TExES Exams: Everything You Need To Know

Welcome to your journey towards becoming a Texas educator! If you’re here, it’s likely because the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) are on your horizon. Understanding the magnitude of this milestone in your educational career, we’re here to offer a guiding hand.

In this guide, you’ll find a blend of expert insights, key strategies, and a treasure trove of resources tailored to your TExES test preparation needs. Let’s dive in!

What are the TExES Exams?

The Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) is a series of tests that are essential for anyone who wants to become a teacher in Texas public schools. The TExES test plays a key role in your teaching career because it’s designed to check if you have the knowledge and skills needed to be a successful educator. It covers everything from your understanding of core subjects to your grasp of educational strategies, making sure you’re ready to teach in Texas.

So, who needs to take these tests? Simply put, if you’re planning to teach in Texas, from early childhood education up to high school, you’ll need to pass the relevant TExES exams. These tests vary depending on what grade or subject you want to teach, but all are aimed at ensuring you have the foundational knowledge and teaching skills necessary for the classroom.

Which TExES Exams Do You Need To Take?

Deciding which Texas Examinations for Educator Standards (TExES) test to take? Let’s break down everything you’ll need to consider.

TExES For Early Childhood Education

For those drawn to teaching little learners, the Early Childhood: PK-3 (292) exam focuses on Pre-K to 3rd grade. Alternatively, the broader CORE EC-6 exam covers this critical developmental stage more comprehensively.

TExES For Elementary School Teachers

Aspiring elementary teachers must tackle the Core Subjects EC-6 (391) exam, which is segmented into five subtests, including English Language Arts and Reading, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, and Fine Arts, Health, and Physical Education. Note that some certifications also require a separate Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam.

TExES For Middle School Teachers

For those who connect best with the middle school age group, the TExES Core Subjects 4-8 (211) exam, encompassing four subject areas, is the key. You also have the option of specific content area tests for grades 4-8, offering flexibility in your teaching focus.

TExES For High School Teachers

If high school is your calling, specialized exams tailored to your content area await, with a passing score of 240 required to pave your way into the high school classroom.

TExES For All Levels

The Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12 (160) exam is a must for all aspiring EC-12 educators, delving into educational theory and pedagogy.

TExES Supplemental Certifications

You can broaden your teaching scope with additional certifications in areas like Bilingual Education, ESL, Gifted and Talented, and Special Education, each demanding a passing score of 240.

How To Register For The TExES

Taking your first steps towards becoming a teacher in Texas begins with registering for the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES). Let’s walk through the registration process, ensuring you’re set for success from day one.

Getting Started

First, you’ll need to create an account on the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program site. Use a permanent email address for your account and secure it with a password and a security question. Link this account with your TEA (Texas Education Agency) account. You’ll need your TEA ID number for this, which you can get from the TEA website.

Scheduling Your Exam

Once you’re registered, you have up to 170 days to schedule your exam. Life can be unpredictable, so if you need to reschedule or cancel, you can do so without any fees, provided it’s at least 48 hours before your test.

For a deeper dive into the TExES registration process, including detailed guidelines and tips, visit our TExES registration guide.

How Much Does The TExES Exam Cost?

Each TExES exam is priced at $116. This applies whether you’re taking a single exam or multiple exams, including any combination of $116 exams and CORE Subject exams. In the event that you don’t pass a subtest of the CORE Subjects exams, you can retake it for a reduced fee of $58.

Remember, the process of becoming a certified teacher in Texas includes other financial considerations. These encompass the state application fee for the standard certificate and the cost of fingerprinting for background checks.

Where To Take The TExES

The Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) are administered at various authorized testing centers across Texas and even at some locations outside the state. To accommodate a wide range of candidates, these centers are typically found in major cities and regional hubs. The exact location where you can take your TExES will depend on the availability of the testing centers near you. When registering for your exam, you’ll have the opportunity to select a testing center based on your geographic preference and the test’s availability dates.

Effective TExES Test Prep Strategies

Once you’ve registered, it’ll be time to start getting ready for the TExES. And don’t worry – passing the exams will be within your capabilities with some smart prep! Here’s a quick guide to help you ace it:

Create Your Own Study Plan

Each TExES test is unique, so your study plan should be too. Check out what’s in the test you’re taking and focus more on the parts you’re not so confident about. This way, you’re not wasting time on stuff you already know well.

Learn Actively

Mix up your study routine! Along with reading, try quizzes, educational games, or join a study group. It’s about getting your brain actively involved, not just memorizing stuff. You’ll remember things better this way.

Practice Like It’s the Real Thing

Take full-length TExES practice tests with a timer. This will be like a dress rehearsal for your exam, building up your test-taking stamina and getting you used to the pace and style of the real thing. Plus, it’ll make the actual test day feel way less intimidating.

Take Care of You

Your brain does its best work when you’re healthy and relaxed. Make sure you’re sleeping enough, eating well, and finding ways to chill out, like exercise or meditation. A happy brain is a smart brain!

Preparing for Exam Day

Once test day arrives, you’ll want to make sure you’re putting yourself in the best position to succeed. Arrive early to your testing center, preferably 15 to 30 minutes before your scheduled time. Double-check that all your registration details match your ID. For CORE EC-6 or 4-8 exams, it’s important to note that you need to take all subtests in one go. Also, plan your journey to the test center in advance, dress in comfortable layers, and ensure you’re well-rested.

Don’t forget to bring two valid, original forms of ID that include your signature and photo. For the majority of exams, you’ll have access to formula sheets and on-screen calculators. If you’re taking advanced exams like the 7-12 Mathematics, remember to bring your own graphing calculator.

TExES Scores and Retakes

Once you’ve received your TExES scores, your first question might be: “what do these scores even mean?” Let’s break it down.

TExES exams use a scoring scale that ranges from 100 to 300. To pass, you generally need to hit a score of at least 240. As for when you’ll get your results, it mostly depends on the type of test you’ve taken. For exams that are mostly multiple-choice, you can typically expect to see your scores within about seven days. However, if you’ve taken a test that includes constructed-response questions, it might take a bit longer – up to 28 days – for your scores to be available.

Your score report will provide detailed information, including your total test performance, performance by domain and competency, and holistic scores for any constructed-response components. The report will clearly indicate whether you have passed or not, and will give you detailed feedback on your performance in various content areas.

Retaking the TExES

If you didn’t pass the TExES exam the first time, don’t panic – you can try again. You’ll need to wait 30 days before you can retake the exam, but you can use that time to get more studying in and improve on the areas you didn’t do so well in.

You’ll have a total of five shots at each exam. This includes the first time you took it and then four more tries if you need them. Be sure to look at your score report from the previous attempt. It’ll show you where you didn’t score well, so you can focus your study on those parts. This way, you’re not just studying harder, but smarter, giving yourself a better chance to pass the next time.

And if you need additional attempts after four retakes, you’ll need to apply for a test retake waiver. This application comes with its own cost of $164.

The TExES exams may seem like an intimidating step in your path to becoming a teacher in Texas – but it doesn’t have to be. Good preparation, a clear understanding of the process, and commitment to your goal will help you succeed. Stay focused on your passion for teaching, and let your hard work and dedication lead you to a rewarding career in Texas classrooms.