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Prepare for Texas Certification Tests
Learn about the exams you need to take and how to prepare.
Learn about the exams you need to take and how to prepare.
Before you can teach in Texas, you’ll need to pass some tests. If testing stresses you out, you’re definitely not alone. We’re here to help you find the right tools to ace your exams.
For most Texas teachers, the most relevant tests will be the Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) and the Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES). The PACT is sometimes required for teaching program applications, while the TExES is required to get certified.
We’ll go over both the PACT and TExES in detail—what they cover, who they’re for and what resources can help you prepare.
Let’s start with the PACT.
If you have any questions about your teaching program applications, reach out to a TEACH for Houston coach or admissions staff for support. We’re here for you.
The Pre-Admission Content Test, or PACT, is an exam that some students take before starting a teaching program.
You might take the PACT if you already have a bachelor’s degree and you’re applying for an alternative certification or post-baccalaureate program.
If you’re working towards your teaching certificate and your bachelor’s degree at the same time, you won’t need to take the PACT.
Texas changed its teacher certification testing process in January 2020. Before this change, TExES exams and PACT exams were the same test used for different purposes. These are no longer the same test—but in your test preparation, you might come across resources that seem to use PACT and TExES interchangeably. This is why!
The PACT covers subject matter for your future teaching area, but doesn’t cover teaching practices—also called pedagogy.
Before you enroll in a teaching program, Texas law requires that you take the PACT if you:
Some programs require you to take the PACT regardless of your GPA or credit hours. Check to find out if you need to take the PACT, or if they have ways to waive the requirement.
You can sign up for the PACT if you:
The right PACT for you depends on your teaching interests. Check out the official exams page to see which test matches the subject and grade level you plan to teach. Click the PACT tab and scroll down to see the full list of PACT options.
Before you can teach in Texas, you’ll need to pass a certification exam for your subject area and grade level. In Texas, this is called the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards, or TExES. This test is for all future teachers, even if you took the PACT.
The TExES covers grade level subject matter, as well as teaching strategies and best practices.
All future teachers need to take the TExES. If you don’t pass your exam the first time, don’t panic. You have five attempts to pass the test and get certified.
If you’ve hit the five-time limit, you can apply for a test-limit waiver to get another attempt. Click to learn more about test-limit waiver applications and read frequently asked questions.
You’ll typically take the TExES around the time you finish your teaching program. If you don’t take it before graduation, you should at least have registered for the exam before you graduate.
Your teaching program needs to approve you to take the TExES. Some programs use GPA and overall academic history for approval. Others may require you to take a qualifying exam first. Check with your program to see how their TExES approval system works.
Your TExES will depend on the subject and grade you plan to teach. Visit the official exams page to see a full list of TExES options. Click the TExES tab and scroll down to see all exams.
If you already have a certification in a state or country outside of Texas, you’ll need to apply for a credential review to be a Texas teacher. In the credential review application, you’ll need to provide:
If you’ve taken other certification tests (such as the Praxis), you’ll also need to provide additional documentation to waive the TExES. Click to learn more about out-of-state test exemptions.
If you haven’t taken certification tests or if you don’t have all the test exemption documentation, you’ll need to register to take the TExES as well.
State tests are required—but remember, your scores don’t reflect the kind of teacher you will be. Exams like the PACT and TExES are just one more step on your way to certification, and you can take them more than once.
You’re on a mission, and you’ve got this!
You’ve worked hard to get where you are. You’ve put together an amazing application, and you’re pretty sure you aced your teaching exam. But just as you’re submitting your materials to your program, you find out that your test scores won’t be available until after the application deadline.
Don’t let this happen to you! Making a test schedule can save you application frustration and stress later on. You’ll want to know:
Once you know these important dates, we recommend adding in at least an extra week or two of cushion. That way, if your test is rescheduled or your testing equipment isn’t working, you won’t be scrambling to take the test in time.
After you register for your test, you can work backward: Figure out how much time you have between now and your testing date. Then, make yourself a study schedule that maps out how and when you’ll study for your exam (more on that in Step 4!)
Once you know which exam you’re taking, head over to the online registration page. Pearson Education runs both the PACT and TExES, so you’ll use the same registration for either test. When you create an account, this page will ask you to share your contact information and Texas Education Agency Login (TEAL) number.
If you don’t have a TEAL number, you’ll want to create one with the Texas Educator Certification Online System.
After you create an account, you can schedule your test(s), access prep materials and check your scores. For more details on test registration, check out the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program guide.
Note that not all subject area tests are offered on a continuous basis. Some are only offered in specific windows—so be sure to check your exam’s schedule with plenty of time to spare!
When you’re registering for your test, this is also when you’ll want to request any accommodations you’ll need. Currently, Texas offers testing accommodations, such as alternative testing locations or extra time, for:
Visit the Requesting Alternative Testing Arrangements page to learn more about alternative arrangements and how to get them.
Once you’ve registered, make a list of everything you need to do between now and your test day.
Make a study schedule that includes time to:
You have many options for study guides for both the PACT and TExES. Some come directly from Pearson, while others come from other educational organizations and universities.
We’ll share a few here.
Study tips: Get a comprehensive overview of how to prepare and what to expect with the Texas Education Agency’s study tips guide.
You also have numerous test prep resources from universities and test prep companies. Here are a few we recommend.
Tip: Before purchasing any test prep materials, check with your program to see if any discount codes are available for your test prep option of choice.
TEACH for Houston offers reimbursements for PACT registration fees and test prep materials! (This does not apply to TExES costs.) Visit our Fee Reimbursements page to learn more about eligibility and how to apply.
Applications have a lot of steps, and we’re here to support you with all of them.
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