HowToGetLicensed

Teacher License: California vs Texas

Thinking about getting your teacher license? Here's how California and Texas compare on education requirements, exam fees, total costs, and renewal obligations.

Requirement California Texas
Education Hours 3500 hours 3400 hours
Exam CBEST + CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers) TExES (Texas Examinations of Educator Standards)
Application Fee $100 $78
Exam Fee $400 $350
Total Estimated Cost $44,500 - $45,500 $34,500 - $35,500
Renewal Period Every 5 years Every 5 years
CE Hours 150 hours 150 hours
Renewal Fee $100 $78

Which State Is Easier or Cheaper?

Lower cost: Texas is the more affordable option, with an average total cost of $34,500-$35,500 compared to $44,500-$45,500.

Fewer education hours: Texas requires 3400 hours of pre-license education, compared to 3500 hours in California.

Full State Guides

Compare teacher requirements across all 50 states →