Admissions Criteria

Degree Requirements

Acceptance Based on University Coursework

Bachelor’s degree or enrolled in last semester of college
2.75 GPA in last 60 hours of coursework
Specified coursework in certification content area sought. Refer to:
TOPP Admission Requirements Testing University Coursework Handout

OR

Acceptance Based on Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT)

Bachelor’s degree or enrolled in last semester of college
Minimum 2.5 GPA overall or on the last 60 hours of coursework
Pass TX-PACT (Pre-Admission Content Area Test)

Please note that previous teacher certification exam testing history will be considered when making admissions decisions.

TX PACT Information (if required)

TX PACT content exams are not used for certification, and are not subject to the five-time limit.
TX PACT content exam scores are valid for education preparation program (EPP) enrollment purposes for one calendar year.
Exam fees for most TX PACT areas will be $106, and $56 for exams with subtests (e.g. American Sign Language and Essential Academic Skills, etc.) The Texas.gov fee will continue to be assessed.
All testing candidates will need a TEA ID number before registering with Pearson. The Educator Certification Online System (ECOS) for Educators that is accessed through TEAL will provide a TEA ID. For help with TEAL account access, please enter a request to TEAL Access through the TEA Help Desk.
If you have questions, please submit a ticket through the TEA Help Desk, or visit the Pearson Texas program website, www.tx.nesinc.com and click “Contact us.”

Required Documentation

Pay Application Fee

Teacher Pre-Screener Evaluation

After application evaluation is approved. Teacher screening instrument will be emailed to applicant to determine if the TOPP applicant's knowledge, experience, skills, and aptitude are appropriate for the certification sought.

A minimum score of 27 is required for admission.

An acceptance letter with an invitation to attend orientation will be emailed upon meeting all admission criteria.

Degrees Outside the United States

Foreign Credential Evaluation

If your degree is outside the United States, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires applicants to have a complete transcript review by a TEA approved Foreign Credential Evaluation Service.

Link: https://bit.ly/TEAForeignCredentials

Foreign Credential Service to send transcript evaluation to:

ESC, Region 20

c/o TOPP

1314 Hines Avenue

San Antonio, Texas 78208

*TOPP will only accept official foreign transcript evaluations submitted to TOPP in the transcript evaluation company's sealed envelope or submitted to TOPP electronically by the transcript evaluation company.

English Language Proficiency Requirement

Applicants with degrees outside the U.S. are required to demonstrate English language proficiency by fulfilling one of the following requirements:

Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States, not including US Territories.
Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree earned at an institution of higher education in a country outside of the United States approved by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).
Verification of minimum scaled scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT). Please use the ESC-20 TOPP Designated Institution Code: C012. When scores are received by the applicant, please contact [email protected]

- Speaking 20-24
- Listening 17-21
- Reading 18-23
- Writing 17-23

NOTE: Scores are valid two years from the date of testing.

Submit transcripts, transcript evaluation, and passing TOEFL scores to [email protected]

Transfer from Another Educator Preparation Program (EPP)

Transfer candidates must be in good standing with previous EPP.
TOPP reserves the right to deny acceptance to applicants who were released from another EPP or Local Education Agency (LEA) for poor performance or conduct.
Acceptance will be denied if applicant is considered a completer with previous program.
Previous teacher certification exam testing history will be considered when making admissions decisions
Candidate's current EPP must complete a Candidate Transfer Form.

Information Handout - Summary of Application Steps