What is the TExES Physical Science (237) 6-12 Exam?
The suite of exams for TExES is a part of the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program designed to test the content knowledge of aspiring teachers. Depending on the type of teacher they wish to become, test takers will need to pass one or more TExES exams. Specifically, the TExES Physical Science 237 is designed to test the knowledge and skills of aspiring public school teachers wishing to teach the physical sciences to students in grades 6 through 12. Test takers will need to pass the TExES to meet qualifications for teacher certification in the field.
The Physical Science test questions are based on 9 different standards intended to examine the content knowledge and teaching skills of aspiring entry-level teachers. These questions are divided into 4 main categories, or domains. Test takers will answer questions in the domains of Scientific Inquiry and Processes, Physics, Chemistry, and Science Learning, Instruction, and Assessment. Below, we will discuss each domain in greater detail.
What Material is Tested on the TExES Physical Science (237) Exam?
Under each domain on the TExES Physical Science 237 exam, candidates will be tested to ensure they meet the necessary requirements for teaching the physical sciences. Each domain on the Physical Science test has a different number of competencies for a total of 22 competencies:
Scientific Inquiry - 3 competencies
Physics - 8 competencies
Chemistry - 9 competencies
Science Learning - 2 competencies
Scientific Inquiry and Processes
The Scientific Inquiry and Processes domain is one of the broader, more general domains, as it is designed to test candidates' general knowledge and skills in the field of science. This portion tests on understanding of scientific concepts that are consistent across different branches of science, as well as test takers' skills in teaching them.
For instance, questions in this section cover the process of scientific inquiry and the ability to use different scientific tools in science-related settings, such as laboratory and field activities. Aspiring science teachers will need to be able to help students connect how science affects their daily lives through understanding the history of the field and unifying concepts in science. This domain will tests candidates' understanding of the following competencies:
Choosing and selecting safe learning activities using appropriate equipment, technologies, and resources.
Relating science, scientific inquiry, and unifying concepts in science to learning.
The history and effects of science on individuals and societies.
Physics
As the name implies, the Physics domain focuses on main concepts and skills in the field of physics. The section is designed to test candidates' knowledge of Texas state standards pertaining to physics curriculum. Within this section, test takers will need to analyze and solve problems, as well as demonstrate their understanding of specific concepts. This could require them to identify examples of a given principle, describe different phenomena, or explain the process of a particular phenomena. Test takers will also need to demonstrate their ability to apply knowledge of specific concepts in order to analyze a given problem. For example, to apply their understanding of reflection to solve a problem about optical phenomena. The competencies in this domain cover:
Motion (in 1D and 2D)
Laws of motion
Gravitational and electromagnetic forces
Applications of electricity and magnetism
Conservation of energy and momentum
Laws of thermodynamics
Characteristics of waves
Basic concepts of quantum physics
Chemistry
The Chemistry domain is also a more specific domain designed to test candidates' knowledge and skills in the field of chemistry. Questions in this section will align with curriculum standards for the state of Texas in chemistry. Candidates will need to be prepared to identify properties and characteristics of different elements or substances, explain structures and processes of various elements and phenomena, and apply various laws or principles to different phenomena. This section may also require testers to compare and contrast different items, solve chemical equations, analyze reactions and models, and predict outcomes of different reactions/processes. Specifically, competencies will test candidates' understanding of:
Characteristics of matter and atomic structures
Gas properties
Properties of ionic and covalent bonds
Solving chemical equations and reactions
Types and properties of solutions
Energy transformations in different processes (physical or chemical)
Nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, and nuclear reactions
Oxidation/reduction reactions
Acids, bases, and reactions between them
Science Learning, Instruction, and Assessment
The final domain, Science Learning, Instruction, and Assessment, is similar to the first in that it is broader and more general in nature compared to the Physics and Chemistry domains. This section focuses on testing candidates' skills in teaching science to students and their abilities to evaluate scientific learning through assessment. Essentially, this domain helps ensure that test takers are prepared to teach their content knowledge to the next generation of students.
Test takers will need to answer questions about utilizing different learning strategies, creating safe and positive learning environments, planning a range of instructional activities, and assessing student outcomes. Instructional questions for a range of educational settings may be included as well, like laboratories and field work. Candidates will be tested on the following competencies:
Their understanding of applying research-based knowledge to scientific learning, how to incorporate scientific inquiry into the learning process, and how students learn science.
Their use of assessment in scientific learning for lab, classroom, and field settings.
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The TExES Physical Science 237 exam is a computer based exam. Here is a table to help with other pertinent information:
TExES Physical Science 237 Overview
Format
Delivery
Computer-based
Number of Questions
100
Types of Questions
Selected-response
Time Limit
5 hours
Breaks Allowed
Yes
Each domain in the TExES Physical Science 237 exam contains a different number of questions. Here's a breakdown:
Domain Name
Approximate Number of Questions
Scientific Inquiry and Processes
14
Physics
36
Chemistry
41
Science Learning, Instruction, and Assessment
9
What are the Questions Like on this Exam?
All 100 of the questions on the TExES Physical Science 237 exam are selected-response questions, but there are different types. Candidates may need to answer questions by:
Choosing all answers that apply
Choosing answers from a drop-down menu
Typing in entry box
Drag and drop an answer
Click a checkbox
Select on a sentence
Choose parts of a graphic
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Candidates must register for the TExES Physical Science 237 exam by creating a Pearson testing account on the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program website. After linking a Texas Education Agency (TEA) ID number, test takers can select the Physical Science test and register for the exam and indicate any need for alternative testing arrangements. Registration will also require candidates to answer background questions, select their score reporting options, and submit their payment for the test. Test takers have 170 days to schedule their exam after the TExES registration, but candidates can easily schedule their exam at the time of registration if they would like.
Fees and Payment
The TExES exam cost for the TExES Physical Science 237 exam is $116. Test takers must pay during registration using a VISA or Mastercard debit or credit card. PINs cannot be used during payment. Retake exams are also $116 per try, with all the same rules applying. Refunds will only be provided if test takers cancel their exam at least 48 hours prior to their TExES certification exam dates, and even those refunds are partials: $91 ($116 minus $25). This refund will be credited to the card that they used at the time of registration.
The TExES exam passing score for the TExES Physical Science 237 exam is 240. The scores for the Physical Science test are posted on a scale of 100 to 300.
Test takers will have their selected-response questions scored by the computer at the end of their exam. The total raw score is the number of correct answers on the exam. This number is then scaled for the total performance score that can be compared across different editions of the test. The total performance score shows candidates' passed or not passed status.
Scores for selected-response TExES exams will be reported within 7 days of the exam date. The Pearson Texas Educator Certification Examination Program website lists the expected score report date by exam and test date.
Can I Retake the TExES Physical Science (237) 6-12 Exam?
Yes, test takers are allowed to retake the TExES 237 exam if they need to. However, candidates are only allowed a total of 5 attempts (1 initial test and 4 retakes) to pass the exam under the TExES exam retake policy. Test takers must wait 30 days between test dates and can register for their retake after receiving their scores for their prior exam date.
Testing Dates and Locations
Test dates for the Physical Science test are available year round each day of the week. Test takers can use the seat availability tool on the Pearson website to see which test dates are available at their specific testing location of choice. TExES Score report dates will vary by chosen test date.
The TExES Physical Science 237 exam is not available for at-home testing. Test takers must take the exam at a Pearson Professional Center. When they search for available TExES exam locations with their Pearson testing account, all of the centers near to their given address on the account will be displayed.
Items to Bring to the Exam
On test day, candidates will only need to remember to bring two valid forms of identification with them to the test center. Both forms must have a photo, signature, and name listed. Any other necessary materials, such as pencils or scratch paper, will be provided. Test takers may want to wear comfortable clothes and soft-soled shoes.
Unauthorized Items
Test takers should be sure to leave any of the following items at home on test day:
Weapons
Visitors
Tobacco products
Hats
Cell phones/recording devices
Calculators
Printed materials
Bags
Unauthorized aides or medical devices
Food or drink
Accessibility
Candidates with health-related needs, disabilities, or nursing infants may qualify for alternative testing arrangements. Some accommodations are available without additional approval, including wheelchair access, enhanced visual features, and restroom breaks. However, test takers who need additional arrangements must indicate their need during the registration process and fill out the Alternative Testing Arrangements form attaching the proper documentation. If approved, test takers will be notified via email and sent instructions for how to schedule their exam with the approved accommodation(s). Test takers who need to request alternative arrangements should register for their exam as soon as possible to allow time for their resolution.
How Do I Prepare for the TExES Physical Science (237) 6-12 Exam?
There are several different steps that candidates can take to help prepare for the TExES Physical Science 237 exam. Although not an exhaustive list, testers may prepare for the Physical Science test by:
Evaluating their strengths and weaknesses with the content
Getting familiar with the different types of questions on the exam
Collecting a range of study materials, including textbooks, flashcards, etc.
Creating a study plan and organize study time
Joining a study group to practice
Using a TExES Physical Science 6-12 practice test to monitor study progress
When Should I Start Preparing for the Exam?
There is no set preparation time needed to pass the TExES Physical Science 237 exam, as needed study time will vary from candidate to candidate. However, test takers should be sure to work backwards from their test date to plan for at least several weeks of studying in order to cover all the required domains and competencies.
Complete a TExES Physical Science 6-12 Practice Test!
While some study guides for the Physical Science test may include some practice questions, these guides are primarily used to get familiar with the format and content of the exam. A TExES Physical Science 6-12 practice test is one of the best tools to prepare candidates for what the exam looks like and what to expect on test day. Questions simulate real questions that could be found on the TExES Physical Science 237 exam and help candidates get experience with the different question types, the time limitation, and exam content. Test takers can use these practice tests as a study tool to see which areas 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.
