TExES Exams

The Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) is the state-mandated test which evaluates a teacher candidate's content knowledge. Only Fellows who have taken the TExES will be eligible for hire by partner school districts. As soon as Fellows take the exam, they are immediately referred to districts for early hiring consideration. In 2007, 85% of TTF enrollees passed the required exam within two test administrations.

In order to provide multiple testing opportunities, Fellows are expected to take the exam at the first available administration that is offered. Failure to register for and pass the exam will delay or prevent candidates’ ability to secure a teaching position as a member of the Texas Teaching Fellows program. In addition, by testing early, Fellows are more likely to pass the required exams by TTF’s deadline. Please remember, many of these tests are challenging—especially the secondary math and science and the bilingual generalist exams. Successful passage of these exams will require in-depth preparation. TTF candidates should NOT approach these exams without studying sufficiently.

There are only three test administration opportunities Fellows may use before the start of the school year. TTF encourages applicants to apply early in order to have multiple testing opportunities. In fact, in 2006, 100% of 2006 Fellows who tested at the February administration were hired by the start of school, and 99% of those who tested at the April administration were hired by the start of school.

"Taking the test in February meant that once Institute came I could focus on my classroom, my FA sessions, and interviewing instead of studying and spending a much-needed Saturday taking a test!" – Dallas 2006 Fellow

Test Schedule

*Please note that the Educational Testing Service (ETS), and not TTF, is responsible for setting these test dates and for administering the examination.  In addition, testing locations fill up quickly; we recommend you register immediately upon being accepted into our program.

Registering for the TExES Exam

Upon acceptance into the program, TTF will inform candidates of the content area to which they have been assigned. In addition, TTF will approve candidates to take the next appropriate TExES content exam with the state’s education agency. Candidates will then register for the appropriate exam at www.texes.ets.org. Candidates are responsible for all testing fees. Testing sites fill up quickly; please register for the exam upon acceptance.

Preparing for the TExES Content Exam

It is important for Fellows to approach these exams seriously and to develop a detailed study plan. The TTF office has study materials for each of the exams that Fellows can access. In addition, we provide study tips and suggestions and in person preparation for a variety of exams once candidates enroll in our program.

While the following sites are not endorsed by TTF, Fellows may also find the following links helpful as they prepare to pass the TExES exams.

Study Guides and Manuals

http://www.texes.ets.org/prepMaterials/
http://www.testbooksonline.com/texes.htm
http://www.xamonline.com/
http://getcertifiedtexas.com/

http://www.passthetexes.com/

http://www.texesstudy.com/index.html

http://www.texas-teachingsolutions.com/

http://www.texesreviews.com/index.html

TOPT Testing Requirements

The Texas Oral Proficiency Test (TOPT) is an additional exam which must be taken and passed by all Bilingual education teachers. Unlike the TExES, the TOPT is not used to determine “highly qualified” status; therefore passing scores are not required prior to entering the classroom in the fall. However, in order to be recommended for certification, Texas Teaching Fellows requires that Fellows take and pass this exam by April of the first year in the classroom.

To register for the TExES and/or TOPT, visit http://www.texes.ets.org/.

Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR)

During the first year in the classroom, Fellows are also required to pass the PPR exam in order to be recommended for standard certification. This exam must also be taken and passed by April of the first year of teaching. We encourage that Fellows allow themselves at least two opportunities to pass this exam during the year. To register for the PPR exam, visit http://www.texes.ets.org/.

"If I had taken the test earlier I know I would have had a job earlier, which would have made the summer a lot less stressful." – Dallas 2006 Fellow