Texas Teachers - Alternative Certification

TExES Tests

Two types of tests:

Content

• This is a test of your content mastery for a given subject and grade level.
• There is a specific content test for just about every one of the 60+ certification areas.
• Every time you pass a content test it makes you Highly Qualified (HQ) in that subject area. This is an important step in getting hired.

PPR Test

• The Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) exam is a theory test.
• You only take this test once you have been hired and are teaching on the probationary certificate.
• You must complete a required review provided by Texas Teachers before you can register.

Two different methods to take TExES tests:

Paper Based Test (PBT)

• All TExES tests are offered on paper.
• Paper tests are only offered on announced dates, about every 60 days or so.
• Paper test locations fill up quickly.
• Scores take about three weeks to obtain.

Computer Administered Test (CAT)

• Many content tests and the PPR are offered on computer.
• Computer test are offered several times per week at various locations.
• Your scores are available in three to five days.
• You must wait 60 days to retake test on computer again.
• We recommend taking a computer test whenever possible.

See All Computer Tests

Testing Company

Educational Testing Service (ETS) is the testing vendor hired by the state to administer all tests. You will need to communicate directly with them to complete the test registration process and for all technical issues.

ETS Testing Website

Test Selection and Approval

Texas Teachers staff play an important role in helping you to select the content test(s) that complement your background and give you the best chances to get hired. Please make sure to stay in communication with an advisor regarding your test strategy and progress. An advisor must officially approve you with the state before you can register for any test.

Register

Print Registration Steps

1st Step: Talk to an Advisor

Texas Teachers must have your completed application, official transcripts, and personal information, including:

• Legal Name (must match your government issued ID exactly)
• Social Security number
• Date of Birth
• E-mail Address
• Test(s) you are interested in taking

If you do not have a U.S. Social Security number, we will issue you a temporary PIN number to use in place of it.

2nd Step: Obtain your TEA Identification Number

You must set up an account with the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). Select "Candidate Participating in Educator Preparation Program" under "Application Applying For." Once you have set up the account, you will immediately receive your TEA ID number.

Your TEA ID number is also available within your Intern Portal.

Note: You do not need to apply for your probationary until you are hired to be a teacher; however applying early will expedite your background check.

For more detailed instructions on setting up a New Educator SBEC Online Account, go to:

SBEC Instructions

3rd Step: Register for the Exam

You must also set up a different account with ETS. This will allow you to access the testing site and register for test(s). You will need your TEA ID number.

More information on registration at ETS testing page:

Detailed Registration Info

* Remember that ETS is the testing vendor hired by the state to administer all aspects of testing. Also, you will be unable to register for a test unless Texas Teachers has given you approval in advance.

Problems with Registration

1. If you have trouble registering, or if the error message says your information does not match, we'll need to confirm your:

   • Date of Birth
   • Social Security Number
   • E-mail Address
   • Legal Name

   Note: The information you give the state in the above fields must match exactly what you give us. If the information does not match, you will not be able to register for any tests.

2. If the test you are registering for does not appear for selection, you will need to contact Texas Teachers to check what tests you have been approved to take.
3. If the test date you want does not appear for the certification exam you have selected, then that location is full and you will need to choose another location or date.

TExES Computer-Administered Test (CAT)

Computer tests are offered several times a week at specific computer testing facilities around the state and country. Scores are available on your Intern Portal about a week after testing. We suggest you take a computer test whenever possible due to its speed and accessibility over the paper tests.

See All Computer Tests

Test Dates

Paper Based tests are offered about once every 60 days:

Test Dates on ETS Website

Browse available testing locations:

Test Locations on ETS Website

Study

You must prepare yourself thoroughly for the content and PPR tests. It's important to familiarize yourself with the material, the style and the strategy for each individual test you'll take.

• Most districts will not hire you until you have passed the content test for the subject they want you to teach in.
• You take the PPR exam only after you have been hired and it is a requirement to receive your standard certificate.

Failing the test only sets you back. Since many of the tests are offered on such limited dates, you could easily lose valuable time and money if you have to retake it at a later date.

• Failing the content test can cause you to miss an employment window and not be hired.
• Failing the PPR test can delay your certification, extending it beyond the one year internship, or can even prevent you from earning certification at all.

Study Resources

These are the leading study materials available which will help you prepare for the tests. They include books, online classes and seminars specifically designed for each of the certification area tests. We recommend that you use the free state preparation manual as well as purchase a book from one of the private companies listed below. Also be sure to review the Online Study Community for more testing insights.

• State Preparation Manuals
• Family and Consumer Sciences Exam Study Guide

Private Test Prep Companies

• Certify Teacher
• TExES Flash Card Secrets Study Guides
• Pass The TExES
• Texas Reviews
• Get Certified Texas
• Texas Study
• TExES Secret Study Guides
• TExES Exam Practice Tests

Online Study Community

Our online study community offers comments and strategies from people just like you who are studying for and taking tests. Please share your own thoughts with your colleagues and post a comment!

Enter Study Community

Test Taking

Review these pages on the ETS testing site for more information about testing and obtaining your scores.

• Day of the Test
• Understanding Test Results
• View Scores