Non U.S. Candidates

A Collection of Resources for Prospective Teachers From Outside of the United States and Its Territories.

Testing & Evaluation

The Test of English as a Foreign Language

The TOEFL® (Test of English as a Foreign Language™) covers all facets of English proficiency, including a test of spoken English. TOEFL iBT (internet based) measures reading, listening, speaking and writing skills and takes approximately 4.5 hours. It is offered on computer 30-40 times a year at test centers throughout the world.

Texas Teachers score requirements for admittance* into the program are as follows:

  • Speaking – 24
  • Listening – 22
  • Reading – 22
  • Writing – 21

*As of October 22, 2017. The above are required in each section. 

Test locations

Texas Test Locations, Dates and Fees
Worldwide Test Locations, Dates and Fees
TOEFL Online Practice Test

Who is exempt?

Figure: 19 TAC §230.11(b)(5)(C) Countries in which English is the Official Language The countries listed below have been approved by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) to satisfy the English language proficiency requirement specified in 19 TAC §230.11(b)(5)(C). To be exempted from the Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) testing requirement specified in 19 TAC §230.11(b)(5)(B), a certification candidate must have earned an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution of higher education on the SBEC-approved list of countries.

Transcript Evaluation Services

If you graduated from a Non-U.S. College / University you must have your foreign transcripts evaluated and translated before we can begin reviewing your educational background. Graduates of institutions within the United States are exempt and do not need this evaluation.
The Evaluation must be “course by course”, equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor’s Degree, and include the following information:

– Conferred Date (The month and year that you completed your degree)
– GPA
– The U.S. Equivalency of your degree

Approved Service Providers

SpanTran Educational Services, Inc.

2400 Augusta Drive, Suite 451
Houston, TX 77057
Phone: 713.266.8805
Fax: 713.789.6022

 USE SPANTRAN

Foreign Credential Services of America

1910 Justin Lane
Austin, TX 78757
Phone: 512.459.8428
Fax: 512.459.4565

Global Credential Evaluators, Inc.

P. O. Box 9203
College Station, TX 77842
Phone: 800.707.0979
Fax: 979.690.6342

SDR Educational Consultants

2600 Gessner, Suite 267
Houston, TX 77080
Phone: 713.460.3525
Fax: 713.460.5344

A complete list of providers known to the Texas Education Agency as following the standards of recognized national organizations of foreign credential evaluators may be found on their website. TEA does not approve or accredit credential evaluation services.

Sponsorship & Legal Aid

The list of school districts that will sponsor an H1-B visa for new teachers changes periodically, based on each district’s needs and funding. Sponsorship is typically limited to high-need certification areas. International candidates are encouraged to contact numerous districts, charter and private schools to inquire about sponsorship opportunities.

Beaumont ISD
Faith Family Academy Charter
Cleveland ISD
Dayton ISD
Mesquite ISD
Jacksonville ISD
Harmony Public Schools-El Paso
Marble Falls ISD
Brenham ISD
Bryan ISD
Royal ISD
Ector County ISD
ECISD (Odessa)
Liberty ISD
Marble Falls ISD

Don’t Have a U.S. Social Security Number?

If you don’t have a U.S. Social Security Number, we will issue you a temporary PIN number through the State (TEA). You will need this PIN number to register for content tests and also to apply for the intern certificate.

You will continue to use this PIN number until you receive your official U.S. Social Security Number. Please notify us immediately once you receive your Social Security Number.

Legal Help with Visas

It is important that you fully understand and manage your own situation in obtaining a visa. We recommend starting this process immediately. Ultimately, you will be responsible for hiring a lawyer to help you. Immigration attorneys that we have worked with in the past are listed below.

Houston Area

Wolfe Law Firm, P.C.

Serie L. Wolfe
1616 S. Voss Road, Suite 810
Houston, TX 77057
Phone: (713) 532-9707
Fax: (713) 532-9706
E-mail: swolfe@wolfelaw.us

FosterQuan, LLP.

José R. Peréz, Jr.
5177 Richmond Avenue, Suite 800
Houston, TX 77056
Phone: (713) 625-9283
Fax: (713) 625-9292
E-mail: jperez@fosterquan.com

Graves & Graves, P.C.

Silvia Graves
7660 Woodway Dr., Suite 475
Houston, TX 77063
Phone: (713) 784-9204
Fax: (713) 784-9207
E-mail: sgraves@graveslaw.org

Dallas/Fort Worth Area

Yu South & Associates

Becky Yu
132 N. Glenville Dr.
Richardson, TX 75081
Phone: (972) 994-9988
Fax: (972) 994-0088
E-mail: immigrationlaw@usa.net

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