TExES Exam

The Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) are a series of standardized tests designed to assess the knowledge and skills of individuals seeking certification as educators in the state of Texas.

These tests cover a wide range of subjects and grade levels, as well as various specialized areas such as special education and school counseling.

Free TExES Practice Tests

Use the free TExES practice test questions below to get a better understanding of each TExES exam.

• Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources 6-12 (272)
• American Sign Language (184)
• Art EC-12 (178)
• Bilingual Education Supplemental (164)
• Bilingual Target Language Proficiency – Spanish (190)
• Business and Finance 6-12 (276)
• Chemistry 7-12 (240)
• Computer Science 8-12 (241)
• Core Subjects 4-8 (211)
• Core Subjects EC-6 (391)
• Dance 6-12 (279)
• Educational Diagnostician (253)
• English as a Second Language Supplemental (154)
• English Language Arts and Reading 4-8 (217)
• English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 (231)
• English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies 4-8 (113)
• Gifted and Talented Supplemental (162)
• Health EC-12 Test (157)
• Health Science 6-12 (273)
• History 7-12 (233)
• Journalism 7-12 (256)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Spanish (613)
• Life Science 7-12 (238)
• Mathematics 4-8 (115)
• Mathematics 7-12 (235)
• Mathematics/Science 4–8 (114)
• Music EC–12 (177)
• Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities 6-12 (270)
• Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12 (160)
• Physical Education EC-12 (158)
• Physical Science 6-12 (237)
• Principal as Instructional Leader (268)
• Reading Specialist (151)
• School Counselor (252)
• School Librarian (150)
• Science 4-8 (116)
• Science 7-12 (236)
• Science of Teaching Reading (293)
• Social Studies 4-8 (118)
• Social Studies 7-12 (232)
• Special Education EC-12 (161)
• Special Education Supplemental (163)
• Speech 7-12 (129)
• Superintendent (195)
• Technology Education 6-12 (171)
• Theatre EC-12 (180)

TExES Exam Eligibility

To meet the eligibility requirements for a TExES exam, you must be enrolled in or have completed an approved educator preparation program (EPP).

What’s On a TExES Exam?

The majority of the TExES exams contain selected-response (multiple-choice) questions. There are a few of the exams that also include written questions with short essay-style answers, and some exams have spoken-response questions.

Each exam has a set time limit, generally 4 hours and 45 minutes. You will also be given an additional 15 minutes before the exam begins to walk through a computer-adaptive testing (CAT) tutorial and a compliance agreement.

Computer-Adaptive Testing

Every TExES exam is computer-adaptive. Here’s a look at how it works:

The first question is judged to be of medium difficulty, and depending on your performance, the next question may be easier or harder. If you do well on the first question, the second question will be harder; conversely, if you do poorly on the first question, the second question will be easy.

TExES Exam Registration

To register for a TExES exam, you must create an online NES account via their website. Once your account has been created, you can use it to register for the exam you wish to take and schedule an exam date. After you register you have 170 days to schedule your exam.

The cost of the TExES exams can differ slightly, but the majority of the exams cost $116.

Active-Duty Military Cost Reduction Waiver

Active-duty members of the military and their spouses may qualify for an $11 cost reduction for the price of their TExES exam. To be awarded the cost reduction a written request must be sent to TEA. Your TEA ID, the last four digits of your social security number, a copy of both the front and back of your military ID as well as your state ID will need to be sent along with your written request. Spouses of active-duty military members will also need to send a copy of their marriage license along with the written request and other proofs of identification.

Veterans may also qualify for the discount. A veteran will need to include a copy of their DD-214 certification with their written request to TEA.

TExES Exam Scores

The TExES exams are scored using a scaled scoring system. First, your raw score is determined, which is done by adding together how many questions you answered correctly. Then, your raw score is converted into a numerical score on a scale from 100 to 300. You will need a minimum score of 240 to pass your exam.

This scaled scoring system is used because there are different versions of the exam given to each group of test-takers. Since different testers are given different questions, raw scores do not always represent fair comparisons between the different exams. Scaled scoring allows the variability in difficulty to be considered so candidates have an equal opportunity no matter what version of the exam they are given.

Retaking a TExES Exam

If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, you may retake the exam up to four times. You must wait a minimum of 45 days between attempts, and you must pay the full examination fee each time.

TExES Certification Renewal

The certification you earn by taking a TExES exam will need to be renewed, but the certification is generally good for a period of five years. Before the end of the five years, you will need to apply for a renewal examination.

Certain requirements, such as a specified number of continuing education hours (CPE) will be mandatory before you are eligible to take the renewal examinations.

FAQs