TExES Life Science 7-12 (238) Exam Overview
Planning to teach life science in Texas? First you’ll have to pass the TExES Life Science 7-12 (238) exam. But don’t stress—you’re in the right place. The following article will detail the structure of this exam and offer valuable tips and resources to help you ace it.
The TExES Life Science 7-12 exam assesses your foundational knowledge of life science, ensuring you’re prepared to teach this subject in Texas public schools. Since this exam is an important part of becoming a science teacher, it’s natural to feel some anxiety about passing it. However, there are ways to take charge of your testing experience. For instance, gaining familiarity with the exam structure can boost your confidence. A suite of effective study tools will also set you up for success on the TExES Life Science 7-12 test.
With that in mind, let’s delve into the details of the TExES Life Science 7-12 (238) exam and explore strategies for preparation. Whether you’re taking the exam for the first time or gearing up for a retake, this article will empower you to tackle the TExES Life Science 7-12 content exam with confidence. Let’s get to work!
Overview of the TExES Life Science 7-12 (238) exam
Knowing what to expect can help ease your nerves on test day. Let’s take a broad look at the TExES Life Science 7-12 (238) exam to understand what it covers.
The TExES Life Science 7-12 (238) exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that you will have 4 hours and 45 minutes to answer. This exam tests your knowledge of the following content domains:
- Scientific Inquiry and Processes
- Cell Structure and Processes
- Heredity and Evolution of Life
- Diversity of Life
- Interdependence of Life and Environmental Systems
- Science Learning, Instruction and Assessment
For specific details on topics that may appear in each content area, check out the information provided in our Life Science 7-12 study guide or in the official TExES Life Science prep guide. Familiarizing yourself with content expectations should help you decide how to allocate your study time. As you begin preparing for the TExES Life Science exam, plan to focus on areas you know will be challenging.
Your study plan might also consider how often each content domain appears on the exam. For instance, the Science Learning, Instruction and Assessment domain makes up only 10% of the TExES Life Science exam. Questions from a domain such as Diversity of Life will appear twice as often! So if you have limited study time, it might be logical to focus less on Science Learning, Instruction and Assessment and more on other domains.
Overall, a well considered and balanced approach to studying the six content areas listed above will set you up for success on the TExES Life Science 7-12 (238) exam.
Time Limit
You will have 4 hours and 45 minutes to complete the TExES Life Science 7-12 (238) exam.
Passing Score
The passing score for the TExES Life Science 7-12 (238) exam is a 240.
Number of Questions
The TExES Life Science 7-12 test has 100 multiple-choice questions that cover six different content domains.
Cost
The TExES Life Science 7-12 (238) exam costs $116. Visit the TExES website for more information on payment and additional fees.
Registration Information
You can register for the TExES Life Science exam year round. Start the registration process by creating an NES account. Pay for the Life Science 7-12 test online and then choose a convenient time, date, and exam site.
Scoring Information
Your TExES Life Science 7-12 (238) score will be posted to your Pearson account after 10 p.m. (CT) on the report date for your exam. This typically falls within seven days of your testing date. You will also receive your TExES score via email if you chose this option at registration. View the score report dates on the TExES website to find out when to expect your scores. (Scroll down to “Score Reporting.”)
Want to learn more about TExES Life Science scores? Explore the details with our TExES Life Science 7-12 (238) scoring guide!
Test Preparation Tips
Given its importance to your career, the TExES Life Science 7-12 (238) exam may feel intimidating. However, adopting the right strategies and mindset will give you the boost you need to succeed. Here are some preparation tips to make the most of your study time:
Take a Proactive Approach
- Get familiar with the structure and content areas of the TExES Life Science 7-12 (238) test as soon as you can. The longer you put off studying, the more anxiety you’ll feel. (Reading this article is a great start!)
- Avoid procrastination by using a calendar app to schedule study time. When you’ve made a formal appointment to study, it’s harder to skip.
- Split your study blocks among all six content domains, and consider setting a timer to stay on track. It’s important that you be ready for every topic that appears on this exam.
Review Key Concepts and Skills
- As you prepare for the TExES Life Science 7-12 exam, you might build confidence by starting with the Scientific Inquiry and Processes and the Science Learning, Instruction and Assessment domains. These categories deal less with scientific facts and more with practical skills such as lab safety, interpreting graphics, and designing appropriate tests for students.
- Once you move into specific content domains, work from the bottom up. For instance, make sure you understand normal cell functions before tackling an issue such as unregulated cell growth (i.e., cancer). Proceeding in a logical order will keep you from getting overwhelmed.
Study Sample Questions and Take Practice Tests
- Attempt sample questions from every content domain. While you may already have a sense of your strengths and weaknesses in life science, you should test those assumptions against exam materials.
- Take full-length practice tests on a regular basis to ensure you’re comfortable with the exam’s format and timing. If you’re unable to finish tests within 4 hours and 45 minutes, avoid attempting a drastic time cut. Try gradually accelerating your pace instead.
- Use official TExES Life Science 7-12 exam preparation materials. Studying content that aligns with the real TExES exam will help prevent surprises on test day.
Develop Effective Study Strategies
- Whenever you miss a practice question, don’t just move on. Read the explanation behind each answer and ensure it makes sense.
- Break down your study routine into manageable chunks. It’s better to dedicate 20 minutes to studying every night than to burn out after 10 hours of nonstop prep.
- Use diagrams, charts, and flashcards to organize and reinforce scientific concepts. Visualizing complex ideas can make them easier to remember.
- Engage in active learning techniques such as summarizing facts in your own words, explaining a concept to someone else, or participating in study groups. These strategies will help ensure you’re truly mastering the material, as opposed to memorizing surface details.
Important Exam Day Instructions
On the day of your TExES Life Science 7-12 exam, read all pre-test instructions carefully. Allow ample time for travel—and verify that you’re headed to the location named in your confirmation email. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes before the time of your exam.
Check Required Items
Before leaving for the exam, double-check that you have all you need. Essential items can include:
- Valid identification: To take any TExES content exam, you’ll need to present two forms of photo ID. Both IDs must also show your signature, and neither may be expired.
- Necessary materials: To combat cold exam rooms, the TExES website recommends bringing clothing you can layer. You should also be sure to wear soft-soled shoes to keep the testing space quiet. Read the official instructions to learn more about testing policies and what to bring to the exam site.
Understand Exam Format and Instructions
To prevent confusion on test day, familiarize yourself with the format and basic instructions of the TExES Life Science 7-12 (238) exam well in advance. Key things to remember include:
- Time limits: Be aware of the time limit and set your pace accordingly. You will have 4 hours and 45 minutes to answer all 100 questions.
- Marking scheme: Make sure you know how to mark selections properly on your screen. TExES content exams take place exclusively via computer.
- Special instructions: Pay attention to any special instructions provided by the exam proctors, such as rules around breaks or how to fill out the compliance agreement you’ll sign before starting.
- Adaptive questions: The TExES Life Science exam is adaptive, meaning that your performance on each question affects the difficulty level of the next question. Missing too many easy questions can start to limit the difficulty of your test, making it harder to earn enough points to pass. For this reason, you should take the exam seriously from beginning to end.
- Test difficulty: Don’t assume you’re doing poorly just because the test seems tough. No matter how well you’re performing, this exam will feel challenging due to its adaptive design. Keep calm and carry on!
Manage Time Effectively
Time management is crucial to finishing the TExES Life Science 7-12 exam within 4 hours and 45 minutes. The following tips can help you manage your time effectively.
- Read and understand the instructions: Take a moment at the beginning to go over all instructions thoroughly. This will help prevent errors and wasted time.
- Pace yourself: On average, you’ll have a little under three minutes for each question. However, you should work faster than that whenever possible, since you’ll want to leave plenty of time for tough questions.
- Anticipate needs: If you feel you’ll need a bathroom break during this lengthy test, be sure to budget a few extra minutes.
- Know when to move on: There is no guessing penalty on the TExES Life Science exam, so if you’re stuck on a question, it’s in your best interest to guess.
On exam day, you can use these tips to streamline your test-taking process and maximize your chances of success. Working efficiently, staying calm, and maintaining focus are all essential to doing well on the Life Science 7-12 test.
Conclusion
The TExES Life Science 7-12 (238) exam is key to becoming a life science teacher in the state of Texas. To pass this exam, you’ll need to demonstrate proficiency in areas such as cell structure and functions, heredity and evolution, diversity of life forms, interdependence of life, and environmental systems.
Despite its wide scope, don’t let this test intimidate you. If you familiarize yourself with the exam structure, review all content areas, and follow our test prep tips, you can approach the TExES Life Science exam with confidence, increasing your chances of success.
More TExES Life Science 7-12 Resources
