Learn how to become an Education Administrator or School Principal in Texas.

The Texas Education Agency issues administrative certificates to qualified applicants interested in becoming School principals or Superintendents.

Academic Obligations

School principal:

• You must possess a master’s degree from an accredited institution
• You must successfully complete an authorized school principal preparation program and receive their institutional recommendation

Superintendent:

• You must possess at least a master’s degree from an accredited institution
• You must successfully complete an authorized superintended preparation program and receive their institutional recommendation

Assessments

School principal:

• You must pass the Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES)School principal Test

Superintendent:

• You must pass the Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES) Superintendent Test

Classroom Teaching Experience Requirements

School principal:

• You must possess a valid classroom teaching certificate
• You must possess 2 years of classroom teaching experience

Superintendent:

• You must possess (at minimum) a valid school principal’s certificate

Document and Application Requirements

Utilize the Educator Certification Online System to apply for education administrator licensure in Texas. Make sure to send the following info to the Texas Education Agency Office of Educator Certification:

• Official transcripts from all institutions attended, showing your receipt of a master’s degree (at minimum) and successful completion of the appropriate education administrator preparation program
• Institutional recommendation from your education administrator preparation program
• Exam score reports
• Application fees

Mail the above info to the Texas Education Agency, Office of Educator Certification, William B. Travis Building, 1701 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas, 78701.

Background Check Requirements

Before you acquire your education administrator license, you must undergo a criminal history background check. The Department of Public Safety offers electronic capture and fingerprints through live scan technology via their Fingerprint Applicant Service of Texas (FAST). For additional info, contact the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Service at 512- 424-2478.

State Contacts

For additional info on education administrator preparation programs in Texas, make contact with the institutions offering them.

For further info on education administrator licensure in Texas, contact the Office of Educator Certification at 512-936-8400.