Texas CPE Hours Calculator (2025): How Many Hours You Need—Plus a Free 40-Hour Option

Short version: If you’re on track to renew your Texas educator certificate, use the calculator below. Teachers typically need 150 hours, while administrators and student-services roles need 200 hours every five years. Keep proof for a possible TEA audit—don’t send it until asked. Then claim 40 free CPE hours to close any gap fast.

Texas CPE Hours Calculator

At-a-glance: Texas CPE hour requirements

• Classroom Teachers: 150 hours per 5-year renewal.
• Administrators & Student-Services (e.g., principals, counselors, librarians, diagnosticians, reading specialists): 200 hours per 5-year renewal.
  
  
• Hold multiple certificates? You must complete the higher number of hours that applies to the certificates you hold.

Source: TEA Certificate Renewal and Texas Administrative Code 19 TAC §232.11.

What counts as CPE in Texas?

You have flexibility. Acceptable activities include workshops, conferences, online courses, interactive distance learning, in-service PD, and more—as long as they’re from approved providers and align with professional growth areas. See the rule for the full list.

Tip: Choose activities that align with your role (e.g., instructional leadership for principals, assessment & intervention for teachers). Track titles, dates, provider names, and hours as you go.

Be audit-ready (without the stress)

• Keep your proofs (certificates, transcripts) yourself—don’t send them to TEA unless you’re audited. 
• Audits can occur during or after your renewal cycle; be able to furnish documentation quickly.
• Store everything in one folder (PDFs or images), plus a simple spreadsheet log (date, provider, title, hours, TEA provider ID if available).
  
  

Finish faster: claim 40 free CPE hours

Behind on hours? We offer 40 free CPE hours from a TEA-approved provider—perfect to close the gap identified by the calculator.

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Renewal timing: a quick guide

• 12 months out: run the calculator, map the gap by role; plan monthly milestones.
  
  
• 6 months out: prioritize larger-credit courses (bundles), verify provider approval status.
  
  
• 3 months out: complete remaining hours, export certificates, update your log.
  
  
• Before submitting renewal: confirm totals (150 or 200 hours as applicable) and store proofs.

FAQ

How many CPE hours do I need to renew my Texas certificate?

‍Classroom teachers need 150 hours; administrators and student-services roles need 200 hours every five years. 

If I hold multiple certificates, do I add the hours together?

‍No. Complete the higher number of hours that applies to your certificates (per 19 TAC §232.11). 

What activities count toward CPE?

‍Workshops, seminars, conferences, online PD, interactive distance learning, in-service activities, and others listed in 19 TAC §232.15—when offered by approved providers.

Do I send my CPE certificates to TEA?

‍No. Do not send documentation unless TEA requests it. Keep your proofs so you can provide them if selected for an audit.

Can I complete all my hours online?‍

Yes—online CPE from approved providers counts (see 19 TAC §232.15). Check course details for alignment to your role.