Elementary School Teacher / Texas
2026 data Texas board official source

Texas Elementary School Teacher License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Instructs students in grades K-6. Requires state teaching certificate.

What the Texas data shows for Elementary School Teachers

To practice as an elementary school teacher in Texas, the state licensing board requires board-approved training, a passing score on State Teaching Certification Exam (Praxis or equivalent). A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Texas's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Bachelors Degree in Education".

Budget $148 to get started, plus $96 at each renewal on a 5-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 150-hour continuing-education requirement per 5-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: State-specific — NASDTEC agreements between some states.

Licensing Requirements in Texas

Education / Training Hours
Bachelors Degree in Education
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State Teaching Certification Exam (Praxis or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$148
Renewal Fee
$96
Renewal Cycle
Every 5 years
Continuing Education
150 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

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Compare all states for Elementary School Teacher All Texas licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Texas licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Elementary School Teacher in Texas? ▼
In Texas, the license path calls for, a passing score on State Teaching Certification Exam (Praxis or equivalent), and a $148 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as an Elementary School Teacher in Texas? ▼
Certification as an elementary school teacher in Texas means clearing the state's checklist, and a passing exam score. The Texas licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Elementary School Teacher license to Texas from another state? ▼
For elementary school teachers, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: State-specific — NASDTEC agreements between some states. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Texas licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Texas require a background check for Elementary School Teacher licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for elementary school teacher licensing in Texas. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Elementary School Teacher in Texas? ▼
To stay licensed as an elementary school teacher in Texas, plan on 150 hours of continuing education per 5-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $96.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.