What is the TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) Test?
If you have decided to take the journey to become a special education teacher in the state of Texas, navigating the requirements for the certification can seem overwhelming. This article will guide you through the steps of successfully passing the TExES exam. Educators must take the exam for the certification after obtaining a bachelor's degree or completing an educator preparation program (EPP).
The test was created by elementary, secondary, and postsecondary educators, community members, expert contributors, and professional educator organizations to prepare educators for working in a classroom setting. It was designed to assess your knowledge and skills of specific standards, domains, and competencies required for entering the field of special education.
Who is Eligible to Take the TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) Test?
The test was intended for individuals who are currently taking or have completed their bachelor's degree in education or educator preparation program (EPP). It can also be taken by individuals who already possess their teaching certification but would like to extend their capabilities to include special education. Before taking the test, the candidate must receive approval from your program to take the exam. Eligibility is dependent on the status of the candidate.
EPP candidates must receive written approval from their program or agency before the test. Applicants with a standard certificate issued by another state, U.S. territory, or country must have their credentials reviewed by the Texas Education Agency, and they will determine whether you need to take the test.
Students who have earned their credits by examination and individuals who already possess a certification but would like to extend their classroom capabilities will need to ensure they have a Texas Education Agency account and register for the test. Career and technical education candidates will have their experience reviewed by their program and receive approval to test. Intensive pre-service applicants, charter schools, and those taking the pre-admission content test route will not need approval and can register on your Texas Education Agency account.
TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) Exam: Structure and Exam Format
The test consists of 150 selected-response (multiple choice) questions and must be taken within 5 hours. The first 15 minutes will be reserved for a computer-administered test (CAT) tutorial and compliance agreement, while the remaining 4 hours and 45 minutes will be used for answering questions. The TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) exam format covers 4 domains and 12 professional standards. The following table will demonstrate the standards and domains shown on the test.
Domain
Domain Title
Standards
Approximate Percentage of the test
I
Understanding Individuals with Disabilities and Evaluating Their Needs
Special Education EC through 12: IV, V
13%
II
Promoting Student Learning and Development
Special Education EC through 12: VI, VII, VIII, IX, X
33%
III
Promoting Student Achievement in English Language Arts and Reading and in Mathematics
Special Education EC through12: XI, XII
33%
IV
Foundations and Professional Roles and Responsibilities
Special Education EC through 12: I, II, III
20%
Domain 1: Understanding Individuals with Disabilities and Evaluating Their Needs
This domain will cover approximately 13% of the exam and has two competencies. It will ask questions about the following competencies:
Knowledge and understanding of the characteristics and needs of students with disabilities.
Formal and informal assessment/evaluation procedures to determine student competencies and make instructional decisions.
Questions within this domain may demonstrate a scenario about a student's disability and the best way to assess/respond.
Domain 2: Promoting Student Learning & Development
This domain covers 33% of the exam. The following competencies will be assessed by questions within this domain:
Understanding and application of procedures for planning and instruction for learners with disabilities.
Application of procedures for managing the classroom environment including teaching and learning.
Promotion of student educational performance by facilitating their achievements.
Knowledge of procedures encouraging appropriate student behavior and social skills.
Understanding transitional problems and procedures across the lifespan.
Domain 3: Promotion Student Achievement in English Language Arts and Reading and in Mathematics
Questions within this domain will cover 33% of the exam and focus on your knowledge of the basic principles of English, language arts, reading, and mathematics. Your ability to teach students within these subjects and encourage their academic success in these fields will be measured. This domain covers the following competencies:
Promotion of students' performance in English, language arts, and reading.
Promotion of students' performance in mathematics.
Domain 4: Foundations and Professional Roles and Responsibilities
The final domain will cover 20% of the exam and assess your knowledge of the following competencies:
Understanding of philosophical, historical and legal foundations of special education.
Knowledge of professional responsibilities and ethics within the field of special education.
Communication and collaboration within a professional setting.
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TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) Registration Process
To register for the exam, you will need to create an online account with the Texas Education Agency. Once you have created your account, you will receive a TEA ID, which you will need to complete the TExES registration process.
After creating your account and receiving your TEA ID, you will register for your online Pearson account on the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program website. When creating this account, it will request your TEA ID. This site is where you will register, schedule, reschedule, and access score information for the TExES exams. Once you are logged into your Pearson account, you can register for the exam.
This ID is important and should be kept in your records. You will select your exam, ensuring you have the correct authorization to take said exam, answer background questions, and complete the proper documentation for alternative testing arrangements, including, but not limited to, physical, learning, or cognitive disabilities. There is a $116 registration fee for the exam.
Testing Dates and Locations
After registering for your exam, you will have 170 days to schedule a testing appointment on your Pearson online account. This differs from registering for the exam, as you will select your testing slot on a particular day and time. There is a seat availability tool on the TExES website to check the TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) test dates, times, and TExES exam locations most convenient for you.
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Preparing for the TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) Test
Once you have successfully registered for the exam and scheduled an appointment, you can familiarize yourself with the test. There are many resources available to you, including those on the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program website. Each exam has a unique preparation manual that provides detailed information about the test, including what is on the test, practice questions, tips for testing, and a study guide/plan to help you prepare. When preparing for the TExES Special Education EC-12 exam, a good starting place to determine what you should study for your TExES exam is assessing what you already know. You can do this by looking over the TExES preparation manual or test description to see what subjects you are comfortable with, or you can take a practice test to assess your knowledge.
It is strategic to study the things you do not know and address familiar or known topics last to keep the most information before the test. You decide how to prepare for the test depending on your learning style. You can use online materials, make flash cards, find resources at your local library, or even find a study partner or group. The most important thing is to study and get ready for the exam.
TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) Study Guides
There are many free study guides available online. They will break down the standards, domains, and competencies into easy-to-digest sections. You can work through these sections completing lessons and practice questions to help you feel more confident. Study guides can also help you study for the exam and manage your time efficiently. A TExES study guide will keep you on track before your scheduled testing appointment.
TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) Practice Tests
While the TExES 161 exam can be intimidating because it is directly correlated with your TExES teacher certification, it is not necessarily difficult. While different versions of the exam are offered, each version maintains the same level of difficulty in the field. The purpose of these exams is to produce efficient, classroom-ready educators. Give yourself enough time to prepare to take the exam.
The TExES 161 Special Education EC-12 (161) practice test can give you a solid understanding of how you are doing, increase your confidence by familiarizing you with the testing format, and determine your level of preparation. A TExES practice test should include a detailed answer key explaining the correct choice, which will help you develop best practices for taking the exam.
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Taking the TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) Exam
On the date of your scheduled testing appointment, you should arrive at the testing facility 15 minutes early. It is recommended to dress comfortably to adjust to the unknown temperature of the testing center. You will need to bring two pieces of valid identification (driver's license, passport, birth certificate, social security card, or military ID). Photocopies will not be accepted.
Tobacco products, weapons of any kind, and visitors (including children) will be prohibited. In addition, any personal items will be stored in a locker outside of the testing room to ensure a fair testing environment for everyone. This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones, bags, printed material, glasses with communication/recording devices, unauthorized calculators, etc.
TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) Test Scoring
TExES exam results are reported on a scaled score from 100-300, with 100 being a 0% and 300 being a perfect score (100%). The TExES Special Education exam passing score is 240. It is important to note that you will not be penalized for wrong answers, so it is appropriate to make an educated guess if you are not sure what the correct answer is. Selected-response (multiple choice) questions are graded on a raw scale with one raw point for every correct answer. The total raw score is the number of correct selected-response answers out of the total number of selected-response questions.
Understanding the TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) Score Report
Your TExES score report will include four sections:
Total Test Performance
Performance by Domain
Performance by Competency
Holistic Scores
Since this test does not have constructed-response questions, the holistic score section will be blank or not shown on your score report.
TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) Test Score Results
After taking your exam, you can expect the results to be emailed to you on the score report date (if you selected this option during registration). Scores will also be available on your Pearson account beginning at 10:00 p.m. Central time on the report date for your exam. On purely selected-response (multiple choice) exams, you can expect to receive your scores in 7-10 business days.
Retaking the TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) Exam
When the results of the first test are available, you can retake the exam after 30 days. You have 5 attempts for this exam, which include your first attempt and four retake attempts. In some cases, you may have to request authorization from your program or agency to retake the TExES exam. It is best to check in with your advisor for best practices before registering for a retake.
Expert Contributor
Amy Lopez
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
How do I get my special education certification in Texas?
To become a certified special education teacher in Texas, you will first need to obtain a bachelor's degree and/or complete an educator preparation program. Then, you must pass the certification exams (including the TExES 161) and submit an application to the Texas Education Agency including a background check/fingerprinting.
What is the TExES Special Education Supplemental?
The TExES Special Education Supplemental (exam code 163) is required for EC-6 Core Subjects in Special Education certification. You may be required to take only this exam, or this exam in addition to the TExES 161 based on your program/agency.
How many questions are on the TExES Special Education EC-12?
The TExES 161, or TExES Special Education EC-12 exam has 150 selected-response (multiple choice) questions. They can be formatted as select all that apply, clicking on check boxes or ovals, clicking parts of a graphic or sentence, dragging and dropping answer choices to a targeted point on the screen, or selecting options from a drop down menu.
