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.
High leverage evidence-based instructional leadership practices.
Alignment to the Texas Principal as Instructional Leader standards.
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:
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.
Ready to Start Your Principal Certification Journey?
Official Master's Transcripts (min. 3.0 GPA required)
Note: If your university master's transcripts include a pass/fail for your coursework, and do not show a clear overall GPA number of 3.0 or higher, you are required to additionally submit an official GRE score report of 2.5 or higher to demonstrate equivalency of minimum GPA requirement.
Most recent district or campus educator evaluation (Please Note: Evaluations older than 2 academic years will not be accepted.)
Valid classroom teaching certificate
Service record (from Human Resources) showing proof of a minimum of 2 years of classroom teaching experience (see FAQ for more information on this)
Resume including leadership experience
3 Candidate Recommendation Forms Note: One of the recommendation forms must be completed by a current supervisor/evaluator.
If you currently or previously served in the military, provide a Joint Services Transcript or equivalent for cohort specialists to review Joint Services Transcripts to determine if coursework aligns with certification preparation coursework for their specific certification area.
Participate in a 50-minute Zoom interview. PCN staff will contact you to schedule this at the appropriate time.
Andrea Knighton-West Educator Evaluation and Leadership Education Service Center, Region 13 5701 Springdale Road Austin, TX 78723
Official Master's transcripts must be unopened and may be sent directly via mail from the University via regular mail or electronic access to the leadership@esc13.txed.net email.
The application will not be processed until we have received all of the above-listed items and your application fee has been paid.
Transfers
Per TAC §228.35(a)(5)(B), Region 13 ESC's Principal Certification Network will provide a review of your evidence submission of prior or ongoing service, training or education and determine if any may replace PCN's certification pathway expectations. To begin this process, email leadership@esc13.txed.net to request a transfer credit review to receive further information. Per TAC §228.35(a)(5)(B), PCN will provide a review of your evidence submission of prior or ongoing service, training or education and determine if any may replace PCN's certification pathway expectations.
Program Models and Timelines
Each program model follows a 15-month timeline, which thoughtfully incorporates built-in breaks during Spring Break, the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving week, and Winter break to support work-life balance and sustained engagement.
A new PCN cohort is launched three times each year:
This Winter fully virtual cohort is available for aspiring campus leaders and administrators wishing to begin their certification journey shortly after the new year, launching Spring semester. The timeline for this program model lasts 15 months total, which spans built-in time off at both Spring Breaks, 4th of July, Thanksgiving week, and winter break.
July 2026 Launch – Virtual Model w/ Structured Course Launch Virtual Meetings
7/10/2026-10/2/2027
Applications Due: 5/31/2026
This Summer's fully virtual cohort, with structured course launch virtual meetings, is available for aspiring campus leaders and administrators wishing to begin their certification journey during the summer months between most campus school years. The timeline for this program model lasts 15 months total, which spans built-in time off at Spring Break, the 4th of July, Thanksgiving week, and winter break.
This fully virtual cohort is available for aspiring campus leaders and administrators wishing to begin their certification journey shortly after launching the new school year. The timeline for this program model lasts 15 months total, which spans built-in time off at Spring Break, 4th of July, Thanksgiving week, and both of the timeline’s winter breaks.
Cost and Registration
ASC (contract/organization purchase)
Cost: $6,600
Payment: Invoiced or paid on the organization's contract terms
Individual enrollment
Cost: $6,600
Payment: Individuals may pay in full or via 10 $660 monthly installments
Application and Registration Fees
A non-refundable $100 application fee is due upon applying. Upon acceptance, a non-refundable registration fee of $300 reserves your seat (this may be waived for alumni).
Textbooks and Exam Fees
Required textbooks, exam, and certification fees are the responsibility of the individual and are not included in program cost.
Financial Aid and Scholarships (if applicable)
Scholarship / Alumni Discount
If eligible, you may apply for the Alumni or Early Bird scholarship (e.g. $1,300 off).
February 2026 Scholarship Deadlines:
Early Bird- 12/14/2025
Alumni- 1/18/2026
July 2026 Scholarship Deadlines:
Early Bird- 4/26/2026
Alumni- 5/31/2026
October 2026 Scholarship Deadlines:
Early Bird- 7/26/2026
Alumni- 8/30/2026
A+ FCU Higher Education Loan
A+ Federal Credit Union offers a Higher Education Loan of up to $10,000 with repayment terms up to 120 months. To apply or learn more, call 512-302-6800 (option 2, then option 3 twice). Team members are available Monday–Friday, 8 AM–7 PM, and Saturday, 10 AM–1 PM. If not already a member, please visit Join A+ Federal Credit Union. Before applying, contact Program Support at leadership@esc13.txed.net for the exact cost amount to request.
College Access Loan Program
This program offers alternative educational loans to Texas students enrolled in alternative certification programs. It can cover part or all of the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), and financial need is not required. Administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) under the Hinson-Hazlewood College Student Loan Program. For more details, visit hhloans.com. Again, please contact Program Support for the exact cost amount before applying.
Other Assistance:
In participating districts, candidates may opt for monthly payroll deductions of $660 or make personal monthly payments of the same amount.
If your district is contracting for multiple participants (Annual Service Contract), contact us for invoicing and contract setup.
Is there financial assistance available?
There are two scholarship options available, as well as potential loans. Review scholarship information on the Financial Aid tab.
A+ FCU Higher Education Loan: A+ Federal Credit Union offers a Higher Education Loan for a financing option up to $10,000 and up to 120 months. Call 512-302-6800, option 2, option 3, option 3 to apply, or for further details. Team members are available to assist Monday-Friday 8 am-7 pm and Saturday 10 am-1 pm. If not already a member of A+ Federal Credit Union, please visit https://aplusfcu.org/join-a-plus/ to join. Contact Program Support, leadership@esc13.txed.net, for the exact cost amount for loan request before applying.
College Access Loan Program: The College Access Loan Program provides alternative educational loans to Texas students enrolled in an alternative certification program who are unable to meet the cost of attendance. The CAL may be used to cover part or all of the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC); students do not have to demonstrate financial need. This loan program is part of the Hinson-Hazlewood College Student Loan Program administrated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). For more information, visit http://www.hhloans.com/. Contact Program Support, leadership@esc13.txed.net, for the exact cost amount for loan requests before applying.
Can the Texas Veterans Hazlewood Act cover PCN program costs?
The Texas Veterans Hazlewood Act can not be used to cover PCN program costs. The Hazlewood Act is available only for use at a Texas public college or university.
If I work at Region 13 Education Service Center, do you offer an employee discount?
As an employee at ESC Region 13, your pursuit of educator certification through the organization’s preparation programs will be supported in the following ways:
Waiver of $300 registration
Ability to apply for all applicant scholarships as available on the certification program website
Extended payment plan to reduce monthly payment amounts, completion of payment due by cohort graduation date
For ECP this will be 7 preservice payments instead of 5
For PCN this will be 12 program fee payments instead of 10
For TSCI this will be 10 program fee payments instead of 8
Where can I learn more information about this program?
What minimum entry requirements are needed to participate in the Principal Certification Network (PCN) program?
A valid Texas teaching certificate, two years of teaching experience, a graduate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and three years of leadership experience.
If I don't have a master's degree, can I just get principal certification?
No. You must have a graduate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher to be eligible for the program.
Is it okay to submit transcripts from a university that only assigns a pass/fail and does not include a GPA number?
If your university master's transcripts include a pass/fail for your coursework and do not show a clear overall GPA number of 3.0 or higher, you are required to additionally submit an official GRE score report of 2.5 or higher to demonstrate equivalency of minimum GPA requirement. You must submit both your original Master's transcripts and your GRE for admission review.
Is it possible to gain transfer credit for prior military or previously completed principal certification coursework?
Per TAC §228.35(a)(5)(B), Region 13 ESC's Principal Certification Network will provide a review of your evidence submission of prior or ongoing service, training or education and determine if any may replace PCN's certification pathway expectations. To begin this process, email leadership@esc13.txed.net to request a transfer credit review to receive further information. Per TAC §228.35(a)(5)(B), PCN will provide a review of your evidence submission of prior or ongoing service, training or education and determine if any may replace PCN's certification pathway expectations.
Do you offer a review and/or practice test for the TExES (268) exam?
Participants in our PCN cohorts will engage in this live workshop, the Leadership Ready online course, as well as practice exams.
What is needed for the completion of a standard principal certificate?
Candidates are eligible for Standard Principal Certification upon:
Successful completion of all coursework, assignments, and assessments
Successful completion of the practicum
Passing score on the TExES (268) and all 3 PASL task submissions
Recommendation of the program coordinator, taking into account information from site and field supervisor
Required attendance and make-up
Payment of all fees
An evaluation of satisfactory or above from the employing school district
What are the steps for alternative principal certification?
Download our Alternative Principal Certification Checklist—a quick, printable resource outlining everything you need to start your path to principalship: (link to the resource page for download). Whether you're exploring your options or ready to apply, this checklist will help you stay organized and informed every step of the way.
Examples of "leadership experience" within the field of education may include department chair, grade level chairperson, team leader, and membership on site-based teams and committees. An example of leadership experience outside the realm of education is a management position that included the supervision of at least three other professional individuals.
Are all applicants who meet the minimum entry requirements accepted into the program?
No. There will be a screening process prior to acceptance. The screenings will focus on the applicant's status as to grade point average based on official transcripts, leadership and instructional experience, references, writing samples included in the application, satisfaction of State Board of Education entry requirements. Additionally, candidates participate in an interview.
What are the next steps once I have submitted my application and required documents?
After a review of your application and documents, a 45-minute virtual interview will be scheduled and the Constructed Responses within your application will be scored using the Constructed Response Rubric.
Upon acceptance into the program, does Region 13 guarantee placement with a school district?
No. After acceptance into the Region 13 PCN, each applicant is responsible for securing his/her own employment with a public (or private) school as well as meeting the district's eligibility requirements.
Is attendance to the Leadership Orientation and StrengthsFinder/Cohort Norms sessions required?
Yes, attendance to both is a required part of your program participation and an integral opportunity for building community among your cohort.
Can I find out more about Region 13’s PCN program and how well it has been doing to prepare candidates for the principalship?
Yes, we encourage interested parties to review information regarding our program progress. This information can be found on TEA’s website on the Consumer Information about Educator Preparation Programs.
What skills are needed to be a School Administrator?
The Region 13 Educator Preparation Programs encourage stakeholders to discuss their concerns with appropriate program personnel who have the authority to address the concerns. Concerns should be expressed as soon as possible to allow early resolution at the lowest possible level. Informal resolution shall be encouraged. If this does not resolve your issue, please follow our formal complaint process. EPP Complaint Process and EPP Complaint Form.
What if I currently or have ever been the subject of an arrest that has resulted in deferred adjudication, probation, or conviction?
The Texas Education Agency rule requires that every individual applying to a Texas certification program be subject to a criminal record check. Submission of an application authorizes the Region 13, Educator Certification Program (ECP) to obtain any existing criminal history records pertaining to you, the applicant. Failure to disclose information may result in dismissal from the program.
How often does a new cohort launch?
We plan to launch each February, July, and October. Check out specific launch details, including the program model and timeline, on the Overview Tab of the PCN website.
(2) "Classroom teacher" means an educator who is employed by a school district and who, not less than an average of four hours each day, teaches in an academic instructional setting or a career and technology instructional setting. The term does not include a teacher's aide or a full-time administrator.
Get started on your path towards principalship
Apply online to become a part of one of our cohorts.
