The TExES Science 7-12 exam (236) is an exam designed to measure whether teaching candidates possess the required skills and knowledge to teach science courses to upper-grade (7th-12th) students within the Texas school system. Passing TExES certification exams are a qualifying step in becoming a science teacher within this field.
The content covered within this exam ranges from physics, chemistry, and biodiversity to proper student assessment and instructional techniques. All of the concepts tested on this TExES Science 7-12 exam are deemed essential knowledge for upper-grade science instructors within Texas public schools. Studying this material through diligent review of study guides and practice exams will help candidates have a better chance of passing.
The following article breaks down the format, content, and recommended preparation practices for the TExES Science 7-12 exam. Read on to get a better idea of the concepts that will be assessed on this Texas science certification exam.
The TExES Science 7-12 exam is a computer-administered test (CAT) with 140 selected-response questions. The total testing period is about four hours and forty five minutes, giving each question an average allotted time frame of about two minutes.
A Periodic Table, Definitions and Physical Constants reference sheet, and an on-screen calculator are provided. The TExES test may contain pilot questions that are not factored into the final score, though these questions are not explicitly identified, so candidates are advised to try their best on each and every question.
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The assessed content on the TExES Science 7-12 exam is broken down into ten different domains, which are listed in the table below, along with their approximate percentage of the exam:
Domain
Domain Title
Approximate Percentage of Exam
I
Scientific Inquiry and Processes
10%
II
Physics
20%
III
Chemistry
20%
IV
Cell Structure and Processes
8%
V
Heredity and Evolution of Life
8%
VI
Diversity of Life
8%
VII
Interdependence of Life and Environmental Systems
6%
VIII
Earth's History and the Structure and Function of Earth Systems
9%
IX
Components and Properties of the Solar System and the Universe
6%
X
Science Learning, Instruction and Assessment
5%
Scientific Inquiry and Processes
Domain I of the TExES Science 7-12 exam, or the Scientific Inquiry and Processes section, accounts for about 10% of the assessed content. Here are some sample competencies that may be assessed in this portion of the exam:
Proper selection and management of learning activities.
How to best secure the safety of all students in laboratory environments.
Proper care of organisms, specimens, equipment, resources, materials, and technologies.
The process of scientific inquiry.
Unifying concepts that connect all forms of sciences.
Key developments in scientific history.
Science's impact on students' daily lives.
Science's interaction with decisions made on personal and societal levels.
Physics
Domain II, or the Physics section of the test, accounts for about 20% of the content assessed. Here are some sample competencies that may be assessed in this portion of the TExES Science 7-12 exam:
Motion, both in one and two-dimensional space.
The laws of motion as described by Sir Isaac Newton.
Gravitational and electromagnetic forces within the natural world.
The real-world applications of electricity and magnetism.
Conservation of energy and momentum.
The laws of thermodynamics regarding energy and entropy.
Characteristics and behaviors of wave functions.
Basic, fundamental concepts of quantum physics.
The similarities and differences between waves and particles.
Chemistry
Domain III, or the Chemistry section of the test, accounts for about 20% of the assessed content. Here are some sample competencies that may be assessed in this portion of the TExES Science 7-12 exam:
Characteristics of atomic weight, structure, and basic concepts of matter.
Basic properties of all forms of matter.
Characteristics and innate properties of ionic and covalent bond structures.
Ability to understand and interpret chemical reactions and equations.
Different types of solutions and the properties of each type.
Energy transformations within physical and chemical processes.
Different types of nuclear reactions, including nuclear fission and fusion.
Oxidation and reduction reactions.
Acids, bases, and the ways in which they react to different substances.
Cell Structure and Processes
Domain IV, or the Cell Structure and Processes section of the test, accounts for about 8% of the exam. Here are some sample competencies that may be assessed in this portion of the TExES Science 7-12 exam:
Structure and function of biomolecules.
Understanding of cellular function and basic cellular structure of living organisms.
Specialization of different types of cells.
Life processes carried out within cells.
Cell hierarchy -- cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and organisms -- and how each structure develops and interacts with the other.
Factors that regulate the cell cycle.
Effects of unregulated cell growth.
Energy flow within photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
Heredity and Evolution of Life
Domain V, or the Heredity and Evolution of Life section of the test, accounts for about 8% of the exam. Here are some sample competencies that may be assessed in this portion of the TExES Science 7-12 exam:
Functions and structures of nucleic acids within genes and the genetic transfer process.
How traits continue and vary between generations.
Basic tenets of biological evolution.
Evidence for evolutionary change within Earth's history and the fossil record.
Relationship between environmental change and mutations of organisms.
Differences in theories describing the pace and mode of evolutionary change.
Effects of the environment on trait expression within phenotypes.
Diversity of Life
Domain VI, or the Diversity of Life section of the test, accounts for about 8% of the assessed content. Here are some sample competencies that may be assessed in this portion of the TExES Science 7-12 exam:
Similarities and differences between organisms.
Different taxonomic systems and how these systems are used to interpret levels of biodiversity.
How living systems nest within and interact with other living systems.
Basic processes by which cells and organisms maintain homeostasis.
Interactions between biology and behavior.
Adaptive advantages of innate and learned behaviors.
How natural selection and behaviors interact.
Methods of reproduction and development of various flora and fauna.
Interdependence of Life and Environmental Systems
Domain VII aims to assess candidates' knowledge of the Interdependence of Life and Environmental Systems. This section accounts for about 6% of the assessed content. Here are some sample competencies that may be assessed in this portion of the TExES Science 7-12 exam:
Relationships between abiotic and biotic factors.
Characteristics of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Habitats and biomes.
Flow of matter and energy between different living and environmental systems.
Interdependence of living organisms within aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
How carrying capacity influences change within populations and ecosystems.
Basic characteristics of populations within ecosystems.
Different reproductive methods between r-strategists and k-strategists.
Earth's History and the Structure and Function of Earth Systems
Domain VIII tests candidates' knowledge of Earth's History and the Structure and Function of Earth Systems. This section accounts for about 9% of the assessed content. Here are some sample competencies that may be assessed in this portion of the TExES Science 7-12 exam:
Structure and function of the geosphere.
Evidence for plate tectonics and processes of plate tectonics.
How weathering, erosion, and deposition change the Earth's surface.
The formation and history of Earth as a planet within our solar system.
The structure and function of the hydrosphere.
Structure and function of the atmosphere.
Effects of natural events upon Earth systems.
Impacts of human activity on Earth's natural systems.
How individuals, communities, and governments can conserve and protect natural systems.
Factors affecting quality, use, and conservation of water.
Components and Properties of the Solar System and the Universe
Domain IX tests candidates' knowledge of the Components and Properties of the Solar System and the Universe. This section accounts for about 6% of the assessed content. Here are some sample competencies that may be assessed in this portion of the TExES Science 7-12 exam:
Earth's placement and orientation within the solar system.
The Sun's role in the solar system.
Characteristics of other planets and objects that orbit the Sun.
Properties, composition, and history of the universe.
Astronomy's key techniques and methods.
History of different cosmologies over human history.
Explanations for the patterns of celestial objects within the solar system.
How mathematical models and data have contributed to scientific knowledge about the solar system.
Science Learning, Instruction and Assessment
Domain X tests candidates' abilities in Science Learning, Instruction and Assessment. This section accounts for about 5% of the assessed content. Here are some sample competencies that may be assessed in this portion of the TExES Science 7-12 exam:
Research-based theoretical and practical knowledge
Different methods through which students learn science, both in and out of school hours.
The role of scientific inquiry within instruction of the sciences.
Monitoring and assessing science learning within the classroom, field, and laboratory.
Importance of clarifying teacher expectations.
How to guide students in systematic observations and measurements.
Designing and managing the learning environment for all different types of young learners.
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In order to register for the TExES Science 7-12 exam, candidates can make an appointment with the Texas Educators Certification and Examination Program (TECEP). TExES testing centers are available within Texas and nationwide, and announced testing dates are available on the TECEP website.
The TExES Science 7-12 exam costs $116 per exam attempt. Candidates are able to retake the exam up to five times. If a candidate fails on their first attempt and would like to schedule another exam date, they have to wait thirty days after the most recent attempt in accordance with the TExES exam retake policy.
Certain Texas universities offer a TExES Composite Science 7-12 program that allows teaching candidates to complete their Bachelor's degree while simultaneously becoming certified to teach 7-12th grade science in Texas public schools.
If a candidate has questions or concerns about special testing accommodations, they should check in with TECEP at least two weeks prior to the exam date to ensure that any testing necessities will be met.
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The TExES exam passing score for the TExES Science 7-12 exam is 240 points out of a possible 300. Prospective test-takers may wonder how difficult this number is to achieve, candidates can get a rough idea by looking at the results of previous testing years. In 2016-17, 58% of candidates passed the TExES Science 7-12 (236) exam and achieved TExES certification. Diligent study and preparation can help candidates individual success rate.
TExES Science 7-12 study materials such as TExES exam study guides and practice exams are available in bookstores and online. These materials are very effective in reviewing the concepts on the exam, and they allow test-takers to simulate how taking the test will actually feel. Candidates can then recognize their weaker areas and work to address those gaps in further study. Generally, for a five hour exam, candidates should aim to study for at least 15 to 20 hours, if not more.
Here are some tips for test day:
Aim to get seven to nine hours of sleep beforehand.
Eat a substantial, healthy meal before the test, one that won't lead to sugar crash during the exam.
Bring a light jacket in case the testing room is chilly.
Arrive thirty minutes before the scheduled reporting time.
Bring your printed admissions ticket as well as two forms of valid identification.
If you can't choose a preferred response, then guess. Candidates aren't penalized for wrong answers, only rewarded for correct ones.
Remember, candidates are able to retake the TExES Science 7-12 exam up to five times (after a wait period of 30 days) in order to receive a passing score.
Expert Contributor
Zenobia Denny
Zenobia Denny, M.A. has been a dedicated educator for over 10 years. She holds teaching certifications in Elementary Education, Special Education, and ESL. She has taken and passed numerous Praxis and TExES exams, including the TExES Principal Certification exam. Zenobia completed an M.A. in Early Childhood Education from Walden University and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Gifted and Talented.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the TExES Science 7-12 exam?
There are 140 selected-response questions on the TExES Science 7-12 exam. The exam is taken over 4 hours and 45 minutes, giving an average of about two minutes per question.
