Undergraduate Teacher Candidate Handbook: Texas Examination of Educator Standards

Examination Requirements for Initial Teacher Certification

To become a Texas teacher, candidates must pass the examinations required by the Legislature in Texas Education Code (TEC) §21.048 and the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) in Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §233.1(e). The Texas Education Agency (TEA) administers these tests through a testing vendor. These tests are generally referred to as the Texas Examination of Educator Standards or “TExES” exams.

Teacher Certification in Texas

In order to become a certified teacher in Texas, an individual must:

be Texas Success Initiative (TSI) complete,
complete 50 hours of field based experience,
earn a bachelor’s degree,
complete an approved educator certification program,
complete a clinical experience
pass state certification examinations in both content and pedagogy, and
apply to the Texas Education agency (TEA) Certification and be recommended by the certification program or entity

Prior to taking the ‘official' TExES exams, teacher candidates must first demonstrate their readiness by submitting a practice exam score which qualifies them for approval.

For Initial certification, see below chart for required certification TExES examinations.

Table 3: Current Initial Certifications and Requirements

Certification	Requirements
EC-6 Areas EC-6 Core Subjects ESL embedded English as second language (ESL)	TExES 391 Core Subjects EC-6 Exam TExES 293 STR Exam TExES 160 PPR Exam Supplemental TExES 154 ESL (optional)
EC-6 Core Subjects/SpEd	TExES 391 Core Subjects EC-6 Exam TExES 293 STR Exam TExES 160 PPR Exam Optional: Supplemental TExES 161 Special Education
EC-6 Bilingual	TExES 391 Core Subjects EC-6 Exam TExES 293 STR Exam TExES 160 PPR Exam TExES Spanish 190 – (BTLPT) Bilingual target Language Proficiency Test Supplemental TExES 164 Bilingual
4-8 Areas ELAR Math Science Math/Science Social Studies	*Supplemental Exams – Supplemental exams are only required if they are a part of your degree plan TExES 117 ELAR Content Exam TExES 293 STR Exam TExES 160 PPR Exam TExES 115 Math Content Exam TExES 160 PPR Exam TExES 116 Science Content Exam TExES 160 PPR Exam TExES 114 Content Exam TExES 160 PPR Exam TExES 118 Content Exam TExES 160 PPR Exam

TExES Test Preparation and Testing

Authorizations for Approvals

ALL exams require approvals. Prior to taking the ‘official' TExES exams, teacher candidates must first demonstrate their readiness by submitting a practice exam score which qualifies them for approval.

Approval Process (includes practice tests, receiving a required score, submission of full practice score report) etc… Then, candidates will receive instructions through email from Alleigh Phillips, exam coordinator.

Candidates during ELED 300, will submit TK20, a baseline score report from Mometrix for their content exam. For EC-6, this will be Exam #1 Interactive – Core Subjects (391); For 4-8, this will be Exam #1 Interactive – Content specific (ELAR, Math, Sci., etc)

Testing Attempt	Expectations for Testing Approval for EC-6 and 4-8
First Attempt	Purchase Certify Teacher and select the online interactive practice option. The study tracker should be enabled. $35 for 3 years access (with ETAMU promo code – TEXES4728) Complete 100% of the study tracker Score at least 80% 4-8 – specific content exam EC-6 – all 5 areas on the Core Subjects exam Submit a request to take the TExES exam by completing this form.
Second Attempt	If approval for a second attempt is needed, the student will be required to submit additional evidence of readiness: − An overall passing score report of 80% or higher in each subject area assessed on the Representative Exam in the testing center on campus. There is a 30 day waiting period between Representative Exam attempts. Upon completion of the Representative Exam your center coordinator will receive your scores, share them with you and talk with you about your next steps.

Testing Attempt

Expectations for Testing Approval for EC-6 and 4-8

First Attempt

Purchase Certify Teacher and select the online interactive practice option. The study tracker
should be enabled. $35 for 3 years access (with ETAMU promo code – TEXES4728)
Complete 100% of the study tracker
Score at least 80%
4-8 – specific content exam
EC-6 – all 5 areas on the Core Subjects exam
Submit a request to take the TExES exam by completing this form.

Second Attempt

If approval for a second attempt is needed, the student will be required to submit additional evidence of readiness:
− An overall passing score report of 80% or higher in each subject area assessed on the Representative Exam in the testing center on campus.
There is a 30 day waiting period between Representative Exam
attempts.
Upon completion of the Representative Exam your center coordinator will receive your scores, share them with you and talk with you about your next steps.