestone progress, including coursework completion, testing status, and certification readiness
  • Exam history, including which certification exams have been taken and whether they were passed
  • Course progress tied to each milestone (e.g., which courses are complete or in progress)
  • Candidate contact information and direct links to their Program Advisor
  • Access to status letters and other resources (deficiency plans and SOEs coming soon)

Cert Portal provides one centralized, always-updated dashboard to help you monitor progress and make informed staffing decisions—no more relying on self-reports or outdated static reports

Can 240 Certification offer support for “Grow Your Own” programs?

Yes! 240 Certification proudly supports “Grow Your Own” programs by partnering with districts to help paraprofessionals, long-term subs, and other non-certified staff become certified teachers.

Interested in building or expanding your “Grow Your Own” pipeline?

Reach out to partnerships@240tutoring.com to explore how we can support your district.

What certification areas are offered through 240 Certification?

240 Certification is approved to offer the following certificate categories:

  • Core Subjects with the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) EC-6
  • Core Subjects with the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) 4-8
  • English Language Arts & Reading 4-8
  • Mathematics 4-8
  • Science 4-8
  • Social Studies 4-8
  • English Language Arts & Reading 7-12
  • Mathematics 7-12
  • Science 7-12
  • History 7-12
  • Social Studies 7-12
  • Special Education EC-12

Supplemental certifications, which can be tied to the levels/subject areas of certification include:

  • Bilingual Supplemental
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) Supplemental
What is the average timeline for a candidate to obtain their SOE (Statement of Eligibility)?

On average, candidates can earn their Statement of Eligibility (SOE) in as little as 4–6 weeks after enrollment. However, the exact timeline depends on how quickly they complete the following:

  • Block 1 of online coursework
  • Pass their content exam
  • Complete 50 hours of field-based observation

Some candidates may move faster or slower based on personal schedules and test availability, but most are eligible to begin teaching within a few months of starting the program.

Does 240 Certification require an MOU or contract to form a partnership?

No. 240 Certification does not require a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or formal contract to establish a partnership. Districts and organizations can partner with us at no cost and with no paperwork required.

What does it mean to be a preferred ACP program?

Being a preferred Alternative Certification Program (ACP) simply means a school district has chosen 240 Certification as their recommended route for certifying their uncertified teachers.

It’s a non-binding, no-cost decision that reflects the district’s trust in 240 Certification to support their staffing goals. There are no contracts, fees, or obligations—just a shared commitment to helping future teachers succeed.

Who can I contact if I have any questions?

For any questions about partnerships, support, or how 240 Certification can serve your district, reach out to:

Taylor Ann Therwhanger, Texas Districts Manager

TaylorAnn@240tutoring.com

Taylor Ann serves as a trusted advisor to Texas school districts, working to build and strengthen partnerships that support teacher certification and development. She’s happy to help!

What requirements do candidates need to complete to be SOE-ready?

The Statement of Eligibility (SOE) is issued only to enrolled candidates in 240 Certification—not to applicants. To receive an SOE, the teacher must meet the following requirements:

For standard hires:

  • Complete Block 1 coursework
  • Pass the content exam
  • Complete 50 hours of field-based observation

For late hires (those hired after the district’s late hire date): Only the content exam must be passed prior to hire. The remaining requirements (Block 1 and observation hours) must be completed within 90 days of the teacher’s first day of instruction

If your district is seeking an SOE for an enrolled candidate, please ensure these requirements are met. The candidate’s Program Advisor can assist with questions or timelines.

Can 240 Certification provide a deficiency plan for a teacher enrolled in your program?

Yes, 240 Certification can provide a deficiency plan for any teacher who is officially enrolled in our program. The enrolled teacher can request the plan directly through their assigned Program Advisor. Please note that deficiency plans are only available once a candidate is enrolled—they are not issued during the admissions or invitation process.

240 Certification does not charge for deficiency plans—this service is included at no additional cost to the district or the teacher.

State Disclosures

Admissions

Program Details

Our Program

240 Certification is PROUD to announce they are an educator preparation program (EPP) made FOR teachers BY teachers!

An alternative certification program, located in the heart of East Texas, 240 Certification is preparing teachers statewide through a quality online program. The online component makes it easier for our candidates to accomplish THEIR professional goals tailored to their schedules.

240 Certification is a sister company to the highly successful 240 Tutoring. Founded in 2011, 240 Tutoring has quickly grown to become a premier national provider of teacher certification exam preparation.

The heart of our company is to serve and support those who have chosen an honorable profession
TEACHERS! Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions or desire to speak with someone about your certification options.

See details below for additional information regarding 240 Certification.

Required Postings