What You Should Know about Retaking the TExES Exam
TExES Exam Retake Policies
To become a teacher in the state of Texas, a student must pass the TExES (Texas Examinations of Educator Standards), which is a series of exams where the specific tests vary depending on the type of educator the student is looking to become certified as. An elementary school math teacher and a high school science teacher will have different, but overlapping TExES exams. Test-takers should prepare extensively for the TExES, as it is both lengthy and difficult to pass. An overall passing score, as well as the passing score for each individual subset exam, is 240 out of 300. But if the test-taker's score is below 240, there are ways to retake the exam. This article will examine how to best navigate the TExES exam retake policy, including how to register and schedule retakes, how many times you can retake exams, what they cost, and how to study for them.
Wait Period for TExES Exam Retakes
How long you have to wait to retake a TExES exam depends on when you receive your score from your previous attempt. Once you receive your test score, you must wait at least 30 days before you take your retake exam. However, you can fill out a test retake request form as soon as you get your scores and began the process of scheduling your next exam. There is no time limit in waiting to retake an exam. You can retake a test after 30 days or after several years. However, if it has been several years since you started the process of becoming a state certified teacher, your TExES scores still stand, but we recommend you double check the certification requirements as they can change frequently.
Number of Retake Attempts for TExES Exam
Each TExES exam, including the TExES PPR exam, which is a required test for all students, allows for five total attempts. This means that after the initial exam, the student can attempt up to four retakes, for a total of five attempts. If the initial exam contains a subset of exams, the student makes the decision whether to retake just one subset, or the whole thing. Important to note, each retake set up counts as one retake attempt, it does not matter if the student is only retaking one subset exam. If, after five total attempts, the student has not passed the exams, they may appeal for a waiver from the State Board of Educator Certification.
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Besides filling out the test retake request form, which is a part of the TExES exam retake policy, signing up for retaking TExES exams is very similar to signing up for the initial exam. But please notice that if you are affiliated with one of Texas' 121 EPPs, (education preparation programs), there is an extra step in setting up a TExES exam retake. You will need approval from your EPP in order to retest. In most cases, the EPP will provide you with a form for just this purpose.
The TExES exam registration process can be intimidating and sometimes confusing. Hopefully, this will clear up any issues with the steps involved for setting up retaking your exam.
Fill out a test retake form.
Then, you need to sign up for a Pearson testing account or use your existing account.
Link your Pearson account to your TEA account by entering your TEA ID number.
Register for the exams your desired position requires
Pick what exam to register for among your required exams.
Keep in mind registration is different than scheduling, and that you have a 170 day period to then schedule your registered exam.
Fill out any alternative testing arrangements you may require, such as large font or wheelchair access.
Answer the background questions, which will not be part of your record, but instead only used for assessing your test answers.
Decide whether to be notified of your score by email or not. Either way, your score will be available on the Pearson website via your account.
Enter your payment information. Price is dictated by the exams/subsets.
Schedule your exam through your Pearson testing account. You must schedule your retake at least 30 days after your previous attempt. You can use the seat availability tool to search for testing locations near you.
Pick the testing site by location and time most convenient for you.
Submit your schedule order to complete your retake set up.
TExES Exam Complete and Subset Retake Registration Requirements
When you go through the process of TExES exam registration, the website will show you what exams you need to take to attain your desired teaching position. Some of these exams, like the Core Subjects, contain subset exams broken up by category. If you fail a subset exam(score below 240 out of 300), then you may retake only that subset. If you failed multiple subsets, you should retake the entire exam and only answer the sections you have not yet passed, because each retake attempt, no matter if it is for a subset or for the whole exam, counts towards your five total attempts. Register for a subset only if it is the single part of the exam you have not yet passed. If you have failed more than one subset, you must register for the full exam.
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A TExES exam costs $116, regardless if it is your first time attempting to pass, or a retake. Each certification requires multiple exams so the cost adds up quick. However, retaking a subset of an exam costs $58. There are other costs involved including background checks, finger printing, in addition to the TExES exam cost. The important thing to know is that a TExES exam costs $116 dollars even when it is a retake. All this to say, it is ideal to study extensively and pass the first time.
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If the cost and work that the TExES exam retake policy entails hasn't made it clear yet, this is a rigorous test and a difficult process and should only be attempted after carefully studying the material. Thankfully, there are a variety of TExES resources available, including practice exams, preparation manuals, Collaborative Learning Centers on campuses, online study communities, general study skills and test management, and various free sources, including flash cards and study guides.
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Find a study plan that can get you ready for your certification exam, whether you have six months or six days.
Amy Mayers, M.Ed. has taught middle school math for over 7 years. She is a Texas certified teacher for grades 4-12 in mathematics and has passed the TExES Math 4-8 and the TExES Math 7-12. Amy graduated with a B.S. in Mathematical Sciences from the University of Houston and a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of St. Thomas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you fail the PPR exam?
If you fail the PPR exam, don't worry; you can schedule a retake exam immediately, as long as the date of the retake exam is at least 30 days after you received your initial score.
How many times can I take the TExES PPR exam?
You can take any of your TExES exams, including the PPR exam, a total of five times. For further attempts, you have to seek approval for a waiver from the State Board of Educator Certification.
What happens if you fail the TExES?
If you fail the TExES exams, you have the opportunity to retake each exam four times for a total of five attempts per exam. If your exam is made up of subsets, then you may be able to retake only the subsets you still need to pass, instead of retaking the whole of the exam.
