What are the TExES exams?
The TExES exams, or Texas Examinations of Educator Standards, evaluate a prospective educator's readiness to teach in Texas public schools. The TExES exams measure both content knowledge and professional skills, and in order to gain a teaching certificate an applicant must pass the relevant TExES exams. These computer-based tests are produced by Pearson.
There are three categories of TExES exams which are explained in more detail in the following sections:
- Pedagogical and Professional Responsibilities
- Core subject content exams
- Specific subject content exams
Teacher certification in Texas
The TExES exams are a mandatory part of becoming a certified teacher in Texas, a process that includes five requirements:
- Bachelor's degree
- Educator preparation program
- Educator certification exams
- State application
- Fingerprinting/criminal background check
Candidates seeking an initial certification must receive approval from their educator preparation program in order to take the TExES certification test matching their desired area of certification. An out-of-state educator seeking Texas certification must submit their credentials to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for testing approval. Educators who are already certified to teach in Texas may take a TExES exam to obtain certification in an additional area.
Texas teachers must recertify every five years. Recertification does not require a TExES exam.
Which TExES exam do I need to take?
Those applying for an initial classroom teaching license must take a TExES pedagogical exam such as Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities for Early Childhood through Grade 12 (PPR EC-12). In addition, candidates are required to take a TExES content-pedagogy exam specifically related to their desired area of certification.
The chart below lists some common areas of initial certification and the associated TExES content-pedagogy exams.
| Age/Grade Level | Exam |
|---|---|
| Elementary | Elementary TExES Core Subjects EC-6 (291) |
| Middle School | TExES Core Subjects 4-8 (211) |
| TExES ELAR 4-8 (117) | |
| TExES Mathematics 4-8 (115) | |
| TExES Science 4-8 (116) | |
| TExES Social Studies 4-8 (118) | |
| High School | TExES ELAR 7-12 (231) |
| TExES Mathematics 7-12 (235) | |
| TExES Science 7-12 (236) | |
| TExES Social Studies 7-12 (232) | |
| All Grades | TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) |
| TExES Music EC-12 (177) | |
| TExES Art EC-12 (178) | |
| TExES Physical Education EC-12 (158) |
The following are some examples of TExES exams offered for additional certifications. To take these exams, a candidate must already possess initial certification in another area.
- Reading Specialist EC-12
- ESL Supplemental
- Gifted and Talented Supplemental
- School Librarian EC-12
- Special Education Supplemental
When should I take the TExES exam?
The TExES content tests are usually taken after obtaining a degree. These tests can be taken:
- During a teacher certification course, with permission from the certification program.
- After graduating college, but prior to enrolling in an alternative certification program. Those taking this route may need to take the Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) before taking a content exam.
- Following teacher certification, to increase the number of classroom certification areas a teacher holds.
