TExES|TOPT Policies and Procedures

Texas law requires every person seeking educator certification to perform satisfactorily on the TExES examinations. The purpose of these examinations is to ensure that each educator has the necessary content and professional knowledge necessary to perform in Texas public schools.The TExES examinations were developed for this purpose.

The following policies and procedures affect the completion of your path to certification. Therefore it is essential that you read this IMPORTANT information. You will be responsible for knowing this information and acting upon it accordingly.

Policies:

Every student must pass:

A SUBJECT EXAM
- Your SUBJECT test is your teaching field exam (i.e., EC-4 Generalist; 4-8 Generalist; 8-12 English, 8-12 Math; EC-12 ART, EC-12 MUSIC, EC-12 Special Education…)
A PPR (Pedagogy &Professional Responsibilities) TExES exam
- You must take the PPR exam (this is the “how to teach” exam) that corresponds with the certification level of the SUBJECT area for which you will be certified. EC-4 students take the EC-4 PPR. 4-8 students take the 4-8 PPR, 8-12s students take the 8-12 PPR and All-Level students take the EC-12 PPR

Students seeking Bilingual, Spanish and French certificates ALSO take the TOPT

What do I do to be eligible to take a TExES exam?

1. Take a PPR (Pedagogy & Professional Responsibilities) PRACTICE TEST (everyone must take one)

Scores from the PPR practice test will automatically be sent to Judy Cuevas in the Ctr. for Student and Professional Services.
Practice test dates can be found at: center-for-student-and-professional-services/teacher-certification/texes-topt-certification-exams/practice-tests-reviews.html
WE RECOMMEND taking all PRACTICE tests ONCE YOU HAVE APPLIED FOR STUDENT TEACHING.

2. SUBJECT area (ex. English, Math, History, PE, Art, Theatre…) requirements must be met in order to be eligible to test

Check the Texas State TExES website at center-for-student-and-professional-services/teacher-certification/texes-topt-certification-exams/department-contacts.html
Once you have met departmental requirements for your SUBJECT test, you must ask that department to email approval to Judy Cuevas at jc36@txstate.edu.
POST BACC STUDENTS: your plan MAY give you different instructions for the CONTENT/SUBJECT area. Follow the directions listed on your certification plan.

If you are directed to take a test for “diagnostic” purposes, make SURE to do it by the specified date. A failing score may require additional coursework which may delay your student teaching semester

Bilingual, French, and Spanish students must also take the TOPT (oral proficiency) examination.

The TOPT exam should be taken once you have applied for student teaching. There are VERY LIMITED TOPT test dates, so familiarize yourself with test dates and DEADLINES!!

When do I take my exams?

TExES examinations are taken once you have applied for student teaching AND IF you have met eligibility requirements.

Post Graduates: You should plan to take your “real” TExES exams once you have applied for student teaching AND IF you have met eligibility requirements, UNLESS otherwise specified on your certification plan
- POST BACC STUDENTS: Some post bacc students may have to take their CONTENT EXAM during the FIRST long semester of enrollment in the program. This is the "REAL" examination. You do NOT need departmental approval for your FIRST attempt. HOWEVER, if you fail the content area examination on the FIRST attempt, the appropriate academic department may require that additional coursework be completed PRIOR to attempting that examination again. THIS MAY DELAY YOUR STUDENT TEACHING SEMESTER. Refer to your Certification Plan. See an Academic Advisor if you have questions (512) 245-3050.
- Emergency permit students:TExES examinations are taken during the last semester of your two years of teaching AND you must have completed your coursework or be in the last semester of taking courses. You must also meet eligibility requirements like other students regarding PPR practice tests and CONTENT AREA department approval.

Deadlines for requesting approval to register for an exam:

Requests MUST be made AT LEAST TWO (2) weeks PRIOR to the STATED deadlines!
Any requests received after that date MAY NOT be issued.
Any late and emergency registration fees are the student's responsibility!