Test Overview

The State of Texas requires that you take and pass certain tests before you receive your full Standard Certification.

1. Test Name

The tests were previously called the ExCET but are now being phased out. The new tests are called the TExES (Texas Examinations of Educator Standards).

(Hint: do not confuse this with the THEA test which you may not need to take. Ask us.)

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2. Two Types of Tests

Content

• Specific to the content for a given subject area and grade level. Over 60 different tests cover most certification areas.
• Most schools require you to pass this test before they will hire.

PPR (Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities)
• One test with four versions for different grade levels
• Take this test only after
• You have a teaching position, and
• You have taken and passed all content test(s), and
• You have taken all required review sessions

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3. Two testing methods - Computer administered or paper test

Computer Test (Only a few tests are offered.)
Content
• Bilingual Education Supplement (102)
• English as a Second Language Supplement (154)
• English Language Arts & Reading 4-8 (117)
• Generalist EC-4 (101)
• Generalist 4-8 (111)
• Health EC-12 (157)
• History 8-12 (133)
• Life Sciences 8-12 (138)
• Mathematics 4-8 (115)
• Mathematics 8-12 (135)
• Music EC-12 (177)
• Physical Education EC-12 (158)
• Science 4-8 (116)
• Science 8-12 (136)
• Social Studies 4-8 (118)
• Special Education EC-12 (161)
PPR
• Pedagogy & Professional Responsibilities EC-4 (100)
• Pedagogy & Professional Responsibilities EC-12 (160)
• Pedagogy & Professional Responsibilities 4-8 (110)
• Pedagogy & Professional Responsibilities 8-12 (130)

These computer tests are offered many times every month at specific computer testing facilities around the state and country. Official scores are sent in US mail about a week after testing.

Paper Test
• Most content tests are offered this way only, and on the announced test dates (about every 60 days). Official scores are sent in US mail about three weeks later.

You may take two different tests --computer or paper-- on a given test date.

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4. Retaking

If you don't pass a TExES or ExCET test, you can register to retake it
• Computer test - 60 days after your last (failed) test date
• Paper test - The next test date

You must submit a new registration along with payment.

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5. Specialty test - Bilingual, Spanish, French

TOPT - Texas Oral Proficiency Test
• Required for candidates who plan to teach Bilingual, Spanish or French
• A verbal test to assess your ability to speak Spanish or French
• Offered on special test dates. Ask Texas Teachers for assistance with this.
• TOPT test. Only for Bilingual, Spanish & French. Click Here

LOTE - Languages Other than English
• Used to meet teacher certification requirements for Languages Other Than English (LOTE): Russian EC-12, Japanese EC-12, Arabic EC-12, Vietnamese EC-12, and Chinese EC-12. Click Here

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6. Other Tests – You may not need to take these. Ask us.

    (These tests may not be required)

TSE - Test of Spoken English
• Measures the ability of non-native speakers of English to communicate effectively
• Houston ISD requires this of all bilingual applicants
Click here for more info
THEA - Texas Higher Education Assessment
• Designed to assess the reading, mathematics and writing skills for college level courses.
Click here for more info