Which Texas Teacher Certification Test Should You Take? | Exam Edge

You've put in all the time in classes and training to get your degree and become a teacher. But how do you know which Texas teacher certification test you need to take? Obtaining TExES certification is crucial for your career, and we can help you understand the requirements.

In this article, we will explain what the TExES exams are, which tests you have to take, what order to take them in and what TExES certification areas are available to choose from. We'll also provide information on Texas teacher certification test requirements and show you how TExES test prep from Exam Edge can help you.

What Is the TExES Exam?

TExES is an acronym for Texas Examinations for Educator Standards. These tests are designed to ensure that new teachers in Texas have the content knowledge and skills required for entry-level teachers. There are a wide range of Texas teacher certification exams to choose from, including both general core tests and specific subject tests.

Who Is Required to Take the TExES Certification Tests?

If you want a teaching position in Texas, you will need to pass the TExES content exams. Most people will take the Texas teacher certification test after they have completed their bachelor's degree. In addition, if you are already a certified teacher, you can take another TExES exam anytime to supplement your current TExES certification.

What Texas Teacher Certification Test Do I Need to Take?

The answer to that question depends on many things, including what grade level you want to teach.

Early Childhood

Any potential teachers who want to teach Early Childhood Education can focus on PK-3 by passing the Early Childhood: PK-3 (EC-3) exam. The EC-3 Texas teacher certification test provides a more targeted certification than the general EC-6 exam.

Elementary School

If you want to become an elementary school teacher, you will need to take the Core Subjects EC-6 TExES content exam. According to the Texas Education Agency, the Core Subjects EC-6 is a comprehensive test used to assess if a test-taker has the knowledge and skills required to be an entry-level elementary school teacher in Texas.

This is the most commonly taken TExES content exam, with around 18,000 people taking this test each year. The Core Subjects EC-6 exam consists of 267 questions in five subject exams:

• Mathematics
• English Language Arts and Reading & Science of Teaching Reading
• Science
• Social Studies
• Fine Arts, Health and Physical Education

A score of 240 or higher on each subject exam is required to pass the Core Subjects EC-6. If you fail one or more of the subject exams, you can not pass the test. If that happens, all you need to do is retake the subject exam that you failed.

Middle School

If you plan on becoming a middle school teacher, there are a few options to choose from.
1. The first possibility is taking the TExES Core Subjects 4-8 exam. This test consists of 200 questions in four subject exams:

• English Language Arts and Reading
• Science
• Social Studies
• Mathematics

Just as with the Core Subjects EC-6 TExES content exam, you need to score a 240 or higher on each subject exam to pass the Core Subjects 4-8. Failing one or more of the subject exams means you don't pass the test. If that happens, you only need to retake the subject exam that you failed.

2. The second option is to become certified in a specific content area. The subject tests are:

• Mathematics
• English Language Arts and Reading
• Science
• Social Studies

Each test consists of 100 questions and a score of 240 is required to pass.

3. The final option for middle school teacher TExES certification is to take combined subject tests. These tests can boost your resume and give you more flexibility because you will have achieved certification to teach two different subjects. The combined tests are Mathematics/Science and English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies 4-8. A score of 240 on the combined test is required to pass

High School

There is no core TExES certification exam for high school teachers. To teach at the high school level, you will need to pass a Texas teacher certification test for the specific subject you wish to teach.

All Grade Levels

All teachers in Texas are required to pass the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) EC-12 exam. To pass this test, you will need to show you have knowledge and skills of educational theory and pedagogy, including:

• Lesson and assessment design and implementation
• Management of professional roles and responsibilities
• Classroom management

This exam consists of 100 questions, and a score of 240 is required to pass.

Science of Teaching Reading Exam

Not everyone needs to take this exam, but the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam is a newer TExES content exam that the Texas Education Agency requires for some certifications. You only are required to take this exam if you want certification in the following areas:

• Early Childhood: EC - Grade 3
• Core Subjects with Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood - Grade 6
• Core Subjects with Science of Teaching Reading: Grades 4-8
• English Language Arts and Reading with Science of Teaching Reading: Grades 4-8
• English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies with Science of Teaching Reading: Grades 4-8

The STR exam is taken after the content exams but before the PPR.

For further details, The Texas Educator Certification Examination Program provides a complete list of TExES exams for you to choose from.

Discover How We Can Give You an Edge on Your TExES Certification Tests

TExES exam prep is a key step toward preparing yourself to take the TExES content exams. While a study guide may be helpful, Exam Edge offers a TExES practice test for every TExES certification exam available, giving you the opportunity to see the types of questions that will be asked and allowing you to feel even more confident going into the exam. Visit our site and find out how we can help you with your TExES test prep.