If you have decided to become an educator in the state of Texas, you will be required to take one or more TExES exams as part of your certification process. The TExES exams content was developed by elementary, secondary, and postsecondary educators, community members, expert contributors, and professional educator organizations to prepare educators for working in a classroom setting.
To teach 7-12th grade math, you will most likely have to pass the TExES Mathematics 7-12 (exam code 235). Prior to 2010, this exam was known as the TExES 135 and covered grade levels 8-12. However, today's standard is the TExES Mathematics 235 exam.
The TExES Math 7-12 (235) is a computer-administered test (CAT) composed of 100 selected-response (multiple-choice) questions that must be taken within a 5-hour time period. The questions are divided among 6 different domains that cover specific competencies and standards, which are described after the table below.
Domain Title
Approximate Percentage of the Test
Number Concepts
14%
Patterns and Algebra
33%
Geometry and Measurement
19%
Probability and Statistics
14%
Mathematical Processes and Perspectives
10%
Mathematics Learning, Instruction and Assessment
10%
Domain I: Number Concepts
The first section of the test includes 14 questions on Mathematics 7-12 Standard I, which relates to making sure the prospective teacher understands and can use numbers, quantitative reasoning and technology to teach the statewide curriculum. Specifically, the questions cover competencies related to the real number system, the complex number system, and number theory concepts.
Domain II: Patterns and Algebra
This domain makes up the largest portion of the test, with 33 questions. They cover Mathematics 7-12 Standard II, which relates to understanding patterns and algebra, including a variety of functions. The questions under this domain cover topics like solving problems using patterns; the attributes of functions; quadratic and linear functions; rational, polynomial, absolute value, radical and piecewise functions; exponential and logarithmic functions, and trigonometric and circular functions.
Domain III: Geometry and Measurement
The Geometry and Measurement domain makes up 19% of the test, or 19 questions. The questions are designed to ask about Mathematics 7-12 Standard III. Some of the concepts you can expect to be asked about here include: measurement processes (including perimeter, area, curves, length, triangles and the Pythagorean theorem), Euclidean geometry, axiomatic systems, coordinate geometry, and transformations
Domain IV: Probability and Statistics
The fourth section of the TExES math exam cover the Mathematics 7-12 Standard IV, which assesses a prospective math teacher's understanding of probability and statistics. There are 14 questions on this Standard, which cover topics like understanding and interpreting data, probability applications, sampling and statistical inference.
Domain V: Mathematical Processes and Perspectives
The next domain makes up 10% of the test, with 10 questions, and covers both Mathematics 7-12 Standard V and Mathematics 7-12 Standard VI. The questions in the Mathematical Processes and Perspectives section are designed to assess basic mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills, including the nature of proof, mathematical connections, and communicating math concepts.
Domain VI: Mathematics Learning, Instruction and Assessment
The final domain on the test is the Mathematics Learning, Instruction and Assessment, and it encompasses two standards: Mathematics 7-12 Standard VII and Mathematics 7-12 Standard VII. This section also makes up 10% of the exam, with 10 questions on teaching processes, creating learning environments, and formal and informal assessment techniques.
Question Types
All of the questions on the 7-12 Math TExES exam are in a multiple-choice format, though they may be singular or clustered. Singular questions will address one stimulus (graphic, problem, etc.) and ask you one question about the stimulus. Clustered questions will show you one stimulus and ask you multiple questions about it. You can answer questions by clicking one or more correct answers in an oval or box, clicking parts of a graphic or sentence, dragging and dropping answers to a targeted point on the screen, or selecting options from a drop-down menu.
Test Scoring
The TExES Mathematics 7-12 (235) passing score is 240. Your score is calculated using your raw point scores, or how many points you got correctly on each question, then transferred into a 100-300 scale. 100 is equal to a 0% and 300 is equal to a perfect score. TExES score report dates are typically within 7 days after taking the test.
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To register for the exam, you will need to make an online account at Texas Education Agency (TEA), and receive your TEA ID. Using this ID, you will create an online Pearson account where you will complete the TExES exam registration. Before registering it is important to make sure you have received authorization from TEA and/or your program/agency. After registering, you will be able to schedule your testing appointment on your Pearson online account. There are a variety of TExES Mathematics test dates, and exam sites are available across the state; and you'll be able to select the location and date that you want during the registration process. There is a $116 registration fee for this exam.
Test Day
On the day of the test, you should bring your own graphing calculator and two valid forms of identification (driver's license, state issued ID, passport, etc.). Only certain calculators are allowed, so you'll want to check beforehand and make sure you meet the requirements.
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Once you have successfully registered for and scheduled an appointment time for the TExES Math 7-12 exam, you can start preparing with the test. You can do this by looking over the preparation manual or test description to see what subjects you are comfortable with or you can take a TExES 235 practice test to get a baseline for where you are at.
There are many free TExES prep courses and test prep materials available for the TExES Math exam, including:
Study guides
TExES test overviews
Interactive practice tests
Test prep webinars/videos
You can utilize online materials, make flash cards, find resources at your local library, or even study with a partner/group. The most important thing is that you are preparing yourself to be successful on the exam!
TExES 235 Study Guides
There are many free study guides and test prep materials available for the TExES exams. These guides will break down the standards, domains, and competencies into easy to digest sections. You can work through these sections by completing lessons and practice questions to help you feel more confident in individual subject areas. Study guides can also help you create a study plan. A study plan is a detailed schedule for what section you will study and when you will study it. They help you schedule your time to ensure you are obtaining the most amount of information before your testing appointment.
TExES 235 Practice Tests
Taking a TExES practice test can be a beneficial tool in preparing for your TExES Math exam. When you first begin studying, a practice test can serve as a baseline for what you already know and what you need to learn. This can help you develop a study plan and strategize your studying to gain helpful information. While studying, you can continue to use practice tests to track your progress and reinforce the information you are studying.
There are many options for online practice tests, including the option to purchase an interactive practice test that mirrors the real test. There are also free practice tests available. When you get closer to your testing date, taking a practice test can familiarize you with the testing format and give you an idea of what you need to review before the exam.
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Amy Lopez, M.A. is a high school teacher with over 8 years of experience teaching Family Consumer Science Education. She has passed the TExES PPR exam and the Praxis Family and Consumer Science Exam. Amy completed a B.S. in Family Consumer Sciences from Tarleton State University, an M.A. in Teaching from Grand Canyon University, and an Education Specialist degree from Northcentral University.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 7-12 on a test?
On the TExES Math exam (235), 7-12 refers to the grade levels. The test is for those wishing to teach 7th grade, 8th grade, 9th grade, 10th grade, 11th grade, and 12th grade.
How long should you study for the TExES exam?
How long you study for any test should be dependent on how much time you have before the testing appointment, what you already know, and what you still need to learn. Familiarizing yourself with the test and getting a baseline of what you know can help you create a study plan. This will break down the information into sections of information with the dates of when you plan to study this information.
