Chapter 3: Testing (Certification Exams)
: Office of Educator Preparation
: Texas State University
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College of Education
Office of Educator Preparation
Chapter 3: Testing (Certification Exams)
EFFECTIVE AS OF APRIL 29, 2024
All candidates must pass at least one designated
TExES
exam to be eligible for clinical teaching and must also pass the PPR exam as part of the EDST course requirement.
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FAQ List
Exam Requirements
Overview
Each certification program has details with prerequisites, and completion of coursework prior to granting test approval.  A passing practice test with a minimum score of 240 or 80%, applying for test approval, and deadlines for completing the exams.
See Timeline tables for your program:
Elementary
Mid-Level
Secondary
All-Level
Exam Requirements by Certification Area
Look up the exams requirements by your certification area-link document
Elementary Undergraduate
Bilingual Elementary Undergraduate
Middle-Level Undergraduate
All-Level Undergraduate
Secondary Undergraduate
Prerequisite for test approval
A digital online practice exam with a minimum score of 240 or 80% must be submitted to show evidence of readiness OR an upload of the practice exam completed as part of coursework.
See section ‘Study for Exams’ for resources on free practice exams and study materials.
Apply for Test Approval
Select which exam you are requesting initial test approval:
PPR
Content Exam
Supplemental Exam
STR
Study for Exams
Overview
The Office of Educator Preparation recommends the Preparation Manuals from the state-approved testing vendor. All other resources listed on this page are for your general information. Choose resources that fit your specific test preparation needs.
State-Approved Testing Vendor: Preparation Manuals
Pearson Preparation Manuals, Practice Exams, and Tutorials
TExES Exam Preparation and digital online practice exam
240 Tutoring
Certify Teacher
discount available for TXST students and alumni.
Contact the
Office of Educator Preparation
Mometrix
TExES Practice
(FREE quiz)
TExES Secrets Study Guide
TExES Flashcard Study System
Passage Preparation - Affordable Certification Exam Study Materials
Science of Teaching Reading (293)- Preparation Material
Supplemental Resources
Alkek Library
(FREE) Tip: Search catalog for "TExES"
Khan Academy
(FREE)
Study.com
TExES Music Prep
(for MUSIC STUDENTS)
Ultimate Guide to the Core Subjects EC-6
Research and Education Association (REA)
K-12 Text Books
Visit the TEA website
, scroll down to "Most Popular Links," click on "Currently Adopted Instructional Materials," and download PDF of K-12 text books. Search for books related to your certification area and, if available, borrow from Alkek Library or purchase through a third party.
AAFCS
Visit the
AAFCS Credentialing Center
for Family Consumer Science Composite, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Food Science, Human Development and Family Studies.
For Faculty
Representative Exams
How to Register for the Exams
Register through the Texas Educator Certification Exam Program
Once you have approval from the Educator Preparation Program, you may register
for your exams
through the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program hosted by Pearson.  You will need to first create a Pearson testing account using your TEA ID number.
Register online:
Create a testing account through the
Texas Educator Certification Examination Program (Pearson)
PASL Candidates ONLY:
Create a testing account through
ETS website
If you cannot register
If you received a Test Approval email but you cannot register for your exams, simply email the
Office of Educator Preparation
with your name, Student ID (Axxxxxxxx), and a brief explanation that you cannot register.
How to Reapply for Test Approval
If you fail an exam
In compliance with Texas Education Agency (TEA) rules, candidates are allowed five (5) attempts to pass a certification exam. If you fail an exam, you must seek approval from your Educator Preparation Program to take the exam again.
Although you must wait 30 days to sit for the exam, you can submit the Retake Request Form immediately upon receiving failing scores.
Review the Five (5) Attempt Limit Policy.
Download your Exam Score Report(s) for the failed exam from the
Texas Education Certification Examination Program (Pearson)
. You will need to attach these to the Retake Request Form.
Submit the
TExES Retake Request Form
Please allow 3 business days for a response.
Check your BobcatMail or the email you provided on the Retake Request Form.
Within 3 business days you will receive an email with instructions to complete specific study activities.
Once you complete the study activities and email the documentation to the Office of Educator Preparation, you will receive test approval. OEP will email you at the email address you provide on the Retake Request Form.
If you exceed your five attempts
In compliance with Texas Education Agency (TEA) rules, candidates are allowed five (5) attempts to pass a certification exam.
If you exceed those five attempts, you may appeal to the State Board of Educator Certification:
See
FIVE (5) Attempt Limit Policy, SBEC Waiver.
Limited number of attempts
Five (5) Attempt Limit
The
Texas Education Agency
(TEA) limits candidates to
FIVE (5)
attempts to take a certification test. The five attempts include the first attempt to pass the examination and four retakes. The five attempts include any of the test approval methods (i.e., PACT, EPP, Out of State, Charter, and CBE). The TEA implemented this change to Texas Education Code §21.048 in response to House Bill 2205, 84th Texas Legislature, 2015.
Content Exams:
If you do not pass your content exam(s) within the allowed number of attempts, you will not be eligible for certification in that particular subject.
Pedagogy and Professional Responsibility (PPR) Exams:
If you do not pass the PPR within the allowed number of attempts,
you will not be eligible for teacher certification in any subject or grade level in the state of Texas.
Waiver (appeal to State Board of Educator Certification
Waiver:
If you do not pass an exam within FIVE (5) attempts, you may appeal for a waiver. This is processed through the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) for approval. Instructions are on the
Texas Education Agency (TEA) website
Additional Exams Policy
Policy
In compliance with Test Readiness rules outlined by the Texas Education Agency, you are eligible to test only within your officially declared certification area.
You cannot take additional exams until you become a certified teacher, even if potential employers ask you to take other exams.
Exam Requirements by Certification Area:
Elementary -
UG
BIL ELEMENTARY -
UG
Middle Level -
UG
Secondary
All-Level -
UG
Initial Test Approval Applications:
PPR
Content Exam
Supplemental Exam
SCIENCE OF TEACHING READING (STR)
Retake Exam Request Application:
RETAKE APPLICATION
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