The TExES Social Studies 4-8 Exam is one of several licensing requirements for aspiring Social Studies teachers in the state of Texas. The assessment, which is also referred to as test code 118, is required for teacher candidates seeking to teach Social Studies to students in grades four through eight. The exam's test questions are designed to assess the test-taker relevant skills and knowledge and covers a broad scope of content knowledge and pedagogy skills.
Test Format and Time
The TExES Social Studies 4-8 Exam is a computer-administered assessment with a total of five hours allotted; the first 15 minutes are for a tutorial of the computer program and to complete the compliance agreement, the rest is for completing the test itself.
Types of Test Questions
The TExES Social Studies 4-8 exam consists of 100 selected-response questions composed of traditional multiple-choice questions. Test-takers may be asked to read excerpts of primary or secondary sources and/or refer to graphic sources such as maps.
The TExES Core Subjects 4-8 Social Studies exam is broken down into two domains: Social Studies Content and Social Studies Foundations, Skills, and Instruction. Each is compromised of vast areas of knowledge and content that covers one or more of the educator standards for Social Studies. Let's look in more depth at their content in the following sections.
Social Studies Content
The Social Studies Content domain makes up approximately 71% of the exam. This portion covers five separate teacher competencies:
History (Competency 001) - Significant historical events.
Geography (Competency 002) - Geography as it relates to places, environments, and people in the state of Texas, the United States, and the world.
Economics (Competency 003) - The production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.
Government and Citizenship (Competency 004) - Knowledge of political systems and concepts related to government, democracy, and citizenship.
Culture; Science, Technology, and Society (Competency 005) - Culture, diversity, and relationships among people from various groups as well as the effects of science and technology on political, social, and economic issues.
Social Studies Foundations, Skills, and Instruction
The Social Studies Foundations, Skills, and Instructions domain makes up the remaining 31% of the exam. It covers two teacher competencies:
Social Studies Foundations and Skills (Competency 006) - Use of primary and secondary sources, understanding various points of view, appropriate use of Social Studies terminology, etc.
Social Studies Instruction and Assessment (Competency 007) - Knowledge of state content and performance standards, stages of child growth and development, understanding of vertical alignment, planning cross-curricular lessons, various forms of assessments, and how to best utilize assessments to drive instruction.
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In order to pass the TExES Social Studies 4-8 Test, candidates must meet the minimum passing score of 240 of the 100-300 score range.
Score reports become available at 10:00 PM CST on designated report dates (typically seven days after testing). TExES scores are e-mailed if that option was selected during registration or may be viewed on the Texas Educator Certification Program Website.
The score report will indicate the exam status (Passed/Not Passed), the Total Scaled Score, and a candidate's profile per competency.
A candidate's test scores may be voided for several reasons. Outstanding registration balances and/or failing to provide proof of approval to test (if required) may result in voided test scores. Candidates should review exam payment policies and required documentation prior to registering to avoid any issues.
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The steps involved in the TExES exam registration process for the TExES Social Studies 4-8 Exam vary. A candidate enrolled in a teacher preparation program at a college or university is considered an Educator Preparation Program Candidate (EPP) and must obtain approval to test. Then they will:
Create a TEA Account.
Create an Educator Profile and obtain a TEA ID number
Navigate to the user profile section and find the 'View Examinations' section.
Navigate to the online registration system section to create a testing account. Once this is set up, begin registration (making sure that their registration matches their identification exactly).
Select the test and dates. Testing must be scheduled and completed within 170 days (or registration withdrawn) to avoid registration expiration.
Test Centers and Test Dates
Testing is available year-round and nation wide, but candidates must schedule an appointment. Test-takers can search for testing centers by inputting their zip code. TExES testing centers are available nationwide.
Test Fees and Payment Options
The exam fee for the TExES Social Studies 4-8 is $116. Fees can be paid using a VISA, MasterCard, and Debit cards must be able to be used without a pin. Cash and checks are not accepted.
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All test-takers must bring two original (no photocopies) forms of identification to the testing center. Both must be in English, match the exact name used during registration, and have a name, signature, and photograph.
Test-takers must report to their testing center alone as all visitors are prohibited, as are tobacco products and weapons. During the exam, all personal items, including cell phones, wallets, bags, etc., must be stored in a locker outside of the room at all times. Possessing prohibited materials or violating testing policies may result in the voiding of test scores.
Late Arrivals and Absences
Refunds and/or credits of any kind will not be offered for a missed exam, which includes arriving more than 15 minutes late. Reimbursement requests (say for an appointment missed due to emergency) must be made in writing to Pearson with supporting documentation. Requests must be made within 30 calendar days of the absence to be considered.
Retake Policy
If a test-taker does not pass the TExES Social Studies 4-8 Test the first time, they may retest after 30 days. Candidates that are part of an Educator Preparation Program will need to get permission. All candidates will be limited to four additional attempts to pass the test.
TExES Social Studies 4-8 Test Preparation
Success on the TExES Social Studies 4-8 exam takes preparation and a study plan. A TExES 118 Social Studies 4-8 Exam study guide is a great place to start. TExES exam study guides provide an outline of the major content included in the exam. Candidates may also want to review any course material from classes they have taken that align with the study guide or competencies. The Texas Education Agency Website also offers a Preparation Manual that includes a list of helpful resources like journals, textbooks, and online resources.
Candidates stick to their individualized study schedule, make a productive study space, and begin practicing good study habits. Examinees may also find it helpful to connect with a study group that is preparing for the same exam.
Test Day Strategies
Test-takers should be sure to review all test policies before testing day. Mapping out the best route to the test center and leaving early avoid any issues in getting to the center on time.
The night before testing, test-takers should be sure to go to bed early and get plenty of rest. They should also strongly consider having something nutritious to eat prior to testing, since the exam will take about 5 hours to complete.
TExES Social Studies 4-8 Practice Test
TExES Social Studies 4-8 practice test tests are an excellent resource when preparing for the exam. Candidates should consider taking practice tests at various points throughout their preparation journey to gain valuable insights into their strengths and weaknesses. Taking a practice test at the beginning of test prep will help develop an initial study plan.
Candidates should review the results of their TExES Social Studies 4-8 practice questions to determine which content they have already mastered and which requires further attention. Midway through their journey, candidates should take a second practice test to check their progress and make any necessary adjustments to their study plan.
Expert Contributor
Amy Mayers
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.
