Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) is a standardized test developed by State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) for credentialing of teachers in the state. This test is administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS).
Eligibility-
This test can be taken by candidates meeting one of the criteria such as he/she is enrolled in an approved educator preparation program (university initial, university post baccalaureate, university alternative certification or alternative certification), is an out-of-state or out-of-country candidate, is a certification-by-exam candidate or a charter school candidate, or holds a temporary teacher certification. This test is not the only, but, one of the requirements of achieving teacher credential in Texas.
Test Overview-
TExES is a group of tests designed to examine subject knowledge and pedagogical skills of candidates interested in making a career in teaching. The tests in TExES can be categorized into two major classes- One for teacher certification like English as a second language, science 4-8, science 8-12, social studies 4-8, social studies 8-12 etc and second other certifications like superintendent exam, principal exam, pedagogy and principal responsibilities exam etc. Each test has its own content depending upon the objective of respective certification. These tests consist of multiple choice questions. There can also be written response questions in some of these tests like in the language tests. The time allotted in almost all these tests is five hours.
Test Registration-
TExES is available in two formats- paper based testing (PBT) and computer administered test (CAT). For registration, first off, one has to create a TEA ID at the official website of SBEC. Then, one has to make ETS testing account and register for TExES. The registration for paper and pencil based test can be done in three modes- online, mail and telephone. The registration by mail is available only to those candidates who do not have access to any electronic form of payment (credit/debit card or e-check). The registration by telephone is available only in emergency periods. For computer administered test, registrations are done only through internet and telephone.
Exam fees-
The fee per TExES test is $120. The fee for superintendent test (064) is $240, since it is a two session 10 hours test. There are additional charges for late registration, emergency registration, change of registration and score verification.
Test Scores-
TExES tests are scored in a scale of 100 to 300. The passing score is 240. This is a criterion referenced test, so performance of an examinee is evaluated in respect to a fixed standard instead of performance of other examinees. The scores are released within 90 days from the test. The scores are appended with certification file and sent to TEA and educator preparation program (if applicable). The results are never conveyed through telephone, fax, e-mail or in person.