Find answers to common questions about the TExES Mathematics 7–12 (235) exam, including its format, content, calculator rules, registration process, passing score, retake policy, and preparation resources.
TExES Mathematics 7–12 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TExES Mathematics 7–12 (235) exam?
The TExES Mathematics 7–12 exam assesses whether a candidate has the mathematics knowledge and teaching skills expected of an entry-level mathematics educator in Texas public schools.
Exam 235 is generally required for candidates seeking Texas certification to teach mathematics in grades 7 through 12.
How many questions are on the exam?
The exam contains 100 selected-response questions.
The test may also contain questions that are being evaluated for future use and do not contribute to the candidate’s final score.
How much time do I receive?
The complete testing appointment lasts five hours.
- 15 minutes for the computer tutorial and compliance agreement
- 4 hours and 45 minutes for the exam questions
This provides an average of slightly less than three minutes per question.
What does “CAT” mean on the exam information page?
CAT means computer-administered test. Candidates take the exam on a computer at a Pearson testing center.
In this context, CAT does not mean that the question difficulty changes based on the candidate’s previous responses.
What subjects are covered on the exam?
The exam is organized into six domains:
14%
33%
19%
14%
10%
10%
Does the exam include calculus?
Yes. Calculus is included within the Patterns and Algebra domain.
Candidates should understand limits, derivatives, integrals, rates of change, optimization, velocity, acceleration, and applications of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
Are teaching methods included on the exam?
Yes. Approximately 20% of the exam focuses on mathematical reasoning, teaching, learning, and assessment.
Questions may address lesson planning, student misconceptions, instructional technology, mathematical discourse, differentiation, assessment design, and the use of assessment results to guide instruction.
Can I use a calculator?
Yes. Candidates are required to bring their own approved graphing calculator.
The testing center does not provide graphing calculators. Only calculator models appearing on the current approved list may be used.
Calculator manuals are prohibited, and testing-center staff will clear the calculator’s memory before and after the exam.
Are formulas provided?
Yes. An on-screen definitions and formulas page is available during the exam.
Candidates should review the formula page before test day so they know what is supplied and what concepts or relationships must still be remembered.
What score do I need to pass?
Candidates must earn a scaled score of at least 240.
Scores are reported on a scale ranging from 100 to 300. There are no separate passing scores for the six individual domains.
How much does the exam cost?
The standard examination fee is $116. Additional service or administrative fees may apply in certain situations.
Candidates must submit payment when registering for the exam.
When is the exam offered?
The TExES Mathematics 7–12 exam is offered year-round by appointment.
Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Candidates should schedule early when they need a particular date or testing center.
Where can I take the exam?
The exam is administered at Pearson computer-based testing centers. Locations are available in Texas and throughout the United States.
Available dates and times depend on the selected testing center.
Do I need approval before registering?
Most candidates need approval to test from an educator preparation program, the Texas Education Agency, or another authorized certification pathway.
Candidates also need a TEA identification number and a separate Texas educator certification testing account.
When will I receive my score?
Scores are released on the score-report date assigned to the candidate’s testing date.
Score reports become available in the candidate’s testing account at approximately 10:00 p.m. Central time on that date.
Can I retake the exam?
Yes. Candidates may retake the exam after waiting at least 30 days from the previous testing date.
The previous result must be posted before the candidate can register again. New approval from an educator preparation program may also be required.
How many times can I take the exam?
Candidates are generally limited to five total attempts. The five attempts include the initial examination and four retakes.
A candidate who reaches the limit must receive approval for a test-limit waiver before attempting the exam again.
How should I prepare for the exam?
Begin with a diagnostic practice test and organize missed questions by domain.
Patterns and Algebra and Geometry and Measurement together account for approximately 52% of the exam, but candidates should also prepare for probability, statistics, number concepts, mathematical reasoning, instruction, and assessment.
Complete practice problems with the same calculator you intend to bring on test day, and complete at least one full-length practice session under the 4-hour-and-45-minute testing limit.
Preparation tip: Review every missed question and every correct answer obtained through guessing. Understanding the reasoning is more useful than memorizing an answer choice.
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