Complete guide to Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements for Texas teaching certificate renewal.
Texas requires all educators holding standard certificates (issued since September 1, 1999) to complete Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours for certificate renewal. The requirements vary by certificate type:
150 hours
over 5 years (30 hours/year average)
200 hours
Principals, Counselors, Librarians
At least 80% of your CPE activities must be directly related to the certificates being renewed and focus on the standards required for those certificates.
In-service and staff development from approved providers. No limit on hours.
Undergraduate or graduate courses. 1 semester credit hour = 15 CPE hours.
Interactive distance learning, video conferences, or online courses through approved providers.
Self-directed professional learning. Maximum 20% of required hours (30 hours).
Serving as a mentor to another educator. Maximum 30% of required hours (45 hours).
Developing, teaching, or presenting CPE activities. Maximum 10% of required hours (15 hours).
All educators must receive CPE training on educating students with disabilities, including specific instruction on educating students with dyslexia.
For certificates renewed after September 1, 2023, no more than 25% of CPE can be in these areas:
Earn your required hours through approved activities over your 5-year cycle.
Keep records of all CPE activities. You may be audited and required to provide proof.
TEA sends a reminder 6 months before expiration. Note: You're responsible even without the reminder.
Submit your renewal application through the Educator Certification Online System.
Pay the required renewal fee to complete the process.
Texas classroom teachers must complete 150 CPE clock hours over a five-year renewal period. School counselors, librarians, reading specialists, principals, and superintendents need 200 hours. At least 80% must be directly related to your certificate areas.
If you have multiple certificates, you should complete a minimum of 5 CPE clock hours each year in the content area knowledge and skills for each certificate being renewed. The total requirement remains 150 hours, but you need to demonstrate competency across all your certifications.
If you fail to complete the required CPE hours, your certificate will expire and you won't be able to teach in Texas public schools. You may need to complete additional requirements and pay fees to reinstate your certificate. It's critical to track your hours throughout the renewal period.
Yes, you are responsible for keeping records of your CPE hours. If selected for audit, you will be required to provide documentation of your professional development activities. This is why it's important to maintain certificates, sign-in sheets, and other proof of completion.
Yes! When you select Texas as your state, our system automatically configures the 150-hour requirement, 5-year cycle, activity limits (independent study, mentoring, presenting), and required topic areas. You'll see real-time progress toward compliance and get alerts as your renewal deadline approaches.
Not in Texas? Find requirements for your state.
Stop using spreadsheets. Classroom Walkthroughs tracks your CPE progress, monitors activity limits, and ensures you're ready for certificate renewal.