What is the TExES Special Education Supplemental Exam?
The TExES Special Education Supplemental exam, or the TExES 163 exam, is a certification exam used in the state of Texas for aspiring special education teachers teachers in early childhood to 12th grade who already have a base certification in the field. The exam covers 3 different domains:
Understanding Individuals with Disabilities and Evaluating Their Needs
Promoting Student Learning and Development
Foundations and Professional Roles and Responsibilities
Within these domains, test takers will answer questions pertaining to 10 different competencies. Here, we will examine the TExES Special Education Supplemental exam in greater detail.
What is the Difference Between TExES Test 161 and 163?
Special education (SPED) certification Texas includes a few different exams. The biggest difference between TExES test 161 and 163 is that the TExES 163 is not a stand-alone certification. This supplemental certification can be added to other base certifications, such as TExES Core Subjects EC-6 and TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12, which would certify teachers to be special education teachers from early childhood to grade 6.
The TExES Special Education EC-12 or TExES 161 exam is the first certification needed to work in special education for early childhood to grade 12 and contains more questions than the TExES 163 exam.
TExES 163 Exam Format
Those who already have a base certification, but want to earn SPED certification Texas can take the 5-hour TExES Special Education Supplemental exam. The TExES 163 test is a computer-based test that contains 100 selected-response questions. Some questions that are on the exam will not be included in the score.
These selected-response questions cover 10 different standards for the field. Although all of the questions are selected-response, test takers may have to complete different actions to select the answer. For instance, some questions may have test takers select the answer from a drop down menu, while others may have takers drag and drop, click a checkbox, select all the answers that apply, or type in an entry box. Finally, there may be some questions that contain graphics or passages that require candidates to click on parts of the graphic for answers or select sentences within a passage.
Domains of the TExES Special Education Supplemental Test
The different domains of the TExES Special Education Supplemental test are designed to test the skills and knowledge of entry-level teachers in public schools in the special education field. It is important for test takers to understand the content of the exam in order to pass. Therefore, we will examine the different domain areas here.
TExES 163 Domain I: Evaluating Needs -- 20%
The first domain, Understanding Individuals with Disabilities and Evaluating Their Needs, covers two different competencies that test candidates' understanding of:
The characteristics and needs of students with disabilities
The different assessments and evaluations used to identify student competencies and make instructional choices
Test takers will need to know the characteristics of a range of disabilities, including their different levels of severity. These disabilities may be behavior disorders, medical conditions, physical disabilities, or others. How do these different disabilities affect students' development over time? Questions may test candidates' knowledge of formal and informal assessments, as well as how to design and analyze them, and how to apply the results to properly plan instruction time. Topics in ethics and legal requirements related to evaluations will also be included in this section. This domain comprises 20% of the TExES Special Education Supplemental test.
TExES 163 Domain II: Student Learning and Development -- 50%
The second domain, Student Learning and Development, is the largest domain and covers five different competencies. This portion evaluates candidates' specific skills and knowledge of:
Instructional planning procedures for students with disabilities
Managing the learning environment and including technology
Helping students achieve in various settings to encourage overall educational performance
How to teach social skills and appropriate student behavior
Understanding transitions across time for those with disabilities
Within this section, test takers will need to know the ins and outs of Individual Education Programs (IEPs), learning in a range of environments, as well as how to use instructional time effectively. Other specific topics in this section may include assistive technologies, student motivation techniques, behavioral curricula, and strategies for modifying learning environments. This section will also test candidates' abilities to collaborate and communicate with various people involved in students' lives, such as parents. This domain comprises 50% of the TExES Special Education Supplemental test.
TExES 163 Domain III: Professional Roles & Responsibilities -- 30%
The final section, Professional Roles and Responsibilities, covers three competencies. In general, this domain examines the role of the special education teacher, and test takers will respond to questions designed to test candidates' understanding of:
The different foundations of special education (history, legal issues, philosophical issues, etc.)
The responsibilities of a special education teacher including the ethical and legal requirements
Communicating and collaborating in a range of professional settings
Test takers may need to answer questions about specific topics such as educational terminology, cultural variations, special education regulations, confidentiality, effective communication, and collaborative conferences. Testers will also need to demonstrate their skills in creating programs for those with disabilities, forming relationships with other teachers, and analyzing issues for those with disabilities. Topics from the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Code of Ethics may also be covered in this domain.
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Registering for the TExES Special Education Supplemental Test
The TExES Special Education Supplemental exam is available every day of the year. Test takers must first register for the TExES 163 exam with an account before scheduling. TExES registration is completed by creating a Pearson testing account on the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program website, linking a TEA ID number, selecting the exam, selecting an available test date, answering background questions, and submitting payment for the exam.
TExES 163 Cost
The TExES exam cost is $116 each time a candidate takes the exam (including retakes). Candidates can pay for the exam with a VISA or Mastercard debit or credit card, but will not be able to enter a PIN for payment. Refunds for the exam are available for those who cancel within at least 48 hours of their exam, but at minus $25.
Testing Policies for the TExES Special Education Supplemental Exam
Test takers must be sure to schedule their TExES Special Education Supplemental exam within 170 days of registering for the exam. Refunds are only available to those who cancel 48 hours or more in advance. During testing for the TExES 163, candidates must follow all test center rules. For example, if they are more than 15 minutes late, candidates will not be admitted. Test takers are allowed up to five attempts, but must wait 30 days between test dates. At the end of the exam, test takers will have the option to cancel their scores, but this does not come with a refund and canceled scores cannot be reinstated.
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Preparing for the TExES Special Education Supplemental Test
Once registered, test takers should carefully prepare to take the TExES Special Education Supplemental test so that they can pass it as quickly as possible. Although the exact study time needed will vary from student to student, on idea is work backward on the calendar to schedule study time. Ensure that there is enough time to study each domain and each competency in depth. The amount spent on a specific domain and/or competency will likely vary based on a tester's personal areas of strength and weakness, but notice that the domains are not equally represented in the exam, so it may be a good idea to focus more on the second one, which comprises 50% of the total test.
Other study tips for taking the TExES 163 include:
Learn about the format and content of the exam
Evaluate one's own strengths and weaknesses with the content
Understand the different types of questions on the exam
Collect additional study materials (study guides, text books, flashcards, etc.)
TExES 163 Study Guides, Preparation Manual, and Practice Tests
Proper preparation for the TExES 163 is invaluable. Learn about the format and content of the exam by using the TExES preparation manual, which essentially serves as a study guide, offered on the Pearson Texas Educator Certification Examination Program website. This guide provides test takers with detailed information on the number of questions, domain and competency topics, types of questions, and more. Test takers can use the manual to get familiar with the exam and evaluate their skills.
TExES 163 practice tests are also available and can help testers monitor their study progress and identify additional areas of trouble within the content. These tests also help candidates prepare for test day, as they usually simulate the time limit, question types, and format. Some practice tests may serve as an additional study tool with correct answers and explanations listed for the different questions.
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On test day, test takers will need to be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes early and to to bring a valid form of ID with them. They are not allowed to bring any personal items into the TExES testing centers. Restroom breaks are allowed during the exam, but the time continues to count towards the time allotment for the exam.
During the test, test takers should be sure to guess on questions they are not sure of, as there is no penalty for a wrong answer. Testers should also monitor their time, read through all questions and answers carefully, check answers as time allows, and try to stay calm and not worry about their score while taking the exam.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get sped certified in Texas?
SPED certification Texas requires educators to first pass the 161 Special Education exam. Those who already have a base certification can pursue the 163 Special Education at a later date.
What is a sped certificate?
SPED certification Texas is the requirement needed for educators wishing to work in special education. This certification shows that educators have met the necessary qualifications in the field.
