Candidates who have an advanced degree (master’s or higher) from an accredited university are eligible for consideration.

Applicants can enroll as soon as their advanced degree has been conferred or if they are in their last semester of completing their advanced degree.

• Application for Admission Form
• $100 Non-Refundable Application Processing Fee (Waived during Early Bird Special)
• Hold a valid Texas classroom teaching certificate (TAC Title 19, Part 7, Chapter 241 Rule §241.20)
• Submit all service records verifying a minimum of two years of creditable teaching experience as a classroom teacher as defined in TAC Title 19, Chapter 153, Subchapter CC and TEC §5.001(2)
• Official transcripts from institutions granting your bachelor’s and master’s or higher degrees (may submit unofficial advanced degree transcripts if degree is still in progress; official transcripts will be required for final certification clearance)
• Two-page narrative of your professional goals
• Resume
• Site Supervisor (Mentor) Information and Commitment Form – name, titles, address, and phone numbers (principal)
• Interview/In-basket activity - virtual format during COVID-19
• Three professional references

During the 2021-2022 academic year, the total cost for Harris County residents is $2,600. 

The cost for out-of-county residents is $3,000.

It is a one-time $100 processing fee. 

No.

• $100 - due with application
• $2,600 (or $3,000) will be divided into eight (8) payments

Yes, you may use our Online Secure Payment System located on our website to make payments on outstanding balances.

• The program and its administration
• Assessment review
• Practicum supervision and observations

PLEASE NOTE: AEL and T-TESS Appraiser Training fees are NOT included; you will be required to complete AEL and T-TESS Appraiser Training on your own to fulfill this benchmark before being cleared for certification.

No, however you may pursue a bank loan or an external scholarship on your own accord.

Entry point is September. 

Once the automated application process opens, the regular deadline to apply is August 31

Visit https://www.tx.nesinc.com/ for information.

After you are enrolled in the program, check with program staff. Your file and account must be in good standing and a readiness to test will be verified before test approval is granted.

No, unless you are offered a position that requires a principal certification while you are still in the process of completing the academy.

After you are enrolled in the program, talk with program staff. If you are eligible, you will be issued an official eligibility form that informs a district that you can be recommended for an intern/probationary certificate upon employment as an administrator.
 

If you meet the qualifications, an intern/probationary certificate can be recommended; however, an intern/probationary certificate can only be recommended after you have a job offer.

Yes. Please contact program staff for more details.

No, however you will need to complete these trainings on your own in order to obtain a final clearance for certification from HCDE. Check with a regional education service center regarding these trainings. Frequently, your school district will send you to these trainings if you are employed as an administrator.

• Successful completion of the Principal Certification Academy
• Passing TExES Principal exam (#268)
• Passing PASL (#368)
• Completion of AEL and T-TESS Appraiser Training and submission of copies of each certificate
• Successful completion of practicum activities and projects over two semesters (minimum of 160 hours total)
• Successful completion of at least 200 hours of coursework
• Successful completion and presentation of Action
• Research Project and Portfolio of learning experiences
• Copy of Site Supervisor (Mentor) Information and Commitment Form on file
• Completion of (3) practicum observations by field supervisor
• Submission of official transcripts showing advanced degree conferred (if completed after initial admission date)
• Verification of valid Texas classroom teaching certificate
• Submission of all service records verifying a minimum of two creditable years of teaching experience as a classroom teacher, as defined in Chapter 153, Subchapter CC, of T.A.C. Title 19, Part 7 (relating to Commissioner’s Rules on Creditable Years of Service) and the Texas Education Code §5.001(2)

Yes. Also, due to the field observations component, admission of candidates completing their practicum outside of the Houston metropolitan area must be approved by program staff.