Steps to Obtain an Advanced Certification

Further your career with an advanced teacher certification either as a reading specialist or as a principal/assistant principal in Texas.
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Three Options to Choose From

We offer three advanced certification options for educators who have already obtained their initial teacher certification.

M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction - Literacy Studies (Reading Specialist) M.Ed. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies with Principal Certificate Courses Principal Certification Only Program

How to Apply & Get Started

Start here to begin your journey toward earning an advanced certification to teach in Texas.

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Connect with Our Team (Optional)

Request information to learn more or meet virtually with an advisor to get your questions answered.

Request Info Talk to an Advisor
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Apply to UTA

Apply to UTA, pay the application fee, and submit your official transcript and other required materials for your program. 

Apply to UT Arlington Official Catalog Admissions Requirements & More
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Complete Educator Preparation Program Requirements

Complete the advanced Educator Preparation Program application and submit all required documents to be admitted to UTA's EPP, including:  
  • Official Transcripts
  • Classroom Teacher Certificate
  • Teacher Service Record
  • Essay
  • Acknowledgement Form 
The EPP includes pedagogy coursework, classroom experience, and clinical teaching. Your advisor will help you determine when you have met the EPP requirements and instruct you on how to apply.

Advanced EPP Application

After You're Admitted

Congratulations on your admission to UT Arlington! Our advising, certification, and field office teams are here to help you complete our affordable, low-cost programs.

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Register for Classes & Complete Program Requirements

Need help enrolling in courses? Your College of Education Advisor will be able to guide you through the process of accepting your admission, completing both advanced certification requirements, registering for class and more. You will register for classes through your UTA MyMav account.

Find Your Advisor Enroll in Courses via MyMav
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Pass State Certification Exams

To be certified, you must receive approval to test for the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES), the state's certification exam. To receive approval to register for TExES, candidates must meet the requisites for their specific certification program and should work with their program coordinator to receive approval and instructions to apply for exam registration. Candidates must then pass the exam to move onto the next step.

More Info on Certification Exams
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Apply for Certification & Pay Fee

Once you have passed all of your certification exam(s), you must submit a certification application and fee to the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Your certification application will be recommended to TEA for final processing by the certification officer once all certification requirements have been met.

How to Apply for Advanced Certification in Texas Advanced Certification Requirements in Texas
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Apply for Graduation (if applicable)

UTA College of Education students seeking a master's degree must apply online and pay the filing fee to gradate during their final semester of coursework.

Certification only students do not apply to graduate; they will work with the program coordinator to register for the TEA certification exam (listed in the step above).


Apply for Graduation
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Continue on Your New Career Path

Need a stats letter to show future employers? Request one below. 

Additionally, the college's Office of Field Experiences provides opportunities for job placements through the annual Education Career Day (job fair). This takes place on the UTA campus during the middle of spring semester. UTA's Career Center is another resource to assist you in excelling in your career as an educator.

Education Career Day