Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 227 , requires a candidate to take and pass a PACT for admission into an EPP in the following cases:
- If the candidate has a GPA below a 2.5 or
- If the candidate has not completed at least 12 semester credit hours in the subject area of the certificate the candidate is seeking (15 hours if seeking certification in math or science above 7th grade).
A PACT is not required for candidates who meet the 2.5 GPA and have completed a minimum of either 12 or 15 semester credit hours of coursework.
EPPs may have local policies that require a candidate to pass a PACT as a requirement for admission, but those policies are local decisions. When considering a preparation program, candidates should ask that program whether the program requires PACT.
The intensive pre-service route requires candidates to take and pass a PACT. These candidates must also successfully complete other pre-service training requirements to receive an intern certificate, which will allow them to move into a role as a teacher of record.