English Language Proficiency Requirements

An applicant for teacher certification in Texas must be able to communicate, listen, read, write, and comprehend the English language sufficiently to use it easily and readily in daily communication and teaching. English language proficiency must be evidenced by one of the following:

• If your bachelor’s degree is from a college/university outside the United States or one of its territories, you must take and pass all four sections of the TOEFL-iBT test. Passing score requirements must fall within the range identified for performance at the High-Intermediate Level:

Testing completed prior to January 21, 2026

Reading:  a minimum score between 18-23Listening:  a minimum score between 17-21Speaking:  a minimum score between 20-24

Writing:  a minimum score between 17-23Testing Completed On or After January 21, 2026

Reading:  4

Listening:  4

Speaking:  4

Writing:  4

•  Please note that the TOEFL-iBT test results are only valid for two (2) years.
• Applicants with a conferred undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States, do not need to take the TOEFL-iBT.
• Applicants with an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution of higher education from certain countries in which English is an official language may be exempted from the TOEFL-iBT test for English language proficiency.  Click the link below for Countries in which English is an Official Language.
•  (Figure 19 TAC §230.11(b)(5)(C).

When reporting TOEFL-iBT scores to Katy ISD, please use the code D846 when indicating our institution as a score recipient.  TOEFL scores will be sent directly to the Katy ISD TEA⁺CH ACP from ETS.