Q: Why choose University of Houston for accelerated certification?  
A:  At the University of Houston (UH), our award-winning program—fully approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA)—sets you up for success from day one. With expert faculty who’ve worked in public schools themselves, you’ll gain real-world knowledge and skills that matter in the classroom. Plus, our strong partnerships with 14 Houston-area schools mean you’ll have direct connections to job opportunities. In fact, 97% of our graduates land teaching positions!

We don’t just stop at training—you’ll also get certification support designed to help you pass your exam on the very first try. Combine that with UH’s strong reputation, and you’ll have everything you need to step confidently into your teaching career.

Q: What does ACP mean?  
A: ACP stands for Alternative Certification Program. The alternative route is for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are interested in transitioning into the teaching industry. There is a high demand for teachers in the Houston region. This program enables you to work as a full-time teacher, with salary and benefits, while gaining your certification.   

Q: How long does it take to complete the ACP?  
A: Roughly, one year. However, you can start teaching full-time, with pay and benefits, in August 2026.  

Q: What is required to teach in Texas?  
A: There are five requirements to become certified to teach in Texas: 

• A bachelor’s degree 
• Completion of a TEA-approved educator preparation program (UH ACP) 
• Pass certification exam(s) 
• Submit a state application to be certified 
• Complete fingerprinting and hiring process 

Q: What are the general requirements to apply to UH ACP? 
A: To apply for our program, you only need the following: 

• A bachelor's degree  
• Minimum 2.5 GPA 
• Official transcripts from all universities/colleges attended 
• 12-15 content hours 
  • EC-6 (elementary): 12 hours total of math, history, and English 
  • 4-8, 7-12 English/history: 12 hours 
  • 4-8, 7-12 Math/science: 15 hours 
    • Most of these content hour requirements are completed with a bachelor’s degree. 

Q: Is the program online?  
A: We are the only program in the Houston-area to offer both both online and in-person learning. Workshops are held in-person at the University of Houston (UH) main campus. Stay tuned for the upcoming 2025-2026 in-person dates.

Q: When I complete the program, does the University of Houston help me get a job?  
A: The University of Houston fosters strong partnerships with local school districts to help you succeed in your job search. UH is committed to supporting you throughout every step of your hiring journey. With opportunities such as virtual meet-and-greets, classroom observations, and job fairs, you’ll have numerous chances to network and connect with potential employers, giving you a head start for the upcoming academic year. However, please note that final hiring decisions are made by the individual school districts.

Q: My bachelor’s degree is in a different field. Can I still apply? 
A: Yes, we accept a bachelor’s degree from any field. We will review your transcript(s) to ensure you meet the content hours requirement to teach the subject you are interested in. 

Q: I have a bachelor’s degree from outside of the US, can I still apply?  
A: Yes, you are welcome to join the program. Please view this informational video to understand the process. 

Q: If I graduate with a bachelor’s degree in May 2026, can I start the program in July 2026?  
A: Absolutely! You can apply now and start teaching in August 2026.  

Q: What teaching certifications are offered?  
A: We offer most certifications. You can see a full list on the teacher certification for prospective students page. Please note, we don’t offer certifications in Physical Education & Health or Career & Technical Education. 

Q: How do I send my transcripts to UH ACP? 
A: Please contact all colleges/universities you have attended and have them send your official transcripts directly to uhacp@central.uh.edu.  

Electronic transcripts are preferred. However, if you cannot send your transcripts electronically, please have your sealed transcripts mailed to:

Charles F. McElhinney Hall, UH College of Education
Attn: Dr. Amber Thompson
3623 Cullen Blvd., Room 325
Houston, TX 77204-5023

Q: I graduated from the University of Houston. Do I still need to send in my transcripts? 
A: Yes, please contact UH and have the university send your official transcript(s) to uhacp@central.uh.edu. 

Q: Can financial aid be used to cover certification costs?
A: Unfortunately, no. Financial aid only applies to traditional university courses that count for academic credit. Since the ACP is a certification program and not a credit-bearing university class, it is not eligible for financial aid.