English Language Proficiency
Details on requirements and testing for applicants to demonstrate English language proficiency
Demonstrating English Language Proficiency
Applicants who completed their degrees in foreign countries with English as the official language do not have to complete the TOEFL exam. The countries listed below have been approved by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) to satisfy the English language proficiency requirement specified in Figure 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.
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bermuda
- British Virgin Islands
- Cameroon
- Canada (except Quebec)
- Cayman Islands
- Dominica
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Gibraltar
- Grand Cayman
- Grenada
- Guyana
- India
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- Kenya
- Liberia
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Philippines
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Trinidad/Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Uganda
- United Kingdom
- U.S. Pacific Trust
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Requirements
For applicants who did not earn their degree within the United States of America or one of the countries listed above, they must demonstrate English language proficiency by completing the TOEFL.
View the TEA website to explore the current state options for you as an applicant to demonstrate your English proficiency.
Testing
Verification of a minimum scaled score that falls within the High-Intermediate level in each section (Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFLiBT).
Visit the ETS website to learn more about the Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFLiBT) and how to register.