What Texas says
How this move starts
Texas requires a Review of Credentials rather than automatic reciprocity for an out-of-state standard certificate.
The decision point: TEA decides certificate alignment and examination exemptions after reviewing the applicant's active credential, experience and exams.
No blanket reciprocity claim
What this guide will not guess
A state pair alone cannot settle your exact credential, tests or timeline. Those answers can change with your license type, endorsements, preparation and experience. This page shows the reviewed Texas rule; the free preview applies your first teaching details before checkout.
Your Illinois record
Confirm exactly what you hold
Illinois provides a public educator search inside ELIS. Educators sign in to their own ELIS account to see applications, credentials, endorsements and registration details.
- •Illinois educator licenses and their public status
- •Endorsements and grade ranges attached to the credential
- •Registration or other credential details that ISBE exposes publicly
Compact check
Use the regular out-of-state path
This pair is not currently a two-member compact route. Texas's out-of-state rules control.
Check compact eligibilityYour likely order
- 1Create an ECOS account
- 2Apply and pay for a Review of Credentials
- 3Upload the active standard certificate
- 4Submit required verification directly from issuing institutions or agencies
What can change the answer
- The out-of-state certificate must be valid and active when the complete application is received
- Additional exams may apply unless TEA grants an exemption
The records worth gathering first
Required review
Texas requires a Review of Credentials for an out-of-state standard certificate rather than automatic certificate exchange.
Exam determination
TEA determines any examination exemptions after reviewing the active credential, verified experience and prior exams.
Core evidence
The ECOS review uses the active standard certificate and verification sent as directed by issuing institutions or agencies.
Review of Credentials fee
Texas publishes a nonrefundable $164 Review of Credentials fee. One-year or standard-certificate, fingerprint and testing fees may apply later.
Your live case
Keep the IL → TX move in one place
TeachPassport turns the state guidance into your ordered checklist, attaches the sources and keeps the route current.
Preview my plan$49 once. No subscription. Future moves are included.
Illinois to Texas questions
Does an Illinois teaching license automatically transfer to Texas?
No. Your Illinois credential is evidence for the application, but Texas Education Agency decides which Texas license, endorsements, tests and remaining conditions apply.
Can I use the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact from Illinois to Texas?
This is not currently a move between two listed compact member states. Use Texas's regular out-of-state pathway unless the destination agency tells you a different route applies.
What should I gather before applying in Texas?
Start with your current Illinois license record, exact endorsements, preparation transcripts, experience verification and test history. Then follow the evidence requests in Texas's application.
What does the $49 TeachPassport plan include?
It turns your credential, experience, subjects, grades and destination into an ordered live case. The one-time purchase includes future moves and requirement updates.