APPLYING ONLINE FOR YOUR CERTIFICATION

1.  Go to http://www.sbec.state.tx.us   This is the homepage for the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).

2.  Click on “SBEC Online for Educators” at the top of the page.

3.  If you already have an account with SBEC, click on “Login”.  If you are a new user, click on “New User? Create New Account”.  Once you have created your account or logged in, choose Applications on the left hand side menu.  Then choose STANDARD Certificate Texas Program.

4.  You will be asked a series of questions.  Please answer the questions honestly.  If you have any questions on how to answer, please contact SBEC.

5.  On the application, it will ask for Recommending Entity.  If you do not select the correct entity, we will not be able to process your application.

Please choose TSU – UNIVERSITY BASED.

6.  It will also ask for subject applying for.  Please type in your certification field(s) here.  You can abbreviate.

7.  At the end of the application, you will be given the chance to pay for your certificate ($77.00) and fingerprints ($47) if necessary.

8.  If you are required to be fingerprinted, the system will recognize this.  You will be given the option to choose between electronic fingerprinting or having your prints rolled with ink.  Once you choose a method, you will not be allowed to change to the other method.  There is an additional charge of $9.95 for the electronic fingerprinting due at the time you are fingerprinted.  If you choose to have your prints rolled, the charge will vary (average of $10, but TSU police will do for free if you make an appointment).  The current rejection rate is 2% for electronic vs. 25% for inked or rolled prints.

9.  The typical process for certification is as follows: 

·        Student applies and pays online with SBEC and submits fingerprints

·        Student receives system generated email acknowledging application

·        Entity recommends student for certification

·        Student receives system generated email stating they have been recommended and asking    

         them to verify mailing address

·        SBEC runs criminal background check on student

·        Applicant is certified if check is clear

10.  Before Tarleton State University can recommend a student for certification, the following must be verified:

·        Student must complete all coursework on certificate plan and maintain requirements for 

         retention in the Teacher Education Program.

·        Student must have a bachelors degree posted.  (This can be 1-3 weeks after ‘graduation’.  A

         student who must take courses in Summer I will not graduate  until August and therefore is

         not eligible for certification until that time, even though the last class may have been

         completed in June.)

·        Student must pass all required tests.

11.  Some Key Points to remember

·        You are applying for a STANDARD certificate.

·        Recommending entity is TSU – UNIVERSITY BASED.

·        Subject applying for is your certificate area.

·        Use an email address that you will have access to after you graduate.  If you do not receive an

         email after you apply, check your junk mail filter.

·        You are not eligible for certification until your degree is posted.

·        This application will only be for the certificate areas you completed at Tarleton while in the

         Teacher Education Program.  Once you are a certified teacher, you may challenge a

         classroom-based ExCET or TExES exam.  If you pass, you will apply for another certificate,

         choosing “Certification by Examination” as the type of application.

All questions about your application should be directed to SBEC.  Their hotline number is 1-888-863-5880.  You can also reach them by clicking on the “Contact Us” link on their homepage.

If you have applied and want to check on the status of your application, please feel free to contact Allison Andrews at 254-968-9815 or andrews@tarleton.edu.