College of Education and Human Development

TEA Certification Deadlines and Test Changes

Texas Education Agency (TEA) has implemented “new” certifications and changes to the following certification areas:

  • EC-6 Core Subjects (291)
  • 4-8 Core Subjects (211)
  • 4-8 ELAR (117)

All candidates in the certification areas of EC-6 Core Subjects (291), 4-8 Core Subjects (211), 4-8 ELAR (117) and PPR-Professional and Pedagogy Responsibilities exam (160) must pass the required exams and apply with both Lamar University and TEA to be recommended for certification by 12/30/2020.

If candidates do not meet the testing and certification requirements prior to 12/30/2020 the (293) Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam will be added to the testing requirements. These requirements must be met by 8/31/2021 and candidates must apply with Lamar and TEA to be recommended for certification by 10/30/2021.

To complete the certification and program requirements, candidates must:
  • Pass all required exams
  • Complete all required coursework
  • Degree must be conferred
  • Apply with Lamar University for certification
  • Apply for certification with TEA
  • Complete fingerprinting and pay fees with TEA

Please review additional information to apply for testing and certification with LU and TEA.

The “New” TEA test scheduled launch dates listed could be subject to change at a later date.

  • “New” Science of Teaching Reading (293) exam that will launch January 1, 2021.
  • “New” EC-6 Core Subjects exam (391) exam that will launch January 1, 2021.
  • “New” 4-8 ELAR (217) exam that will launch January 1, 2022.

Please Read: “New” TEA Updates for EC-6 Core Test and Certification Extension Deadlines Effective January 2021.

The Core Subjects EC–6 #291 exam is being made available through December 31, 2021 to provide additional opportunities to test for candidates whose first attempt was prior to January 01, 2021 but did not pass all subtests.

A passing score on the TExES #291 exam can be used for certification issuance of the Core Subjects with the Science of Teaching Reading and EC-12 PPR: EC-6 no later than December 30, 2022.

Note: The TExES #291 and #391 are separate exams and passing scores on subject exams of one exam cannot be combined with passing scores on subject exams of the other exam.

IMPORTANT: Texas Education Agency (TEA) has implemented “New” certifications and changes to the following certification areas: 4-8 ELAR (117) transitioning to 4-8 ELAR (217). Candidates must pass 4-8 ELAR (117) by TEA deadline December 31, 2021.

Texas Education Agency (TEA) has implemented new certifications and changes to the following certification areas: 4-8 ELAR (117) transitioning to 4-8 ELAR (217). Candidates must pass 4-8 ELAR (117) by TEA deadline December 31, 2021.

*If candidates do not meet Lamar University and TEA application deadlines, they will take the “New” 4-8 ELAR (217) exam beginning January 1, 2022.

After passing the required exams 4-8 ELAR (117), Science of Teaching Reading (293) and EC-12 PPR (160), met all course requirements, degree conferred, candidates must apply for the Initial Certification immediately prior to TEA deadline October 30, 2022.

If candidates do not meet the certification deadline requirements prior to the TEA deadline of October 30, 2022 and apply for certification with both Lamar University and TEA you will not be recommended for 4-8 ELAR (117) certification. Students will need to take the “New” 4-8 ELAR (217) exam to added for certification.

In addition, candidates can continue to submit Test Limit Waivers for TExES #291 throughout the operation of the exam.

Please review additional information pertaining to above exam dates and changes on the TEA website.

IMPORTANT: Lamar University and Texas Education Agency (TEA) is subject to make changes at any time pertaining to testing and certification deadlines, TExES exams, Lamar and TEA policies. Please make sure and check Lamar University websites and TEA websites for any changes and updates.