Certification Cost and Budgeting l Texas

Carol Kumm

Mar 31, 2026

What You'll Pay for Certification

Preparing for certification costs is an important part of budgeting for your teaching program. Planning ahead can help you manage these expenses smoothly.

To start, consider setting aside funds for the maximum potential certification cost. If that isn't possible, save as much as you can to cover these expenses as they arise throughout your program.

Below, you'll find a breakdown of the certification costs specific to Texas.

Pathways Available

Master of Arts in Teaching + Certification
- Residency or Non-Residency
Certification only
- Non-Residency only (must be a lead teacher)

Cost Breakdown

Cost Category	Amount	Who Pays This	Notes
Certification Exams	$100-$150 per attempt	Varies by certification area. Find specifics here.	As you progress through your application, we will inform you of what exam(s) you may need to complete. You may not need any, depending on undergraduate coursework.
English Language Proficiency	$200-300 per attempt	Applicants with undergraduate transcripts from non-U.S. institutions	Must demonstrate scores of at least 24 for speaking, 22 for listening, and 22 for reading, and 21 for writing
Background Check/Fingerprinting	$50-55	All certification-seeking students in Texas	Find details here.
License/Certificate Fees Application for a Texas Standard Certificate	$78	All certification-seeking students in Texas	Find details here. This fee may be waived by the state if you meet certain eligibility requirements.
TEA ID	$0	All certification-seeking applicants	Step-by-step instructions can be found on this page.

Receiving Assistance to Cover Costs

You may have options to help offset these expenses:

Waivers
ETS, the company that administers the Praxis exam, provides fee waivers for some college students who meet eligibility criteria. Check with ETS directly to see if you qualify.

Vouchers
Some states provide vouchers for specific required tests and distribute them through Relay. These are often offered on a first-come, first-served basis—so respond quickly if one is offered to you.

Financial Aid
If you qualify, certification costs may be added to your financial aid package. Submitting your FAFSA early can help secure this assistance.

Being proactive about certification expenses can help ensure a financially manageable program experience.

Questions?

Reach out to us at [email protected].