A general overview of the TExES Examinations for Teacher Certification Tarleton State University

Your Introduction to Certification Testing This presentation will cover the very basic information related to requirements and procedures surrounding certification testing. The purpose of the presentation is to introduce teacher education candidates to what will be expected in terms of testing, and to be given the opportunity to begin planning ways to cover the cost of examinations.

Who must take the TExES Examinations? All candidates seeking initial teacher certification are required by state law to take and pass TExES (Texas Examination of Educator Standards) examinations prior to being recommended for certification.

How many exams will I be required to take? Every candidate must take the EC-12 PPR, the content exam(s) related to your certificate area(s) and any supplemental exams for Interdisciplinary Studies majors (ESL or Bilingual). Each candidate will take a minimum of two with the possibility of up to four maximum exams. For a list of required exams by certificate area: http://www.tarleton.edu/eps/testing/index.html

How are exams administered? All exams are administered by computer at various independently run testing facilities. Candidates with a documented disability or health-related need must make arrangements with ETS (testing company) BEFORE registering for any exam. It is not too early to get the paperwork in place – http://cms.texes-ets.org/files/9114/6780/1498/registration_bulletin_supplement_ADA.pdf. Once approved, accommodations are good for a two year period.

What is the cost of each exam? The registration fee for each exam is $131.00 plus a Texas use fee of $3.20, and payment must be made by either credit or debit card at time of registration. This makes the total cost of each exam $134.20, and the same fees also apply to any necessary exam retakes.

When will I be eligible to test? Candidates who have formally been admitted to the Teacher Education Program are eligible to begin testing at the end of the PD II semester once test preparation programs have been completed. Both the PPR and all content exams must be passed prior to the start of Clinical Teaching. Candidates will receive a more detailed and thorough explanation of testing policies and procures at the mandatory Application to Clinical Teaching Seminar toward the beginning of PD II.

Where do I take the exams? There are many test sites across the state (there is one located on the Tarleton Stephenville campus) and candidates may choose to take exams at any location available for the exam date selected. Test facilities closer in proximity to the different outreach centers include: Arlington Bedford Denton Fort Worth Killeen Waco

Is there financial help available to cover the expense of the exams? There are multiple scholarships available for candidates seeking teacher certification that could be used to help offset the expense of exams. Be sure to specifically apply for the Dennis P. McCabe Student Endowed Scholarship for each semester you are enrolled in the Teacher Education Program. To contact the Scholarship Office for more information concerning available awards and application deadlines, go to: http://www.tarleton.edu/scholarships/index.html or call 254-968-9922.

Are there materials to help me prepare for the exam? In addition to the education courses that are helping prepare you for the PPR exam and the concentration courses that prepare you for the content exam(s), you can find additional materials at no cost on the ETS website - http://cms.texes-ets.org/texes/prepmaterials/. Test at a Glance and Preparation Manuals on that page contain a lot of very useful information. You will also be required to complete test preparation programs for each exam through Certify Teacher prior to being given testing approval.

Should I know anything else? In your PD I laboratory, you will receive directions to set up a TEAL (TEA Login) account with the Texas Education Agency (TEA). You will be assigned a TEA ID# at that time. Record the number in a place you can access it, such as your cell phone. You will be required to provide this number several times over the next three semesters and into your teaching career.

Do you want more testing information? Web site: www.tarleton.edu/eps/testing Brenda Strong strong@tarleton.edu Coordinator for Certification Testing Tarleton State University – Stephenville Suite 101 – Mathematics Building 254-968-1908

A Final Note Tarleton State University prepares our teacher education candidates very well for exams, and currently holds an overall 96% pass rate for all certification areas offered. If you dedicate yourself to your classes and take learning seriously, you should have little trouble passing your exams. Educator Preparation Services wishes you the best as you test! This concludes the presentation.