Imagine you’re packing boxes in Richmond, dusting off lesson plans, and wondering if your Virginia credential will get you into a Texas classroom. Good news: Texas welcomes out-of-state educators, but it’s not an automatic swap. Texas does not have reciprocity with any other state. That means Texas won’t simply stamp “ok” on a Virginia license and hand over a Texas standard certificate without review. Instead, to help you teach in Texas, TEA (Texas Education Agency) performs a credentials review and then decides what (if any) additional requirements you must meet.

How to Teach in Texas with a Virginia Certification?

Create a TEAL/ECOS Account.

TEA manages certification through TEAL and the Educator Certification Online System (ECOS). You’ll need to get set up before you can upload documents and submit applications. TEAL/ECOS are how TEA receives transcripts, verification, and your out-of-state certificate.

Submit a Review of Credentials Application.

This is the formal TEA review that compares your Virginia certificate, transcripts, and exam history to Texas requirements. You’ll upload your Virginia certificate, order/supply an official transcript, and pay the review fee. TEA processes applications in the order they’re completed. However, allow time for them to receive and review everything.

Fingerprint/National Background Check.

All applicants must complete a fingerprint-based national criminal background check before a Texas certificate can be issued. If you’ve already completed one for Virginia, TEA still requires their process or verification consistent with their rules, so expect to coordinate this early.

Possible Test Exemptions or Additional Exams.

TEA will evaluate whether your Virginia tests and experience match Texas standards. In many cases, TEA offers test exemptions (especially if you have comparable exams or documented teaching experience), but you should be ready to take one or more Texas exams (TExES) if TEA’s review finds gaps. Also note that the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam requirement applies to certain subject/grade areas and may be required unless an exemption is granted.

Receive TEA’s Letter with Next Steps

After the review, TEA will post a results letter in your ECOS account telling you whether you’ll be issued a Texas certificate immediately, issued with conditions, or required to pass additional exams or courses.

What TEA Looks At (What Makes or Breaks the Transfer)

• Validity of the Virginia certificate at the time TEA receives your complete application — TEA requires that the out-of-state certificate be active and valid.
• Content exams you previously passed (Praxis, etc.) and whether those map to the content areas Texas requires. Bring official score reports.
• Transcripts. TEA wants to see the degrees and coursework that support the endorsements you held in Virginia. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to TEA.
• Years and type of teaching experience (used for exemptions or to qualify in certain administrative/student-services areas).

Timeline Expectations

TEA asks applicants to allow up to 20 business days for the initial credentials review once the complete application and documents are received, but during busy months (March–October), processing can take longer, and exam exemption reviews may add time. TEA processes in the order completed.

Practical Tips for Virginia-Certified Teachers Moving to Texas

• Set up TEAL/ECOS first. Don’t wait until everything else is done. Most delays happen because the applicant didn’t have an active ECOS account or because documents weren’t uploaded correctly.
• Upload official exam score reports (Praxis, etc.) with your initial application. If your Virginia exams are comparable to Texas tests, you’ll be more likely to get an exemption rather than retake content tests.
• Get your Virginia certificate verification. Scan and upload a copy of your active certificate and/or request verification from VDOE if TEA requests official state-to-state verification. TEA will not process incomplete packets.
• Plan for fingerprinting (DPS vendor is usually MorphoTrust/IdentoGO for in-state fingerprinting). Set this up early because your certificate can’t be issued without a completed background check.
• Watch the STR/reading requirement. If you’re applying for elementary or certain ELA endorsements, be aware that the Science of Teaching Reading requirement may apply. Also, include any comparable reading/ literacy exam evidence.
• If you need to be in the classroom right away, districts can sometimes hire you under local provisional authority (e.g., a one-year hire while you finish TEA requirements), but hiring policies vary. Discuss options with the hiring HR/placement contact in the Texas district. (TEA’s credential review result often helps districts finalize hiring.)

 Quick At-A-Glance Checklist For Virginia Teachers

Step	What TEA wants / you do	Documents you’ll need	Typical timing	Tip
1. Create TEAL/ECOS account	Establish an educator account to apply and receive communications.	Personal info, SSN (or temporary file number), matching name/ID	Same day–a few days	Enter your name exactly as on your ID/certificate.
2. Submit Review of Credentials	Apply for out-of-state review & pay the fee.	Copy of the Virginia standard certificate; apply online	Processing: up to 20 business days (may be longer in busy season).	Upload everything at once to avoid re-queue.
3. Send official transcripts	TEA requires direct official transcripts from the issuing college/university.	Official transcripts requested from institutions	Depends on school processing & mail; factor 1–4 weeks	Request e-transcripts if available to speed things up.
4. Provide exam score reports	Show content exams you passed (Praxis, etc.) for possible test exemptions.	Official score reports (uploaded/mailed)	Same review timeline as credentials	Upload the application to increase exemption chances.
5. Fingerprint/background check	TEA requires a fingerprint-based national background check.	Fingerprint appointment (MorphoTrust/IdentoGO for DPS vendor)	Appointment + processing time; schedule soon	A certificate can’t be issued without a completed fingerprint check.
6. TEA decision letter & next steps	TEA posts a results letter in ECOS: issue, conditional, or additional requirements.	—	After review (20+ business days or more)	Follow the letter exactly. It lists tests/courses to finish.
7. If required: Enroll in a TEA-approved EPP	Needed only if TEA says your credentials aren’t fully equivalent.	Admission documents (transcripts, ID, etc.)	Varies by program	Online EPPs like TeacherBuilder.com fit working teachers.

What If TEA Says You Need a Texas Program? (Understanding EPPs)

Sometimes, even experienced Virginia teachers find that Texas wants a little extra, maybe a reading course, a Texas-specific pedagogy exam, or documentation that doesn’t quite line up with Texas standards. When that happens, TEA may tell you to complete part (or all) of a Texas Educator Preparation Program (EPP).

So, What Is an EPP?

Think of an EPP as Texas’s official teacher-training and certification pathway. Every teacher who earns a Texas license, whether from in-state or out-of-state, has to meet the same basic standards that EPPs are built around. These programs are approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and exist to make sure every educator has completed the right coursework, testing, and classroom preparation for the Texas classroom.

Do I Have to do an EPP if I’m Certified in Virginia?

Good question, and it depends entirely on what TEA says after your Review of Credentials.

TEA Review Outcome	What It Means	EPP Required?
Full Match	Your Virginia certificate and experience meet Texas standards.	No EPP. You’ll get your Texas Standard Certificate after fingerprinting.
Partial Match	You meet most standards, but you must take one or more Texas exams (like TExES or STR).	No EPP. Just pass the required exams.
Not Equivalent	Your credentials don’t fully meet Texas standards (e.g., non-standard license, missing coursework).	Yes. You’ll need to enroll in an approved Texas EPP.

So, if you already hold a standard, fully valid Virginia teaching license, you’ll most likely not need an EPP,  just the credential review, fingerprinting, and possibly a few Texas exams.

But if your certificate is provisional, or if your prior program doesn’t cover specific Texas requirements like the Science of Teaching Reading (STR), then TEA may require an EPP before issuing your standard certificate.

Choosing the Right EPP to Become a Certified Teacher in Texas

If TEA does require you to complete an EPP, don’t panic. Many programs offer flexible, online options designed for teachers who already have experience.

When choosing a program:

• Verify it’s TEA-approved (you can check on TEA’s website).
• Ask whether it offers TExES test prep or support for out-of-state teachers.
• Consider your time: some EPPs are self-paced and can be completed while you’re already teaching under a probationary certificate.

One TEA-approved program that’s especially friendly for out-of-state and alternative candidates is TeacherBuilder.com. It’s fully online, flexible, and focuses on helping certified educators meet any missing Texas requirements without having to redo a full degree or spend months on campus. They also guide you through test prep, documentation, and certification steps.

Pro Tip: If TEA says you need an EPP, you can usually begin teaching while you’re enrolled. Once accepted into an approved program, you can apply for a probationary certificate and start working in a Texas classroom as you complete any remaining requirements.

FAQs About Texas Verification

Do I need to retake fingerprinting if I was fingerprinted in Virginia?

Yes: TEA requires a fingerprint-based national criminal background check that meets Texas procedures; check TEA’s fingerprinting guidance and vendor instructions early.

Is there any way to avoid Texas exams?

Possibly. TEA has a test exemption review for out-of-state educators whose prior exams/experience are comparable. But exemptions aren’t automatic. You must provide your official score reports and experience verification.

How long before I can be placed in a Texas classroom?

That depends. Some districts may hire you while your credentials are under review (with local permissions or conditional status); others will wait until TEA issues at least a provisional certification. Discuss timelines with potential employers.

Start Your Texas Teaching Journey with TeacherBuilder.com

If you’re an out-of-state teacher ready to make Texas your new classroom home, getting certified doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Once you know where you stand with TEA, you can take the right next steps, whether that’s passing a few exams or completing a Texas-approved educator program.

TeacherBuilder.com is one of Texas’s first fully online, TEA-approved Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs), and it’s built specifically for teachers like you. Whether you need to complete a few Texas-specific requirements or start a full alternative certification track, TeacherBuilder offers:

• 100% online coursework you can complete on your schedule
• Step-by-step guidance through the TEA certification process
• Personalized support for out-of-state and returning teachers
• Preparation for TExES and STR exams
• Help with applying for your probationary certificate so you can start teaching while finishing requirements

If TEA’s review shows you need a Texas EPP, TeacherBuilder can help you bridge the gap quickly and confidently, all while keeping your teaching career moving forward. Contact us today to learn more.

This article does not contain legal, educational, or government advice. As regulations can change from time to time, readers are advised to check with their local education departments to receive up-to-date information.