Texas Principal Certification Network

  • $6000+

ESC Region 13’s Principal Certification Network (PCN)

Region 13's statewide principal certification program prepares you on your path toward principalship through non-traditional means as we show you what day-to-day life looks like for principals and assistant principals throughout central Texas. Our program is designed to accommodate individuals working full-time, and we offer both in-person and virtual options. T-TESS and AEL certifications are included in our principal preparation program.

Our Vision

Prepare culturally proficient leaders to navigate the evolving challenges faced in education in the pursuit of all students meeting their greatest potential.

Our Mission

We will serve and support our leaders through a program experience that includes:

  • Relevant and rigorous leadership experiences.
  • Equitable approaches.
  • High leverage evidence-based instructional leadership practices.
  • Alignment to the Texas Principal as Instructional Leader standards.

Program Models

A new PCN cohort is launched three times each year:

  • January Launch - Blended Model
  • October Launch - Virtual Model
  • February Launch - Virtual Model

How To Become a Principal in Texas:

So you want to become a principal in Texas. That’s great! You’ve pursued leadership opportunities on your campus and talked with campus leaders you know about their experience. But with all the information and resources out there, it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin.

Here are some steps and requirements you need to meet in order to become a licensed principal in Texas:

Texas Principal Education Requirements:

To be a principal, you must hold a master’s degree from a university that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and the U.S. Department of Education Database for Accredited Colleges and Universities.

Note that there is no specific requirement in terms of area of study. If you have a Master’s Degree in Education, that will obviously be very valuable. But master’s degrees in other disciplines are also acceptable to meet this requirement.

Teaching Experience Requirements:

Another requirement to become a principal in Texas is to hold a valid classroom teaching certificate. There is a list of steps to becoming a classroom teacher, including holding a bachelor’s degree and completing an educator preparation program such as Region 13’s ECP. You also must pass teacher certification exams, submit a state application, and get your fingerprints taken.

Once you have your teaching certificate, you must have at least two years of teaching experience as a classroom teacher. This is crucial because you will gain valuable insight into instructional best practices and understand the challenges that teachers face.

Complete a Principal Preparation Program:

Next, you must complete an approved principal educator preparation program. These programs are designed to equip aspiring principals with the hands-on experience they need to thrive as campus leaders. There are many options to meet this requirement. Some programs work in conjunction with a master’s degree program. Others, like Region 13’s Principal Certification Network, offer an alternative certification to participants who already hold a master’s degree.

Pass Two Principal Certification Assessments:

In addition to hands-on experience and field supervision feedback, these programs prepare future campus leaders to pass two required assessments. These include the TExES 268 exam and the Performance Assessment for School Leaders. Both assessments are rigorous tests meant for only the top school leaders in Texas, but don't worry! We're with you every step of the way.

Background Check

Pursuant to the Texas Education Code (TEC), § 22.083, all candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to employment as an educator. If you feel this is a concern and you have questions about eligibility for a Texas educator certificate, TEA staff may perform an evaluation for a non-refundable fee of $50.


Use the tabs above to view program details for each of our models.


Get started on your path towards principalship

Apply online to become a part of one of our cohorts.

Start your application

Get started on your path towards principalship

Start your application

Need to get in touch?

Contact a member of our PCN team for more information about the program and the application process.

Andrea Knighton-West, 512-919-5425

account_circleStaff Directory