The TExES Music EC–12 exam is an assessment test designed to test the knowledge of entry-level educators wanting to teach music in the Texas public school system.
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TExES Music EC–12 Exam Outline
The TExES Music EC–12 exam contains a total of 100 selected-response questions, and you will be given 4 hours and 45 minutes to complete it.
Teaching Standards
The TExES Music EC–12 exam is aligned with the 10 standards for educators that have been outlined by the State Board for Educator Certification.
Click the button below to see the full list of approved educator standards:
Approved Educator Standards
Standard I: You are expected to understand musical perception and performance.
Standard II: You are expected to sing and play a musical instrument.
Standard III: You are expected to understand music notation.
Standard IV: You are expected to create and arrange music.
Standard V: You are expected to understand music history and the relationship of music to history, society, and culture.
Standard VI: You are expected to evaluate musical compositions, performances, and experiences.
Standard VII: You are expected to understand how to plan and implement effective music instruction and provide students with learning experiences that enhance their musical knowledge, skills, and appreciation.
Standard VIII: You are expected to understand and implement appropriate management and discipline strategies for the music class.
Standard IX: You are expected to understand student assessment and use assessment results to design instruction and promote student progress.
Standard X: You are expected to understand professional responsibilities and interactions relevant to music instruction and the school music program.
Exam Domains
The exam is split into five domains, each of which covers one or more of the 10 standards mentioned above.
| Domain | Percentage of Exam | Standards Used |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Listening | 25% | I, III, V, and VI |
| 2. Music Theory and Composition | 17% | I, III, V, and VI |
| 3. Music History and Culture | 17% | V |
| 4. Music Classroom Performance | 25% | I, II, V-VII, IX, and X |
| 5. Music Education | 17% | V and VII-IX |
1. Listening (20%)
For the questions in this domain, you will be tested on your knowledge and abilities in the following areas:
- Standard terminology used to describe and analyze various elements in a musical recording
- Music of diverse styles, genres, and cultures
- Evaluation and critique of musical compositions and performances
2. Music Theory and Composition (17%)
For the questions in this domain, you will be tested on your knowledge and abilities in the following areas:
- Reading, writing, and interpreting standard music notation
- Methods and techniques of musical composition and improvisation
- Arranging music for a specific purpose/setting
3. Music History and Culture (17%)
For the questions in this domain, you will be tested on your knowledge and abilities in the following areas:
- The history of Western music
- Music of diverse styles, genres, and cultures
- The reflection of a specific society or culture through music
4. Music Classroom Performance (25%)
For the questions in this domain, you will be tested on your knowledge and abilities in the following areas:
- Methods and techniques for singing
- Methods and techniques for playing instruments
- Conducting vocal and instrumental performances
5. Music Education (17%)
For the questions in this domain, you will be tested on your knowledge and abilities in the following areas:
- Planning and implementing effective music instruction
- Providing students with learning experiences that enhance their musical skills, knowledge, and appreciation
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TExES Music EC–12 Exam Registration
To register for the 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 and schedule an exam date. When you register, you will need to pay the $116 examination fee.
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Test Day
On test day, you should arrive at the testing center 30 minutes early on the day of your testing appointment to allow time for the check-in process. Upon arrival, you will be asked to sign in and provide at least one form of valid photo ID.
After the check-in process is complete, you will be asked to leave all personal items (cell phone, wallet, keys, watch, bags, etc.) in a locker outside the testing area.
Once you enter the testing room, you will be given a brief tutorial on the computer-adaptive testing system before the exam begins.
How the TExES Music EC–12 Exam is Scored
The TExES Music EC-12 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.
The questions on this exam are rated on a scale of 100-300. The higher a question is rated, the harder the question is (e.g., a question marked as 290 will be more difficult than a question marked 190).
To pass the exam, your final question must be on or above the 240 mark. If your final question is below this mark, you will not pass the exam, even if you have answered some questions above the 240 mark at some point during the exam. This is because the computer has rated the difficulty of your final question based on how you answered the previous questions.
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FAQs
Q
How many questions are on the TExES Music EC-12 exam?
A
There are 100 selected-response questions on the exam.
Q
How long is the TExES Music EC-12 exam?
A
The time limit for the exam is 4 hours and 45 minutes.
Q
What is the passing score for the TExES Music EC-12 exam?
A
To pass the exam, you must achieve a scaled score of at least 240.
Q
How much does the TExES Music EC-12 exam cost?
A
The examination fee is $116.
