What is the TExES Gifted and Talented Supplemental Exam?
The TExES Gifted and Talented Supplemental, or TExES 162, exam is one of several content exams that the state of Texas uses for TExES teacher certification as part of the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program. Specifically, the TExES Gifted and Talented exam is designed to test the skills and knowledge of teachers wishing to work with students who demonstrate high performance in leadership or one or more academic areas. Teachers must pass the TExES 162 to meet the qualifications required to work with this population of students from early childhood through grade 12. This certification is not a stand-alone certificate and is intended to be added to a base certificate.
The TExES GT exam is divided into two different domains:
Foundations of Gifted Education
Assessment, Curriculum, and Instruction
Each domain covers a range of competencies designed to test candidates' knowledge of seven standards related to the field. Let's discuss the various details of the TExES Gifted and Talented Supplemental exam.
What Content is on the TExES Gifted and Talented Supplemental Exam?
Within the two domains included on the TExES Gifted and Talented Supplemental exam, candidates will be tested over five different competencies. The first domain of the TExES Gifted and Talented test covers two competencies and the second domain covers three. Here, we will discuss each domain in depth.
Foundations of Gifted Education
The first domain of the TExES Gifted and Talented Supplemental exam, the Foundations of Gifted Education, makes up about 40% of the exam. This domain covers a range of general concepts and skills that are important to the field of gifted and talented education. It is a little more general in nature, as it tests candidates' knowledge of the history of the field, their understanding of the characteristics of the students they will be working with, and the professional aspects of their role as a gifted and talented teacher. Specifically, the domain will cover the following competencies:
1. Candidates understand the different foundational concepts of the field and their role as a gifted and talented teacher. This competency tests' candidates' knowledge of:
research studies in the field
trends in gifted education (at various levels), and related definitions
legal and ethical issues
professional development opportunities
resources for gifted and talented students
methods for advocating for gifted and talented education
2. Candidates know and apply the various characteristics (emotional, cognitive, and social) and needs of their students in gifted and talented education. This section helps ensure that testers know how to:
identify characteristics of gifted students
analyze issues associated with the development of gifted students
understand issues related to gifted students
address the needs of these students, including methods for addressing underachievement, and utilizing theories of educational psychology
Assessment, Curriculum, and Instruction
The second domain of the TExES Gifted and Talented exam, Assessment, Curriculum, and Instruction, makes up the other 60% of the exam. This domain gets into the specific techniques and methods used for teaching gifted and talented students and is designed to ensure that teachers know how to manage their classroom, plan their activities and assessments, and teach the material to their gifted and talented students. Test takers will need to answer questions pertaining to the following competencies:
1 Candidates have knowledge of assessment procedures and issues, such as identification and evaluation, for gifted and talented students. Test takers will be asked to:
show differences between formal and informal assessments, screening and identification procedures, and how to use Texas guidelines to identify gifted and talented students
demonstrate their skills in analyzing assessment results and using assessments to adjust their instruction and measure program goals
2. Candidates understand systematic program and curriculum design. This competency checks candidates' knowledge of:
how to use research in curriculum design
how to adjust curriculum as needed based on student needs and manage plans for projects
how concepts need to be included in the content of lessons
state requirements for programs, curriculum standards, and program evaluation methods
3. Candidates know how to include learning experiences and create environments that implement instructional practices that are supported by research. Candidates must demonstrate their understanding of:
current research in the field, characteristics of differentiated instruction, grouping practices, and independent study methods
teacher roles in gifted learning, adapting learning environments, and strategies for achieving learning goals
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Format of the TExES Gifted and Talented Supplemental Exam
The TExES Gifted and Talented Supplemental exam is a computer-based exam. Test takers have 5 hours to answer 80 selected-response questions. Each domain on the TExES Gifted and Talented test contains a different number of questions. The tables below provide an overview of the exam.
Overview of TExES 162
Format
Delivery
Computer-based
Time Limit
5 hours
Number of Questions
80
Question Format
Selected-response
Domain Name
Approximate Number of Questions
Foundations of Gifted Education
32
Assessment, Curriculum and Instruction
48
Exam Questions
Although all the questions on the TExES Gifted and Talented Supplemental exam are selected-response questions, test takers will still need to answer the questions in different ways. For example, some questions require candidates to select all the answers that apply, check boxes, or select answers from a drop-down menu. There are also questions on the TExES Gifted and Talented test that may have test takers click on parts of graphics or sentences, type answers in an entry box, or drag and drop answers to a target area.
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Candidates will need to register for the TExES Gifted and Talented Supplemental exam by going to the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program website, creating a Pearson testing account, and linking their TEA (Texas Education Agency) ID number. They will then be able to select the TExES Gifted and Talented test from a list for TExES registration. If they would like, they can go ahead and schedule their exam, but they do not have to. Then, testers will answer background questions and submit their payment for the test.
Fees, Payment Methods, and Refunds
The TExES exam cost $116 to take the TExES Gifted and Talented exam. This is the same price for any necessary retakes. Candidates must pay using a VISA or Mastercard debit or credit card. Candidates are eligible for a refund of their $116 minus $25 (for a total of $91) if they cancel their exam at least 48 hours prior to test time. Refunds are credited back to the card that was used at the time of registration.
TExES Gifted and Telented Supplemental Exam Scoring
The TExES exam passing score for the TExES Gifted and Talented Supplemental exam is 240. Scores for the TExES Gifted and Talented are reported on a scale of 100 to 300.
Test takers will be able to see several different scores on their score report. The total test performance will notify candidates if they passed or not. There will also be a performance by domain score and a performance by competency score that shows testers the number of correct answers they got in each domain and competency, respectively. Some tests include a holistic score for constructed-response questions, but these are not included on the TExES 162.
Since the TExES 162 exam is a selected-response exam, test takers will receive their scores within 7 days of their test day. The exact date will vary based on a candidate's TExES exam dates, but can be found on the Pearson Texas Educator Certification Examination Program website.
Retake Policy
Under the TExES exam retake policy, candidates are able to retake the TExES Gifted and Talented Supplemental exam. However, test takers are limited to a total of five attempts at the exam (the initial test date and four additional retakes). Should candidates need additional retakes beyond their allotted attempts, they must complete a test-limit waiver. This waiver must then be approved by the TEA. Test takers must also wait 30 days to retake an exam. Testers can register for a retake after the scores for their previous attempt have been posted.
TExES Gifted and Talented Supplemental Exam Logistics
TExES exams are available at CAT (computer-administered test) sites throughout the state of Texas and nationwide. The exams are not available for at-home testing. Test takers can choose from testing appointments that are available year round. Test appointments are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. When test takers schedule their exam, they will automatically see options for TExES testing centers nearest their listed address.
What to Bring to The Exam
On test day, all test takers need to bring with them is two valid forms of identification. Candidates should dress comfortably for various temperatures and wear soft-soled shoes to limit noise.
Test takers are NOT allowed to bring the following items with them to the test center:
Weapons
Tobacco products
Guests
Cell phones
Other communication and recording devices (such as watches, tablets, MP3 players, etc.)
Hats or headwear
Calculators
Unauthorized medical devices
Unauthorized aids
Printed materials (such as books or scratch paper)
Bags or packages
Food or drinks
How Early Should I Get to the Exam Center?
Test takers should arrive at least 15 minutes early to their test center. This allows time to check in and get situated prior to the start of the exam. If test takers are more than 15 minutes late, they may not be admitted to the exam.
Applying for an Alternative Testing Arrangement
Test takers who need alternative testing arrangements can indicate their intention to request arrangements during the registration process. They must then fill out the Alternative Testing Arrangements Request Form and attach the required documentation. Approval or denial of the requested arrangements will be sent via email within 3 weeks of the request. The email will also provide instructions on how to register with any approved arrangements. Alternative testing arrangements are available for candidates who are nursing mothers, those with health-related needs, or those with disabilities. Some arrangements are available without additional approval, including:
Wheelchair access
Comfort aids
Restroom breaks
Visual enhancement features
How to Prepare for the TExES Gifted and Talented Supplemental Exam
Test takers should be sure to follow several different study tips to help them prepare for the TExES Gifted and Talented Supplemental exam. First, learn about the format and content of the TExES Gifted and Talented test by using TExES 162 study guides. Then gather a variety of study tools, including at least one Texas GT certification practice test, to evaluate and practice their knowledge and skills with the content. Some candidates may even find study groups to help them review material before test day.
When Should I Start Preparing for the Exam?
There is no set amount of preparation time needed for the TExES Gifted and Talented Supplemental exam. However, plan on at least several weeks of study time to properly cover all of the material. Candidates will need to carefully plan backwards from their test date to ensure that they have enough time to study each domain and competency completely.
Get Started with a TExES GT Certification Practice Test!
Candidates should begin their preparation for the TExES Gifted and Talented Supplemental exam using various TExES 162 study guides. These TExES exam study guides will detail the content of the exam, as well as explain the format and types of questions that test takers will encounter. Some study guides may even include practice questions. To get more practice with the kinds of questions they may see on the TExES Gifted and Talented exam, test takers should use a Texas GT certification practice test at different points throughout their study time. This can also help them evaluate their study progress and see which areas may need additional study time.
Expert Contributor
Andrea Pickens
Andrea Pickens, Ed.D. has worked in the field of education for over 7 years, including more than 4 years as a middle and high school science teacher. As the Science Content Lead at her school, Andrea provides instructional support and resources to other educators. Andrea has passed the TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12 exam and the TExES 4-8 Science exam. She completed an Ed.D. at Baylor University and an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction at Texas A&M University.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for Gifted and Talented certification in Texas?
Those who wish to earn certification for teaching in gifted and talented will need to pass the TExES 162 exam. Usually, test takers will need to pass additional TExES exams, as the TExES 162 exam is not a stand alone certification. Testers may use a Texas GT certification practice test to prepare.
What is a gifted and talented program in Texas?
The gifted and talented program in Texas is designed for students with high performance in an academic area or an unusual capacity for leadership. The TExES Gifted and Talented exam helps qualify teachers wishing to work with this population of students.
