Certification/Testing Requirements
Texas law
requires every person seeking educator certification to perform
satisfactorily on comprehensive examinations. The purpose of these
examinations is to ensure that each educator has the necessary content
and professional knowledge to perform in Texas public schools. The
Examination for the Certification of Educators in Texas (ExCET) program
now replaced by the Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES) exam
was developed for this purpose. Every individual seeking certification
as an educator in Texas is required by law to pass the ExCET or TExES
exam.
The tests are criterion-referenced multiple-choice tests
designed to measure a candidate's knowledge in relation to an
established standard of competence (criterion) rather than the
performance of other candidates. Some tests may have additional
assessment modes (e.g., a written response).
Test retakes are
permitted until a passing score is obtained. Examinees who fail a test
and wish to retake it may do so at any regularly scheduled test
administration by submitting a NEW registration form and payment. You
may not register to take the same test more than once on the same day.
You are eligible to take the ExCET or TExES if you meet one of the following guidelines:
- You have completed the program requirements of an approved certification program in a Texas college or university.
- You
are enrolled in your last semester of an educator preparation program
in a Texas college or university on the date of the administration for
which you have registered.
- You are in the spring semester prior
to summer completion of program requirements in a Texas college or
university on the date of the administration for which you have
registered.
- You are in the second semester of a one-year internship of an alternative certification educator preparation program.
- You
are fully certified by a state other than Texas and will be seeking a
Texas teacher and/or administrator certificate. You must have also
applied for and received a review of your credentials by the State Board
for Educator Certification (SBEC).
- You hold a current Texas one-year certificate issued by SBEC.
OR
- You hold a valid Texas classroom certificate and are seeking an additional certification or endorsement.
For information about Texas educator certification and exam preparation materials please access the Texas Education Agency website and choose the Educator Certification link .