To become a teacher in Texas, you must pass the required Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES). Most candidates need to pass two types of exams: a content exam specific to their subject area and grade level, and the TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12 (PPR) exam, which is required for anyone earning their first classroom teaching certificate in Texas.
Texas offers teaching certificates across more than 25 subject areas and grade level combinations, from Early Childhood and Core Subjects to Mathematics, Science, Special Education, and Career and Technical Education. Some certificates also require the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam, particularly for anyone teaching at the EC-6 or 4-8 level.
Use the tables below to find your certification area and identify exactly which exams you need to pass. If 240 Tutoring offers a study guide for your exam, it's linked directly in the table.
Important: Do You Need the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) Exam?
The TExES Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam (test code 293) is required for the following certifications:
- Core Subjects EC-6
- Core Subjects 4-8
- Early Childhood PK-3
- ELAR 4-8
If your certification area is on this list, you must pass the STR in addition to your content exam and the PPR. The STR tests your knowledge of phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension — the foundational components of literacy instruction. 240 Tutoring offers a TExES STR study guide to help you prepare.
First, let’s take care of some housekeeping to make sure you can understand everything in the tables below:
- Certification Area: The certification areas are the subjects and grade levels you can teach in Texas using that specific teaching certificate.
- Required Content Exam(s): these are the exam(s) you must take and pass in order to receive your teaching certificate. Content exams test your knowledge of the actual subject matter or “content” for your certificate (i.e. Art, History, Math, Science, etc.).
- Required Pedagogy Test(s): In addition to the content exam(s), anyone who is trying to receive their first Texas teaching certificate for a specific classroom teaching area is required to pass a Pedagogy test. If you are looking to add a supplemental certificate to an existing certificate, get certified in additional areas through examination, or become certified in non-teaching areas such as Reading Specialist or School Librarian, you may not be required to take another pedagogy test.
TExES PPR vs. edTPA: Which Pedagogy Option Do You Need?
Most Texas teacher candidates satisfy the pedagogy requirement by passing the TExES PPR EC-12 (160). However, some educator preparation programs offer edTPA as an alternative — a portfolio-based assessment where you submit lesson plans, video recordings of your teaching, and student work samples for review.
A few things to know:
- edTPA is program-specific. Not all EPPs offer it. Check with your preparation program before assuming edTPA is an option for you.
- The edTPA option varies by certification area. The specific edTPA assessment accepted for each certification is listed in the pedagogy column of each table below.
- If you are not in an EPP that offers edTPA, take the PPR. It is the standard requirement and accepted universally across Texas.
- Supplemental certificates do not require either. If you are adding a supplemental to an existing certificate, you do not need to retake the PPR or submit an edTPA.
- Abbreviations:
- AAFCS – American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
- ACTFL – American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
- ETS – Educational Testing Services
- OPI – Oral Proficiency Interview
- PASL – Performance Assessment for School Leaders
- PPR – Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities
- STR – Science of Teaching Reading
- TExES – Texas Examinations of Educator Standards
- WPT – Writing Proficiency Test.
List of Texas Teacher Certification Tests
Below is a list of all the current certification areas and the required content and pedagogy exams for each certification area.
Tip: You can use the table of contents to the left to quickly jump to the certification area you are interested in.
Art
To teach Art in Texas, you need one content exam covering visual arts theory, history, and studio practice.
| Certification Area | Required Content Exams | Required Pedagogy Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Art: EC-12 | TExES Art EC-12 (178) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: Visual Arts (2015) |
Bilingual Education
Bilingual Education certifications in Texas require both a content exam and a language proficiency assessment in your target language.
| Certification Area | Required Content Exams | Required Pedagogy Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Bilingual Education Supplemental: Spanish | TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental (164) + TExES Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test (BTLPT) Spanish (190) | None |
| Bilingual Education Supplemental: American Sign Language | TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental (164) + TExES American Sign Language (ASL) (184) + Texas Assessment of Sign Communication–American Sign Language (TASC–ASL) (073) | None |
| Bilingual Education Supplemental: Arabic | TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental (164) + ACTFL 614 OPI – Arabic + ACTFL 615 WPT – Arabic | None |
| Bilingual Education Supplemental: Chinese | TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental (164) + ACTFL 618 OPI – Chinese (Mandarin) + ACTFL 619 WPT – Chinese (Mandarin) | None |
| Bilingual Education Supplemental: Japanese | TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental (164) + ACTFL 616 OPI – Japanese + ACTFL 617 WPT – Japanese | None |
| Bilingual Education Supplemental: Vietnamese | TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental (164) + ACTFL 620 OPI – Vietnamese + ACTFL 621 WPT – Vietnamese | None |
Computer Science and Technology Applications
Texas offers two separate certifications for technology — one focused on Computer Science for grades 8-12 and one for Technology Applications across EC-12.
| Certification Area | Required Content Exams | Required Pedagogy Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science (Grades 8-12) | TExES Computer Science 8–12 (241) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: Technology and Engineering Education (2143) |
| Technology Applications (EC-12) | TExES Technology Applications EC–12 (242) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: Educational Technology Specialist (2108) |
Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood certification in Texas requires both a content exam and the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam, reflecting the emphasis on literacy development at the PK-3 level.
| Certification Area | Required Content Exams | Required Pedagogy Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood (PK-3) | TExES Early Childhood: PK–3 (292) + TExES Science of Teaching Reading (293) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: Early Childhood Education (2014) |
Core Subjects
Core Subjects certifications cover multiple subject areas in one certificate and are the most common path for elementary and middle school teachers in Texas. Both EC-6 and 4-8 require the STR exam in addition to the content exam.
| Certification Area | Required Content Exams | Required Pedagogy Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Core Subjects (EC-6) | TExES Core Subjects EC-6 (391) + TExES Science of Teaching Reading (293) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: Elementary Education: Literacy with Mathematics Task 4 (2110) |
| Core Subjects (4-8) | TExES Core Subjects 4-8 (211) + TExES Science of Teaching Reading (293) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: Middle Childhood English-Language Arts (2018),Middle Childhood History/Social Studies (2019),Middle Childhood Mathematics (2016), or Middle Childhood Science (2017) |
Counselor
The School Counselor certification does not require a pedagogy exam — only the TExES School Counselor EC-12 (252) content exam.
| Certification Area | Required Content Exams | Required Pedagogy Exams |
|---|---|---|
| School Counselor (EC-12) | TExES School Counselor EC-12 (252) | None |
Dance
To teach Dance in Texas at the 6-12 level, you need one content exam covering dance history, theory, and performance.
| Certification Area | Required Content Exams | Required Pedagogy Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Dance (6-12) | TExES Dance 6-12 (279) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: K-12 Performing Arts (2021) |
Educational Diagnostician
The Educational Diagnostician certification does not require a pedagogy exam — only the TExES Educational Diagnostician EC-12 (253) content exam.
| Educational Diagnostician: (EC-12) | TExES Educational Diagnostician EC-12 (253) | None |
English Language Arts & Reading (ELAR)
ELAR certifications at the 4-8 level require the STR exam in addition to the content exam. The 7-12 certification does not require the STR.
| Certification Area | Required Content Exams | Required Pedagogy Exams |
|---|---|---|
| ELAR: 4-8 | TExES ELAR 4-8 (217) + TExES STR (293) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: Middle Childhood English-Language Arts (2018) |
| ELAR: 7-12 | TExES ELAR 7-12 (331) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: Secondary English-Language Arts (2003) |
| ELAR/Social Studies: 4-8 | TExES ELAR/ Social Studies 4-8 (113) + TExES STR (293) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: Middle Childhood English-Language Arts (2018) orMiddle Childhood History/Social Studies (2019) |
| Reading Specialist (EC-12) | TExES Reading Specialist EC-12 (151) | None |
English as a Second Language (ESL)
The ESL Supplemental is an add-on certification that attaches to an existing teaching certificate — no pedagogy exam required.
| Certification Area | Required Content Exams | Required Pedagogy Exams |
|---|---|---|
| ESL Supplemental | TExES ESL Supplemental (154) | None |
Gifted and Talented
The Gifted and Talented Supplemental is an add-on certification — no pedagogy exam required.
| Certification Area | Required Content Exams | Required Pedagogy Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Gifted and Talented Supplemental | TExES Gifted and Talented Supplemental (162) | None |
Health
To teach Health in Texas across EC-12, you need one content exam covering health education, wellness, and disease prevention.
| Certification Area | Required Content Exams | Required Pedagogy Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Health: EC-12 | TExES Health EC–12 (257) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: Health Education (2119) |
Journalism
To teach Journalism at the 7-12 level, you need one content exam covering media literacy, reporting, and communications.
| Certification Area | Required Content Exams | Required Pedagogy Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Journalism: Grades 7-12 | TExES Journalism 7–12 (256) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: Secondary English-Language Arts (2003) |
Junior Reserve Office Training Corps (JROTC)
JROTC is unique — there is no content exam required. Candidates only need to pass a pedagogy exam, and military service experience is the primary qualification.
| Certification Area | Required Content Exams | Required Pedagogy Exams |
|---|---|---|
| JROTC: Grades 6-12 | None | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or TExES PPR for Trade and Industrial Education 6–12 (370) |
Languages Other Than English (LOTE)
LOTE certifications vary significantly by language. Some languages use TExES written exams while others require ACTFL oral and written proficiency interviews administered separately.
| Certification Area | Required Content Exams | Required Pedagogy Exams |
|---|---|---|
| American Sign Language (ASL) | TExES American Sign Language (ASL) (184) + Texas Assessment of Sign Communication–American Sign Language (TASC–ASL) (073) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: World Language (2020) |
| Arabic | ACTFL: OPI – Arabic (605) + ACTFL: WPT – Arabic (600) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: World Language (2020) |
| Chinese | ACTFL: OPI – Chinese (Mandarin) (606) + ACTFL: WPT – Chinese (Mandarin) (601) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: World Language (2020) |
| French | TExES Languages Other Than English (LOTE) French (610) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: World Language (2020) |
| German | TExES Languages Other Than English (LOTE) German (611) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: World Language (2020) |
| Hindi | ACTFL: OPI – Hindi (622) + ACTFL: WPT – Hindi (623) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: World Language (2020) |
| Italian | ACTFL: OPI – Italian (624) + ACTFL: WPT – Italian (625) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: World Language (2020) |
| Japanese | ACTFL: OPI – Japanese (607) + ACTFL: WPT – Japanese (602) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: World Language (2020) |
| Korean | ACTFL: OPI– Korean (630) + ACTFL: WPT – Korean (631) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: World Language (2020) |
| Latin | TExES Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Latin (612) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: World Language (2020) |
| Portuguese | ACTFL: OPI – Portuguese (632) + ACTFL: WPT – Portuguese (633) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: World Language (2020) |
| Russian | ACTFL: OPI – Russian (608) + ACTFL: WPT – Russian (603) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: World Language (2020) |
| Spanish | TExES Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Spanish (613) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: World Language (2020) |
| Turkish | ACTFL: OPI – Turkish (626) + ACTFL: WPT – Turkish (627) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: World Language (2020) |
| Vietnamese | ACTFL: OPI – Vietnamese (609) +ACTFL: WPT – Vietnamese (604) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: World Language (2020) |
Librarian
The School Librarian certification does not require a pedagogy exam — only the TExES School Librarian (150) content exam.
| Certification Area | Required Content Exams | Required Pedagogy Exams |
|---|---|---|
| School Librarian: EC-12 | TExES School Librarian (150) | None |
Mathematics and Science
Texas offers a wide range of Math and Science certifications across grade bands. Note that Physics/Mathematics and Mathematics/Physical Science/Engineering certifications do not currently have linked study guides — check the TEA website for the most current exam information.
| Certification Area | Required Content Exams | Required Pedagogy Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics: Grades 4-8 | TExES Mathematics 4–8 (115) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: Middle Childhood Mathematics (2016) |
| Science: Grades 4-8 | TExES Science 4–8 (116) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: Middle Childhood Science (2017) |
| Mathematics/Science: Grades 4-8 | TExES Mathematics/Science 4–8 (114) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: Middle Childhood Mathematics (2016) orMiddle Childhood Science (2017) |
| Mathematics: Grades 7-12 | TExES Mathematics 7–12 (235) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: Secondary Mathematics (2005) |
| Science: Grades 7-12 | TExES Science 7–12 (236) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: Secondary Science (2006) |
| Life Science: Grades 7-12 | TExES Life Science 7–12 (238) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: Secondary Science (2006) |
| Physical Science: Grades 6-12 | TExES Physical Science 6–12 (237) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: Secondary Science (2006) |
| Physics/Mathematics: Grades 7-12 | TExES Physics/Mathematics 7–12 (243) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA:Secondary Science (2006) or Secondary Mathematics (2005) |
| Mathematics/Physical Science/Engineering: Grades 6-12 | TExES Mathematics/Physical Science/Engineering 6–12 (274) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: Secondary Mathematics (2005), Secondary Science (2006), or Technology and Engineering Education (2143) |
| Chemistry: Grades 7-12 | TExES Chemistry 7–12 (240) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: Secondary Science (2006) |
Music
To teach Music in Texas across EC-12, you need one content exam covering music theory, history, and performance.
| Certification Area | Required Content Exams | Required Pedagogy Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Music: EC-12 | TExES Music EC–12 (177) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: K-12 Performing Arts (2021) |
Physical Education
To teach Physical Education in Texas across EC-12, you need one content exam covering kinesiology, health, and physical fitness instruction.
| Certification Area | Required Content Exams | Required Pedagogy Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Education: EC-12 | TExES Physical Education EC–12 (258) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: Physical Education (2011) |
Principal and Superintendent
Leadership certifications in Texas require both a content exam and the Performance Assessment for School Leaders (PASL) — a separate portfolio-based assessment administered by ETS.
| Certification Area | Required Content Exams | Required Pedagogy Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Principal as Instructional Leader: EC-12 | TExES Principal as Instructional Leader (268) | ETS 368 (PASL Assessment) |
| Principal as Instructional Leader Endorsement | None | ETS 368 (PASL Assessment) |
| Superintendent | TExES Superintendent (195) | None |
Social Studies
Texas offers three Social Studies certifications — a broad Social Studies cert for grades 4-8, a broad cert for grades 7-12, and a History-specific cert for grades 7-12.
| Certification Area | Required Content Exams | Required Pedagogy Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Social Studies: Grades 4-8 | TExES Social Studies 4–8 (118) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: Middle Childhood History/Social Studies (2019) |
| Social Studies: Grades 7-12 | TExES Social Studies 7–12 (232) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: Secondary History/Social Studies (2004) |
| History: Grades 7-12 | TExES History 7–12 (233) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: Secondary History/Social Studies (2004) |
Special Education
The Special Education EC-12 certification requires both a content exam and a pedagogy exam. The Special Education Supplemental, which attaches to an existing certificate, only requires the content exam.
| Certification Area | Required Content Exams | Required Pedagogy Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Special Education: EC-12 | TExES Special Education Supplemental (163) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: Special Education (2012) |
| Special Education Supplemental (attaches to level of base certificate) | TExES Special Education Supplemental (163) | None |
| Teacher of Deaf and Hard of Hearing: EC-12 | TExES Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (181) + 072 TASC or 073 TASC-ASL (072 or 073 required for assignment but not for certification) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: Special Education (2012) |
| Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments Supplemental: EC-12 | TExES Visually Impaired (182) or TExES Braille (UEB) (283) | None |
Speech Communications
To teach Speech at the 7-12 level, you need one content exam covering communication theory, public speaking, and rhetoric.
| Certification Area | Required Content Exams | Required Pedagogy Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Speech: Grades 7-12 | TExES Speech 7–12 (129) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: Secondary English-Language Arts (2003) |
Theatre
To teach Theatre in Texas across EC-12, you need one content exam covering theatre history, performance, and production.
| Certification Area | Required Content Exams | Required Pedagogy Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Theatre: EC-12 | TExES Theatre EC–12 (180) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: K-12 Performing Arts (2021) |
Career and Technical Education
CTE certifications in Texas vary widely by subject area. Some use TExES exams, some use AAFCS assessments, and Trade and Industrial Education certifications require no content exam at all — only a pedagogy exam.
| Certification Area | Required Content Exams | Required Pedagogy Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources: 6-12 | TExES Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources 6–12 (272) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or TExES PPR for Trade and Industrial Education 6–12 (370) or edTPA: Agricultural Education (2100) |
| Business and Finance: 6-12 | TExES Business and Finance 6–12 (276) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or TExES PPR for Trade and Industrial Education 6–12 (370) or edTPA: Business Education (2102) |
| Family and Consumer Sciences Composite: 6-12 | AAFCS Family and Consumer Sciences, Composite (200) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or TExES PPR for Trade and Industrial Education 6–12 (370) or edTPA: Family and Consumer Sciences (2117) |
| Hospitality, Nutrition, and Food Sciences: 8-12 | AAFCS Hospitality, Nutrition, and Food Science (201) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or TExES PPR for Trade and Industrial Education 6–12 (370) or edTPA: Family and Consumer Sciences (2117) |
| Human Development and Family Studies: 8-12 | AAFCS Human Development and Family Studies (202) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or TExES PPR for Trade and Industrial Education 6–12 (370) or edTPA: Family and Consumer Sciences (2117) |
| Health Science: 6-12 | TExES Health Science 6–12 (273) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or edTPA: K-12 Performing Arts (2021) |
| Marketing: 6-12 | TExES Marketing 6–12 (275) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or TExES PPR for Trade and Industrial Education 6–12 (370) or edTPA: Business Education (2102) |
| Technology Education: 6-12 | TExES Technology Education 6–12 (171) | TExES PPR EC-12 (160) or TExES PPR for Trade and Industrial Education 6–12 (370) or edTPA: Technology and Engineering Education (2143) |
| Trade and Industrial Education: 6-12 | None | TExES PPR for Trade and Industrial Education 6–12 (370) |
| Trade and Industrial Workforce Training: 6-12 | None | TExES PPR for Trade and Industrial Education 6–12 (370) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Texas teacher candidates need to pass two exams: a content exam specific to their subject area and grade level, and the TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12 (PPR) exam. Some candidates — particularly those teaching Core Subjects EC-6, Core Subjects 4-8, Early Childhood PK-3, and ELAR 4-8 — also need to pass the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam. Candidates adding a supplemental certificate to an existing certificate typically do not need to retake the PPR.
The TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12 (PPR) exam (test code 160) is required for anyone earning their first classroom teaching certificate in Texas. It tests your knowledge of teaching methods, classroom management, child development, and professional responsibilities — not subject-specific content. You do not need to retake the PPR if you are adding a supplemental certificate to an existing certificate.
The TExES Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam (test code 293) tests a candidate’s knowledge of literacy development and evidence-based reading instruction. It is required for Core Subjects EC-6, Core Subjects 4-8, Early Childhood PK-3, and ELAR 4-8 certifications. If your certification area requires it, you must pass the STR in addition to your content exam and the PPR.
In some cases, yes. Texas allows candidates to submit an edTPA portfolio assessment as an alternative to the TExES PPR for certain certification areas. The specific edTPA option accepted varies by certification area and is listed in each row of the tables above. Check with your educator preparation program to determine which option applies to your situation.
No. If you are adding a supplemental certificate to an existing Texas teaching certificate, getting certified in additional areas through examination, or pursuing a non-classroom certificate such as Reading Specialist or School Librarian, you are generally not required to take the PPR again. You only need the PPR for your first classroom teaching certificate.
TExES exams are administered by ETS and can be registered for through your Texas educator preparation program. Most candidates must be formally admitted to an approved educator preparation program before they are eligible to register for TExES exams. Once admitted, your program will provide you with an authorization to test.
TExES exam fees vary by test but typically range from $116 to $131 per exam. Some specialty exams and assessments like the PASL may have different fee structures. Check the ETS website for the most current fee information before registering.
The passing score for most TExES exams is 240 out of 300. Some exams may have different passing standards. Your score report will indicate whether you passed or failed and provide a breakdown by content domain to help you identify areas to focus on if you need to retake.