Purpose of Certification: The purpose of MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) certification is to encourage and enable music teachers to attain and maintain the highest professional music standards. Certification provides recognition of teacher accomplishments and professional standards for qualified members. MTNA certification affirms that one has met a national standard in a designated field. MTNA congratulates each nationally certified member and urges those not yet certified to work toward this important professional goal.

Types of Certification: Under its certification program, MTNA offers three types of certificates: The Associate, Certificate, the Professional Certificate and the Master Teacher Certificate. Teachers not holding an appropriate degree can become certified by passing a series of examinations. The National Emeritus Certificate is available to state and nationally certified teachers who have reached the age of seventy.

Benefits and Recognitions of Certified Teachers: Certified teachers are initially recognized by an MTNA press release and are listed yearly in the Directory of Nationally Certified Teachers, as well as having their names annually published in the September/October issue of The American Music Teacher. This is utilized by other certified teachers when a student is relocating and needs a qualified teacher in his/her new area.

Texas Certification Plan: Original certification in Texas is identical to the MTNA certification except that three of the applicant's students must provide a demonstration before an evaluation committee.

There are no additional forms required for TMTA codification. For further information, log on to the MTNA website at mtna.org