TA Certification

Cockrell School of Engineering Teaching Assistant Certification

The Engineering Teaching Assistant Certification program provides professional learning opportunities in the fundamentals of engineering education, promoting student success and other aspects of fulfilling their responsibilities as educators and mentors. Certification is required for all new Cockrell School TAs during the first semester in which they are appointed.

• When a pre-certified graduate student is later appointed as a TA, s/he can complete the remaining certification requirements during the first semester of appointment to attain full Engineering Teaching Assistant Certification.

• Chemical engineering students should take the TA certification through the Cockrell School of Engineering no later than fall of their 2^nd year to be prepared for any TA appointment.

International Teaching Assistant Certification

International students who are not native English speakers must take the International Teaching Assistant (ITA) Certification to measure their ability to present information in an academic area to undergraduates.

• Some chemical engineering students are exempt from this requirement; the exemption information is available here. 
• The test is offered during limited times throughout the year and is a prerequisite for teaching at UT.
• A student should take the ITA certification BEFORE they intend to TA.
• The Department of Chemical Engineering will pay for the first exam; the student is required to pay for any subsequent exams.
  • Send payment emails to chemegrad@utexas.edu and the department will cover the cost of the first exam. 

The following timeline is recommended for ITA certification to prevent TA appointment complications assuming a fall start to the PhD program:

Year 1, Spring semester: take the exam early January before classes begin

Year 1, Summer: if student did not pass, retake the exam early June

Year 2, Fall semester: if student did not pass, enroll in ESL 389T, 388S, or 389S on the advice of the international office

Failure to pass the exam or the ESL course within the first three long semesters in residence will remove students from the PhD program and place them in the Master’s program. Students will have one additional long semester for completion of a terminal Master’s degree. A PhD supervisor may petition the Graduate Advisor in writing for a one-time extension of one long semester for completion of the exam due to exceptional circumstances.

Timing Considerations for Students

Many students have additional considerations when planning the completion of their TA requirements. Some of the most common issues are summarized in the following table and discussed below.