Chapter 3: Testing (Certification Exams)

Chapter 3

Testing (Certification Exams)

Purpose and Definition

According to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), there are specific requirements to becoming a classroom teacher. One of these requirements is passing scores on state-approved certification exams.

TExES: Texas Examinations of Educator Standards. The tests contain multiple-choice/selected-response questions. Some tests also have additional types of constructed-response questions (e.g., open-ended written or oral responses). Tests are administered by a state-approved vendor. NOTE: Test and Exam are used interchangeably within the Teacher Certification Handbook.

NEW Certification Exam!

The state is requiring the new Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam for teacher certification beginning January 1, 2021, for all candidates (undergrad, grad, post-bacc) seeking certification in EC-6 ESL, EC-6 Bilingual, 4-8 ELAR, 4-8 ELAR/SS, 4-8 Generalist, and Special Education. This state law was enacted in the 2019 legislative session as part of the HB3 school finance package. Click here for more details.

COVID and Testing Availability

Some links you may find useful:

Initial and Professional Certification Exams:

Pearson and ETS testing contact information and updates can be found below: Pearson – 1-800-877-4599
An update is posted on the program website.
Make sure your email is updated in ECOS.
Pearson VUE closure announcements are posted here