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Teacher Orientation and Preparation Program (TOPP) » TOPP » Admission Criteria

Admission Criteria

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Admission Criteria Items Must Be Completed for Application to Be Reviewed
Acceptance Based on University Coursework
 
OR
 
Acceptance Based on Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT)
  • Bachelor’s degree or enrolled in last semester of college
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA overall or on the last 60 hours of coursework
  • Pass TX-PACT (Pre-Admission Content Area Test)
 
Please note that previous teacher certification exam testing history will be considered when making admissions decisions.
  • TX PACT content exams are not used for certification, and are not subject to the five-time limit.
  • TX PACT content exam scores are valid for education preparation program (EPP) enrollment purposes for one calendar year.
  • Exam fees for most TX PACT areas will be $106, and $56 for exams with subtests (e.g. American Sign Language and Essential Academic Skills, etc.) The Texas.gov fee will continue to be assessed.
  • All testing candidates will need a TEA ID number before registering with Pearson. The Educator Certification Online System (ECOS) for Educators that is accessed through TEAL will provide a TEA ID. For help with TEAL account access, please enter a request to TEAL Access through the TEA Help Desk.
  • If you have questions, please submit a ticket through the TEA Help Desk, or visit the Pearson Texas program website, www.tx.nesinc.com and click “Contact us.” 
After submitting online application.  Send official transcripts from EACH educational institutions attended.
 
  • University to email electronic transcripts to [email protected]
  • University to mail official sealed transcripts to:
ESC-Region 20 TOPP
1314 Hines
San Antonio, TX 78208
Call the TOPP office at (210) 370-5450 to pay the application fee of $50. (non-refundable)
 
Applications are reviewed once all transcripts are received and the application fee has been paid.
After application evaluation is approved.  Teacher screening instrument will be emailed to applicant to determine if the TOPP applicant's knowledge, experience, skills, and aptitude are appropriate for the certification sought.
 
  • A minimum score of 27 is required for admission.
 
An acceptance letter with an invitation to attend orientation will be emailed upon meeting all admission criteria.

Foreign Credential Evaluation

If your degree is outside the United States, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires applicants to have a complete transcript review by a TEA approved Foreign Credential Evaluation Service.

Link: https://bit.ly/TEAForeignCredentials

Foreign Credential Service to send transcript evaluation to: 

ESC, Region 20 
c/o TOPP
1314 Hines Avenue
San Antonio, Texas 78208
 
*TOPP will only accept official foreign transcript evaluations submitted to TOPP in the transcript evaluation company's sealed envelope or submitted to TOPP electronically by the transcript evaluation company.  

 

English Language Proficiency Requirement

Applicants with degrees outside the U.S. are required to demonstrate English language proficiency by fulfilling one of the following requirements: 

 
    • Speaking 24
    • Listening 22
    • Reading 22
    • Writing 21
 
NOTE: Scores are valid two years from the date of testing. 
 
Submit transcripts, transcript evaluation, and passing TOEFL scores to [email protected]
  • Transfer candidates must be in good standing with previous EPP.
  • TOPP reserves the right to deny acceptance to applicants who were released from another EPP or Local Education Agency (LEA) for poor performance or conduct.
  • Acceptance will be denied if applicant is considered a completer with previous program.
  • Previous teacher certification exam testing history will be considered when making admissions decisions
  • Candidate's current EPP must complete a Candidate Transfer Form.