TExES Testing Requirements

Approval to Test

A TExES test may be taken if one of the following criteria is met:

Educator Preparation Program (EPP) Candidates
If you are fulfilling the requirements in an SBEC-approved EPP, you must receive approval to take a certification examination from your EPP. There are several types of teacher training programs:
  • University Initial - a program usually delivered as part of a baccalaureate program that includes student teaching
  • University Post Baccalaureate - a program that may be offered to an individual who already holds at least a bachelor's degree and is seeking certification
  • University Alternative Certification Program - an Alternative Certification Program offered by a university
  • Alternative Certification Program - a nontraditional EPP for individuals who hold bachelor's degrees or higher that may involve university course work or other professional development experiences as well as intense mentoring and supervision

Further information about EPP programs and a list of approved EPPs is available on the TEA website. After acceptance and approval to test from your EPP, follow the steps for registering to test.

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Out-of-State/Out-of-Country Candidates
If you are certified and hold an acceptable teaching credential from another state, a U.S. Territory or another country and are seeking to be certified in the equivalent field(s), you must have your credentials reviewed by TEA.

To have your credentials reviewed, you must go to the TEA website and create an Educator Profile, complete an online application for review of credentials and submit the appropriate documents by mail to TEA. After your credentials have been reviewed, you will be mailed information regarding the tests that you are approved to take. You can then register to test.

NOTE: The TEA Division of Educator Certification and Standards does not approve out-of-state/out-of-country candidates. These candidates should call TEA at 1-512-936-8400 and select option 2 to speak with a certification/credentialing specialist.

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Certification-by-Exam Candidates
If you hold a bachelor's degree and a Texas classroom teaching certificate, you may add classroom certification areas by successfully completing the appropriate examination for the area(s) you are seeking.

The Marketing Education 8-12 certification is now available through certification by exam with an approved Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). If you want to take the Marketing Education 8-12 (175) test, you need to complete the SOQ form and submit it to a Texas school district or EPP approved to offer Marketing Education 8-12 certification. The school district or EPP will then review, verify and approve your work experience. The SOQ form and step-by-step instructions for school districts and EPPs are available on the TEA website. When those steps are complete, TEA will add approval for you to register for the Marketing Education 8-12 test.

NOTE: The TEA Division of Educator Certification and Standards does not approve certification-by-exam candidates. These candidates should call TEA at 1-512-936-8400 and select option 2 to speak with a certification/credentialing specialist.

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Charter School Candidates
To fulfill the No Child Left Behind federal requirement to be highly qualified, charter school teachers must demonstrate content mastery in their assignment and competency in the same manner as teachers in public schools. Elementary teachers must demonstrate content mastery by passing TExES Generalist EC-6 (191). Secondary teachers must demonstrate content mastery by passing the appropriate TExES content examination or having at least 24 semester credit hours in the assigned content area.

NOTE: The TEA Division of Educator Certification and Standards does not approve charter school candidates. These candidates should call the TEA at 1-512-936-8400 and select option 2 to speak with a certification/credentialing specialist. Passing a TExES or ExCET test does not qualify charter school teachers for a Texas educator certificate.

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Temporary Teacher Certificate Candidates
The Temporary Teacher Certificate (TTC) provides an additional certification route for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree or higher to enter the teaching profession in Texas.

  • Individuals requesting a TTC must be employed by an approved Texas school district for the two-year validity period of the certificate.
  • The school district(s) must be approved by the TEA and must assume the responsibility of training the individual for the validity period of the certificate.
  • A TTC can only be issued for grades 8-12 in curriculum areas that currently have an examination under the TExES program.
  • To acquire a TTC, you must apply for a Review of Transcripts and submit an application through the TEA website. After the Review of Transcripts has been completed, you will be notified by TEA of the appropriate 8-12 TExES content exam for which you need to register in addition to the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12 test.

NOTE: The TEA Division of Educator Certification and Standards does not approve temporary teacher certificate candidates. These candidates should call the TEA at 1-512-936-8400 and selection option 2 to speak with a certification/credentialing specialist.

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Exemptions for the Hearing Impaired
If you are deaf or hearing impaired, you may be exempt from the TExES testing requirements. Texas Education Code §21.048 allows certain individuals who are deaf or hearing impaired to be issued a Temporary Exemption Certificate allowing them to teach in Texas public schools. Contact TEA or visit the TEA website for more information.

NOTE: If your certification requires the Texas Assessment of Sign Communication (TASC), the Texas Assessment of Sign Communication-American Sign Language (TASC-ASL) and/or the TExES American Sign Language (ASL) test(s), you must pass these tests even if you are hearing impaired.

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