Use Our Resources to Prepare for Texas State Exams

Use Our Resources to Prepare for State Exams

Test Selection & Approval

The Texas Education Agency requires each teacher candidate to pass a subject-specific certification exam. Our Program Advisors play an important role in helping you select the certification area(s) which complement your skills and interests to give you the best chance to get hired. Passing a certification exam, in the subject area you are pursuing, demonstrates your Subject Matter Knowledge.

Beginning on September 1, 2018, TExES tests will be administered through Pearson. Click here for more details.

Certification Areas

Test Preparation

Texas Teachers offers online exam preparation modules to help prepare for most certification area exams.

Study Resources

When preparing for an exam, familiarize yourself with the material, as well as the format of the test by passing your required test prep module(s) in the intern portal. Need to know more about testing? Our Resources page provides information on where to find free preparation manuals, tests at-a-glance, test familiarization videos, and interactive practice tests.

Our Online Study Community is a forum where candidates share their study tips and test feedback.

There are also several reputable private test preparation companies who provide study guides and in-person classes; see our Resources page for our recommendations.

Test Admin

As of September 1, 2018, the majority of certification exams are computer-administered through a vendor, Pearson. Click here for more details.

Follow our step-by-step guide to register for necessary exams.

The Science of Teaching Reader (STR) Exam

As of January 1, 2021, all teachers in the state of Texas are required to pass the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam if you are seeking certification in one or multiple of the following subject areas listed below. Texas Teachers will provide you immediate access to our comprehensive online STR review coursework, once you enroll in the program.

Candidates pursuing certification in the following must take the STR exam:

  • Core Subjects 4-8,
  • Core Subjects EC-6,
  • English Language Arts and Reading 4-8; and/or
  • English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies 4-8.

The Pedagogy and Professional
Responsibilities Exam

All teachers in the state of Texas are required to pass the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) exam to receive a Standard Certificate. Texas Teachers will give you access to the online PPR review coursework, once you begin teaching on the Intern Certificate. After passing the review, you will be approved to register for the exam.

PPR Exam

ESL Certification

ESL is short for English as a second language, and ESL certification is required of teachers who wish to help these students receive the appropriate instruction. ESL certification is in high demand, especially in Texas. This is because so much of the Texas population comprises those who do not speak English as their primary language. In order to gain ESL certification, teachers must take a supplemental exam. This means, that they must take a subject area exam in the field that they want to teach, as well as, pass the corresponding ESL supplemental exam.

TX PACT

The TX PACT, or Pre-Admission Content Test, is an exam that individuals can take if they do not meet the GPA requirements for a teacher preparation program. This means if you have a 4-year degree and a 2.3-2.49 GPA, you can apply to the PACT Path through Texas Teachers of Tomorrow. Learn more about the various paths individuals can take when looking to pursue a teaching career in professional education.

FAQs

How many TExES Teacher Certification Exams Do I need to Take?

When looking into how many TExES teacher certification exams you need to take, know that there are a variety of options. Which test you take depends on what grade level you want to teach. If you are pursuing Early Childhood Education, you can take the (292) Early ChildhoodLPK-3 (EC-3) exam. Those who want to teach Elementary School will need to pass the Core Subjects EC-6 (391) exam. If you are interested in teaching middle school, you should take the TExES Core Subjects 4-8 (211) exam. Lastly, if you are looking to teach high school, you must pass an exam in the specific content area in which you are pursuing. Regardless of age, all teachers are also required to take the EC-12, which is a Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities test.

Which Tests are Required for Teachers in Texas

The tests that are required for teachers in Texas are subject-specific. That means, depending on the subject area that you are pursuing, you will need to take a certification test that is specific to that subject. In addition, if you are seeking certification in Core Subjects 4-8, Core Subjects EC-6, English Language Arts and Reading 4-8, and/or English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies 4-8, you will need to pass the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam. Lastly, all teachers in the state of Texas must pass the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) exam to receive a certificate.

Where Do I Sign Up for TExES Certification Tests?

Interested in signing up for one of the TExES certification tests? Individuals who want to register are able to sign up with Pearson through the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program website. Find out more and register with Pearson today!

What is the Texas Content Exam?

The Texas Content Exam refers to the test an individual must take for the specific subject they are interested in teaching in Texas. The content exams make up the TExES exam, which tends to be a broad term that encompasses individual exams. All of these tests range in style, however, most contain multiple-choice questions and those that require written responses.

What is the PPR Exam?

The PPR Exam is a test that measures an individual’s knowledge of theory and pedagogy. PPR stands for Professional Pedagogy and Responsibilities. This test is made up of 90 questions, and 240 points are needed to pass the exam itself. When taking the PPR exam, individuals are given 5 hours, but most tend to finish the exam within 2.5 hours. If you finish the exam early, it’s recommended that you go over your work before turning it in!

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