The Texas Administrative Code (TAC) mandates all courses and practicum requirements must be completed within 5 years of the start date of the program.
The TAC language is as follows:
§228.35. Preparation Program Coursework and/or Training.
(a) Coursework and/or training for candidates seeking initial certification in any certification class.
(b) … was provided by an approved EPP or an accredited institution of higher education within the past five years and is directly related to the certificate being sought.
TEA interpretation of TAC language (from TEA Newsletter for Educator Preparation Programs – May 11, 2021):
If the candidate is continuously enrolled in the EPP (listed as Other Enrolled from admission – present), the EPP could accept prior coursework if older than 5 years that was taken through the same EPP. If the candidate is no longer identified as Enrolled, then the EPP would only be able to accept coursework taken within the last 5 years (given that it is directly related to the certificate sought and provided by an approved EPP or accredited IHE).