ATCP Eligibility

Bachelor’s Degree Requirement for Education Preparation Programs (EPP) Admissions

To be eligible for admission, students must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with a 2.5 GPA or higher.

The bachelor's degree must be earned and conferred by an institution recognized by one of the regional accrediting agencies approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB)

International Degrees

If you earned your undergraduate or graduate degree outside the United States, you must submit an official evaluation of your international transcripts from a foreign credential evaluation service.

Refer to International Transcripts for a list of acceptable evaluation services.

Your evaluation must include:

• U.S. degree equivalency
• Overall grade point average (GPA)
• Course-by-course analysis
• Divisional course analysis (required for grades 7–12 certification)

A "teacher certification" evaluation is preferred.

For additional transcript details, visit International Transcripts or atcp@hccs.edu

Test of English as a Foreign Language

English Language Proficiency Requirement
All applicants to the HCC Alternative Teacher Certification Program (ATCP) must demonstrate English language proficiency before being formally admitted to the program, in accordance with Texas Education Agency 19 TAC §230.11 and State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) requirements.

How to Meet the Requirement
Applicants may satisfy the English Language Proficiency requirement through one of the following options:

• U.S. Degree - Hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or its territories.
• Approved Foreign Country Degree - Hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution in a country approved by SBEC where English is the primary language of instruction. 19 TAC §230.11(b)(5)(C). Click HERE to view approved countries.
• TOEFL iBT Examination - Applicants who do not meet the degree requirements above must submit official TOEFL iBT scores meeting the minimum required levels:

Speaking: 24
Listening: 22
Reading: 22
Writing: 21

(For exams taken on or after January 21, 2026, candidates must meet the High-Intermediate (B2) level in all sections.) View here for link to ELP requirements. 

•  Out-of-State Certification - Hold a standard teaching certificate from another U.S. state that required examinations for issuance. 

Required Documentation:

• Official transcripts must be submitted directly from the issuing institution or an approved credential evaluation service.
• Official TOEFL scores must be submitted if applicable.

Important Notice
English language proficiency must be verified before a formal offer of admission is issued. Applicants whose degrees are from non-exempt foreign countries cannot be admitted on a contingent basis.

Students without a bachelor's degree:

1. Meet with an academic advisor to discuss the Teacher Education, AAT
2. This transferrable program includes the required foundational courses for a bachelor’s degree.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, as determined by official transcripts. The GPA calculation is based on the following:

• The completed bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited institution.
• The most recent 60 semester credit hours of the bachelor's coursework from an accredited institution.
• If fewer than 60 hours have been completed at the current institution, coursework from previous institutions will be included.

Content Mastery

Demonstrate content mastery in the content area for the certification sought by meeting the prerequisite coursework requirements or submitting a passing score on the content examination through the Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) TExES Program.

The program requires a minimum number of content-specific semester hours before program acceptance.

Students who do not meet the prerequisite requirements may demonstrate content mastery by submitting a passing score on the PACT TExES Program in the specified content area. Please review the Texas Education Agency (TEA) Pre-Admissions Content Test for more information. 

Background Check

Chapter 227 of the Texas Education Code (TEC) outlines requirements for Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs), including informing applicants about background checks and certification eligibility.

• Candidates must undergo a criminal history background check before employment as an educator. 
• A background check is also required before clinical teaching.

Applicant Notifications

• Policy on Non-Military Candidates- The Houston City College Alternative Teacher Certification Program does not accept transfer coursework or education for credit in the Educator Preparation Program. 
• Policy on Military Experience- The Houston City College Alternative Teacher Certification Program does not accept military service, prior coursework, or training for credit in the Educator Preparation Program.
• Potential Ineligibility – Individuals with certain criminal convictions may be denied certification.
• SBEC Rules – Guidelines on how criminal history affects certification eligibility.
• Right to a Criminal History Evaluation – Applicants can request a preliminary evaluation to check their eligibility before starting the program.

Texas Education Code 227