How to Teach in Texas With a Foreign Degree

If you are wondering how to earn a Texas teacher certificate with a foreign degree, you’re in the right place!

At the ESC Region 13 Educator Certification Program (ECP), we work with candidates from all over the world who share one goal–to make a difference in Texas classrooms. Whether your degree is from the Philippines, Nigeria, India, or the UK, your international background brings a unique and valuable perspective to Texas schools.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has additional steps for candidates with foreign degrees. These steps may seem complex at first, but they’re straightforward. We’ll guide you through exactly what you need to do, step by step.

Step 1: Get Your Degree Evaluated

First things first, Texas needs to know how your foreign degree compares to a US degree. That means you’ll need a Foreign Credential Review.

This evaluation confirms:

• You’ve earned at least the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree
• Your grades are converted into a US grading scale
• Your coursework is officially recognized

TEA requires that your evaluation come from a credential evaluation service that is a member of either:

• The Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE), or
• The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)

We recommend using The Evaluation Company (formerly SpanTran). They’ve even created a custom ESC Region 13 application to make the process simple–and you’ll receive a discounted rate.

Once your evaluation is complete, you’re one step closer to your application.

Step 2: Show Your English Proficiency

If your degree is from a country where English isn’t the official language, TEA requires you to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT).

You’ll need to score the High Intermediate Level in:

• reading,
• writing,
• speaking,
• and listening.

A few quick notes:

• TOEFL scores are valid for two years from your test date.
• If your degree is from a country where English is the official language, you don’t need to take the TOEFL.
• You can check the official TEA list of approved English-speaking countries here: TEA TOEFL Exemption List

Once your TOEFL requirement is complete, you’re ready to move to the next step.

Step 3: Apply to an Educator Preparation Program

Now comes the exciting part–applying to an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)! 

After evaluators review your foreign degree (and you take the TOEFL, if required), you can start your application.

Here’s what we recommend:

Do your research. Examine the support systems each EPP offers, including their testing pass rates, learning formats, candidate feedback, and program costs. Most Texas EPPs operate on a similar timeline, as intern certificates are issued for a one-year period. Therefore, focus on quality and support when selecting your program. 

When you’re ready to apply, you’ll typically need to:

• Complete the online application 
• Submit your foreign credential evaluation 
• Send in your TOEFL scores (if applicable) 
• Take the Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) if required — your EPP will let you know if this applies to your certification area 

Step 4: Apply to the ESC Region 13 Educator Certification Program (ECP)

If you’re looking for a supportive, affordable, and highly respected path into teaching, we’d love to have you at ESC Region 13 Educator Certification Program (ECP)! 

Our program is designed to meet you where you are. You’ll learn from experienced educators, receive individualized support, and join a community that truly believes in your success. 

Explore our program learning formats to find the best fit for your schedule. Watch our latest video testimonial from a teacher who has recently been certified by ESC Region 13 ECP. And then, explore our program costs and the Critical Needs Scholarship.

When you’re ready to apply:

• Complete the online application and pay the $100 non-refundable application fee
• Submit your foreign credential evaluation
• Send your TOEFL scores (if required)
• Take the PACT if applicable–we’ll help you determine if you need it
• Have three professional references email completed recommendation forms to ecp@esc13.txed.net

You can email all documents to ecp@esc13.txed.net or mail them to: Education Service Center Region 13, 5701 Springdale Road, Austin, TX 78723

Step 5: Begin Your Journey to Becoming a Texas Teacher

Once you’re accepted, you’ll join a supportive cohort of future educators, start your coursework, and receive hands-on training from experts who know what it takes to thrive in Texas classrooms.

From your first class to your standard certificate, ESC Region 13 ECP is here to support you every step of the way

You’ve Got This–We’ve Got You

Teaching in Texas is one of the most rewarding ways to make a difference. Your international experience and unique perspective will enrich the lives of students and communities across the state.

Turning your foreign degree into a Texas teaching career is possible. Your journey to become a certified Texas teacher starts here, no matter where your degree comes from. Let’s get started–together!

For more information on our ESC Region 13 ECP program, please visit our website. Reach out with specific questions at ecp@esc13.txed.net or call us at 512-919-5366. Read more articles about the certification process on our blog.