Chapter 3: Testing (Certification Exams)

EFFECTIVE AS OF APRIL 29, 2024

All candidates must pass at least one designated TExES exam to be eligible for clinical teaching and must also pass the PPR exam as part of the EDST course requirement.

Candidates completing yearlong residency must pass at least one designated TExES exam to be eligible for the second semester of residency and must complete the PPR exam as part of the EDST Residency II course requirement.

Expand FAQ List

Exam Requirements
- Overview
  Each certification program has details with prerequisites, and completion of coursework prior to granting test approval. A passing practice test with a minimum score of 240 or 80%, applying for test approval, and deadlines for completing the exams.
  See Timeline tables for your program:
- Exam Requirements by Certification Area
  Look up the exams requirements by your certification area-link document
- When do I start doing my TExES exams
  TExES exams are required based on the completion of eligible coursework related to specific certification areas.
  - SPRING 2025 CLINICAL TEACHING (including Yearlong RESIDENCY)
  - Students not part of the Spring 2025 Clinical Teaching Cohort
- Prerequisite for test approval
  
  A digital online practice exam with a minimum score of 240 or 80% must be submitted to show evidence of readiness OR an upload of the practice exam completed as part of coursework.
  See section ‘Study for Exams’ for resources on free practice exams and study materials.
- Apply for Test Approval
  Select which exam you are requesting initial test approval:
- Appeal
  
  Submit an appeal for a failed exam giving a timeline on completion of a required exam for clinical experience.
  Appeal form
Study for Exams
- Overview
  
  The Office of Educator Preparation recommends the Preparation Manuals from the state-approved testing vendor. All other resources listed on this page are for your general information. Choose resources that fit your specific test preparation needs.
- State-Approved Testing Vendor: Preparation Manuals
  
  Pearson Preparation Manuals, Practice Exams, and Tutorials
- TExES Exam Preparation and digital online practice exam
  - 240 Tutoring
  - Certify Teacher discount available for TXST students and alumni.
    Contact the Office of Educator Preparation.
  - Mometrix
    - TExES Practice (FREE quiz)
    - TExES Secrets Study Guide
    - TExES Flashcard Study System
  - Passage Preparation - Affordable Certification Exam Study Materials
  - Science of Teaching Reading (293)- Preparation Material
- Supplemental Resources
  - Alkek Library (FREE) Tip: Search catalog for "TExES"
  - Khan Academy (FREE)
  - Study.com
  - TExES Music Prep (for MUSIC STUDENTS)
  - Ultimate Guide to the Core Subjects EC-6
  - Research and Education Association (REA)
- K-12 Text Books
  
  Visit the TEA website, scroll down to "Most Popular Links," click on "Currently Adopted Instructional Materials," and download PDF of K-12 text books. Search for books related to your certification area and, if available, borrow from Alkek Library or purchase through a third party.
- AAFCS
  
  Visit the AAFCS Credentialing Center for Family Consumer Science Composite, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Food Science, Human Development and Family Studies.
- For Faculty
  
  Representative Exams
How to Register for the Exams
- Register through the Texas Educator Certification Exam Program
  Once you have approval from the Educator Preparation Program, you may register for your exams through the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program hosted by Pearson. You will need to first create a Pearson testing account using your TEA ID number.
  - Register online: Create a testing account through the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program (Pearson).
  - PASL Candidates ONLY: Create a testing account through ETS website.
- If you cannot register
  
  If you received a Test Approval email but you cannot register for your exams, simply email the Office of Educator Preparation with your name, Student ID (Axxxxxxxx), and a brief explanation that you cannot register.
How to Reapply for Test Approval
- If you fail an exam
  In compliance with Texas Education Agency (TEA) rules, candidates are allowed five (5) attempts to pass a certification exam. If you fail an exam, you must seek approval from your Educator Preparation Program to take the exam again. Although you must wait 30 days to sit for the exam, you can submit the Retake Request Form immediately upon receiving failing scores.
  1. Review the Five (5) Attempt Limit Policy.
  2. Download your Exam Score Report(s) for the failed exam from the Texas Education Certification Examination Program (Pearson). You will need to attach these to the Retake Request Form.
  3. Submit the TExES Retake Request Form.
  4. Please allow 3 business days for a response.
  5. Check your BobcatMail or the email you provided on the Retake Request Form.
  6. Within 3 business days you will receive an email with instructions to complete specific study activities.
  7. Once you complete the study activities and email the documentation to the Office of Educator Preparation, you will receive test approval. OEP will email you at the email address you provide on the Retake Request Form.
- If you exceed your five attempts
  In compliance with Texas Education Agency (TEA) rules, candidates are allowed five (5) attempts to pass a certification exam. If you exceed those five attempts, you may appeal to the State Board of Educator Certification:
  - See FIVE (5) Attempt Limit Policy, SBEC Waiver.
Limited number of attempts
- Five (5) Attempt Limit
  The Texas Education Agency (TEA) limits candidates to FIVE (5) attempts to take a certification test. The five attempts include the first attempt to pass the examination and four retakes. The five attempts include any of the test approval methods (i.e., PACT, EPP, Out of State, Charter, and CBE). The TEA implemented this change to Texas Education Code §21.048 in response to House Bill 2205, 84th Texas Legislature, 2015.
  - Content Exams: If you do not pass your content exam(s) within the allowed number of attempts, you will not be eligible for certification in that particular subject.
  - Pedagogy and Professional Responsibility (PPR) Exams: If you do not pass the PPR within the allowed number of attempts, you will not be eligible for teacher certification in any subject or grade level in the state of Texas.
- Waiver (appeal to State Board of Educator Certification
  
  Waiver: If you do not pass an exam within FIVE (5) attempts, you may appeal for a waiver. This is processed through the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) for approval. Instructions are on the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website.
Additional Exams Policy
- Policy
  
  In compliance with Test Readiness rules outlined by the Texas Education Agency, you are eligible to test only within your officially declared certification area. You cannot take additional exams until you become a certified teacher, even if potential employers ask you to take other exams.