Foreign Credential Evaluations for Texas Teacher Certification
If you completed university education and teacher preparation outside the United States, TEA may require a detailed evaluation for its out-of-country Review of Credentials pathway.
Start here
Who Can Apply Based on Credentials From Another Country?
TEA identifies three fundamental requirements for its out-of-country Review of Credentials pathway.
Degree
The equivalent of at least a U.S. bachelor's degree.
Teacher Preparation
An educator preparation program that included student teaching or a teaching practicum.
Active Credential
A valid and active teaching certificate or credential issued by another country.
At a glance
Your Texas Teacher Certification Evaluation
What TEA needs
What Type of Credential Evaluation Does TEA Require?
TEA requires an original detailed report or course-by-course evaluation for professional licensing covering applicable college-level education and educator credentials completed outside the United States.
Degree Equivalency
The international degree and its comparability within the U.S. educational system.
Teacher Preparation
The educator preparation program and professional education completed.
Student Teaching
Evidence that the program included student teaching or another teaching practicum.
Teaching Credential
The certificate or professional credential issued by another country.
Texas Teacher Certification Evaluation
An ordinary general academic evaluation may not include everything TEA needs.
Application documents
What Documents Should I Submit to Alianza?
Requirements vary by country and educational system. Submit the applicable records, and Alianza will identify whether additional documentation is required.
- University or postsecondary education records
- Degree or diploma
- Academic transcripts or marksheets
- Educator or teacher-preparation program records
- Student teaching, supervised teaching, or practicum evidence
- Valid teaching certificate, license, or professional credential issued outside the United States
Important: Alianza reports the academic and professional-education documentation presented. Alianza does not determine that a foreign teaching license is equivalent to a Texas license or grant Texas certification.
Important distinctions
Which Texas Certification Path Fits Your Situation?
I Hold a Foreign Teaching Credential
Submit it with your evaluation request. TEA's out-of-country pathway is intended for educators with an appropriate valid and active credential from another country.
I Have a Foreign Degree but No Foreign Credential
A degree alone does not qualify an applicant for this pathway. You may need a Texas-approved educator preparation program.
I Did Not Complete Student Teaching
TEA states that applicants without student teaching or another practicum do not qualify for this pathway and may need a Texas-approved program.
Direct submission
How Is My Evaluation Submitted to TEA?
When requesting the evaluation, identify the Texas Education Agency as the intended recipient.
At your request, Alianza can send an official electronic copy directly to TEA at no additional charge.
After delivery
What Happens After TEA Receives My Evaluation?
The evaluation is one component of the Texas certification process. Applicants separately complete TEA's procedures and any requirements it identifies.
Application Steps
Create the appropriate TEA/ECOS account, submit the Review of Credentials application, and pay TEA fees.
English Proficiency
The evaluation does not satisfy or waive TEA's separate English-language-proficiency requirement.
Testing and Screening
Complete applicable testing, fingerprinting, and background-check requirements.
Additional Requirements
Complete any other certification conditions identified by TEA.
TEA, not Alianza, determines whether an applicant qualifies for a Texas certificate and whether additional requirements must be completed.
Related questions
Foreign Education in Different Certification Situations
Will TEA Evaluate My Foreign Transcripts?
No. For the out-of-country pathway, TEA requires a foreign credential evaluation rather than conducting its own evaluation of international academic transcripts.
My Teaching Certificate Is From Another U.S. State
If your degree is foreign but you hold an eligible credential from another U.S. state, TEA directs you to the out-of-state educator process. An evaluation may still be required for the foreign education.
Does TEA Have an Approved Company List?
TEA states that applicants may select a service of their choice. TEA staff determine whether the service and report are acceptable based on Texas rules and the sufficiency of the report.
Translation vs. Evaluation
A translation changes a document's language. An evaluation analyzes the education and credentials and reports their U.S. comparability.
Why Alianza
Detailed Reporting for Texas Teacher Certification
International Education Experience
Review of educational systems, institutions, programs, credentials, and academic records.
Course-by-Course Analysis
Information that helps TEA consider academic and educator preparation.
Teacher-Preparation Context
Clear description of programs, pedagogy, practicum, and supervised practice.
Direct Electronic Delivery
Official delivery to TEA at no additional charge when requested.
Texas evaluation answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What evaluation does TEA require for foreign teachers?
TEA requires an original detailed report or course-by-course evaluation addressing applicable foreign college education and educator credentials, including degree equivalency, preparation, practicum, and credential status.
Can I send my Alianza evaluation to TEA myself?
No. TEA currently requires the evaluation service to send it directly. Alianza can email the completed report to TEA at no additional charge.
Does a foreign bachelor's degree automatically qualify me?
No. TEA generally also requires an educator preparation program with student teaching or practicum and a valid active teaching credential from another country.
Does my bachelor's degree have to be in education?
Not necessarily. TEA considers the degree, educator preparation, teaching practicum, and teaching credential. Structures vary by country.
What if I never completed student teaching?
TEA states that you do not qualify for the out-of-country pathway. A Texas-approved educator preparation program may offer another route.
Does Alianza determine whether I qualify?
No. Alianza evaluates international credentials and provides U.S. comparability opinions. TEA determines certification eligibility and additional requirements.
Can Alianza guarantee TEA will accept my evaluation?
No. TEA makes the final decision about the report, certification eligibility, and any additional documentation or requirements.
Ready to Request Your Texas Teacher Certification Evaluation?
Alianza can evaluate your international academic and teacher-preparation credentials and send the completed report directly to TEA.