Program Fees
We offer an affordable fee schedule that is competitive with other programs and offer a guaranteed $2000 scholarship for any teacher seeking certification in the critical needs areas.
Elementary, Secondary, and Special Education Certification
- $2,000 critical needs scholarship available (not yet applied)
Career and Technical Education Certification
- $540 discount for Austin-area participants (not yet applied)
- $2,000 critical needs scholarship applied
Accelerated Elementary Certification
- $540 discount for Austin-area participants (not yet applied)
- $2,000 critical needs scholarship available (not yet applied)
Accelerated Secondary Certification
- $540 discount for Austin-area participants (not yet applied)
- $2,000 critical needs scholarship available (not yet applied)
Fee Breakdown
All fees are non-refundable and prices are subject to change. The full schedule of payments will be provided at orientation.
Application Fee – $100
Due at the time of application and required to initiate the application process. Payment must be made when submitting the online application.
Registration Fee
This fee grants participants access to begin the program.
17-month programs – $300
Due upon admission
Accelerated Secondary (ASEC), Accelerated Elementary (ACCEL) – $150
Due upon admission
CTE – $150
Due upon admission
Pre-Service Fee
This fee covers the cost of online courses, professional development, and materials during the pre-service portion of the program.
17 month programs – $1500
Payable in four payments of $375, February – May.
Accelerated Secondary (ASEC) – $450
Due prior to attending pre-service training
Accelerated Elementary (ACCEL) – $900
Due during pre-service training, 3 payments of $300
CTE – $450
Due prior to attending pre-service training
In-Service Fee
This fee covers professional development, multiple support services, online course modules, materials, and technical support. This fee may be payroll deducted on a prorated monthly basis during the internship year.
17 month programs – $4,475
Prorated in 9 monthly payments starting with onset of internship year
Austin-area CTE, ASEC, ACCEL – $5,051
Prorated in 9 monthly payments starting with onset of internship year
Statewide CTE, ASEC, ACCEL- $5,591
Prorated in 9 monthly payments starting with onset of internship year
Critical Needs Scholarship -$2,000
These scholarships are automatically applied for critical needs certification areas ONLY and credited to the In-service Fee. Visit the Certification Area and Requirements to view the critical need certification areas.
Additional Fees
Some additional fees you can expect to pay to other agencies:
Criminal History Verification – $37.75
TEA conducts a national criminal history check on all applicants for certification. Texas Education Code (TEC) §22.0831 states “The board shall review the national criminal history record information of a person who has not previously submitted fingerprints to the department or been subject to a national criminal history record information review.”
Fingerprinting – $14
Recommended through IndentoGO by MorphoTrust USA.
Certification Examination – $116
The TExES is the test that determines whether or not an individual has the knowledge necessary to be an entry-level educator in Texas. The TExES must be passed in order to be hired and placed under a certificate.
Intern Certificate – $78
Paid to State Board for Educator Certification/Texas Education Agency
Probationary Certificate – $78
Paid to State Board for Educator Certification/Texas Education Agency
Standard Certificate – $78
Paid to State Board for Educator Certification/Texas Education Agency
Financial Assistance
A variety of financial aid options are available to ECP interns, including scholarships for select certification areas. The following is a list of those options.
Critical Needs Scholarships
Each year the US Department of Education identifies teacher shortages for each state. A $2000 scholarship is available for those who become certified in an area of critical needs. Visit the Certification Area and Requirements page to view these critical needs areas.
A+ Federal Credit Union
This credit union offers a low-interest loan that can be used to help defray the cost of the certification process. Students do not have to demonstrate financial need. Download the brochure or visit A+ online.
College Access Loan Program
The College Access Loan Program provides alternative educational loans to Texas students enrolled in an alternative certification program who are unable to meet the cost of attendance. The CAL may be used to cover part or all of the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC); students do not have to demonstrate financial need. This loan program is part of the Hinson-Hazlewood College Student Loan Program administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).
What’s Next?
Info Sessions
Find out more about our programs by attending one of our info sessions.
Apply
Complete our online application and take the first step in becoming a fully certified teacher.