The TExES Mathematics 4–8 (115) exam is designed to determine whether prospective Texas educators have the mathematics knowledge and teaching skills expected of an entry-level teacher in grades 4 through 8. This guide covers the current exam format, content domains, registration, scoring, test-day information, and study resources.
Exam Background and Purpose
The Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) Mathematics 4–8 exam is used as part of the Texas educator-certification process. Pearson administers TExES exams on behalf of the Texas Education Agency.
The Mathematics 4–8 exam measures both mathematical content knowledge and the ability to apply that knowledge in an instructional setting. The questions are based on the competencies expected of beginning mathematics teachers working with students in grades 4 through 8.
Important: TExES Mathematics 4–8 (115) is different from the TX PACT Mathematics: Grades 4–8 (715) exam. Make sure you are preparing for the correct test code for your certification route.
TExES Mathematics 4–8 Exam Format
The total appointment time is 5 hours. This includes 15 minutes for the computer-administered testing tutorial and compliance agreement followed by 4 hours and 45 minutes of testing time.
All 100 questions are selected-response questions. The exam may include unscored questions that are being evaluated for use on future test forms. Your final scaled score is based only on the scored questions.
What Is on the TExES Mathematics 4–8 Exam?
The exam is divided into six domains. Patterns and Algebra and Geometry and Measurement are the two largest domains, each accounting for approximately 21% of the test.
| Domain | Approx. Percentage |
|---|---|
| I. Number Concepts | 16% |
| II. Patterns and Algebra | 21% |
| III. Geometry and Measurement | 21% |
| IV. Probability and Statistics | 16% |
| V. Mathematical Processes and Perspectives | 10% |
| VI. Mathematical Learning, Instruction and Assessment | 16% |
Number Concepts
This domain measures your understanding of number systems, operations, computational algorithms, number theory, quantitative reasoning, and the ways numbers can be used to represent and solve mathematical and real-world problems.
You should be comfortable working with whole numbers, integers, rational and real numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, scientific notation, exponents, estimation, place value, divisibility, prime factorization, and proportional relationships.
Patterns and Algebra
This domain covers patterns, algebraic reasoning, equations, inequalities, relations, and functions. You will need to recognize and extend patterns, manipulate algebraic expressions, solve equations, analyze functions, and represent mathematical relationships using tables, graphs, equations, and verbal descriptions.
The domain also includes linear and nonlinear functions as well as foundational calculus concepts related to middle school mathematics.
Geometry and Measurement
Questions in this domain cover measurement, Euclidean geometry, two- and three-dimensional figures, spatial reasoning, coordinate geometry, and transformations.
You should understand concepts such as area, perimeter, surface area, volume, angle relationships, similarity, congruence, the Pythagorean theorem, geometric constructions, transformations, symmetry, and conversions between measurement units.
Probability and Statistics
This domain measures your ability to collect, organize, display, analyze, and interpret data. Topics include tables and graphs, measures of center and spread, probability, sampling, statistical inference, predictions, and the relationship between probability and statistics.
Mathematical Processes and Perspectives
This section focuses on mathematical reasoning, problem solving, mathematical connections, modeling, proof, estimation, and communicating mathematical ideas effectively.
You may be asked to select appropriate problem-solving strategies, evaluate the reasonableness of solutions, justify mathematical conclusions, or connect mathematical ideas to real-world situations.
Mathematical Learning, Instruction and Assessment
This domain focuses on how students learn mathematics and how teachers should plan instruction and evaluate learning.
Topics include mathematical development, common misconceptions, instructional planning, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), questioning strategies, technology and manipulatives, differentiated instruction, formative assessment, summative assessment, and using assessment results to guide instruction.
Do I Need Approval to Take the Exam?
Many candidates must receive approval to test before they can register for a TExES certification exam.
If you are enrolled in a Texas-approved educator preparation program, your program generally provides your testing approval. You should work with your educator preparation program if you are unsure whether you have been approved to take Mathematics 4–8 (115).
Texas educators who already hold an eligible teaching certificate may also be able to add certain certification areas by examination. The requirements depend on your certification route, so make sure you know which route applies to you before registering.
How Do I Register?
Registration is completed online through the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program website administered by Pearson.
1. Confirm your testing approval.
If your certification route requires approval, make sure it has been entered before attempting to register.
2. Register for Mathematics 4–8 (115).
Sign in to your testing account and select the correct TExES exam.
3. Pay the exam fee.
The current registration fee is $116. Additional fees can apply in some circumstances.
4. Schedule your appointment.
Select an available test center and appointment date after registration.
When and Where Is the Exam Offered?
The TExES Mathematics 4–8 exam is offered year round by appointment. Appointment availability is first come, first served.
Computer-administered testing sites are available throughout Texas and at testing locations elsewhere in the United States.
Scheduling tip: Register and schedule early if you need to test by a specific certification or program deadline. An exam may be offered year round without every test center having an appointment available on your preferred date.
Can I Use a Calculator?
Yes. An on-screen scientific calculator is provided as part of the exam. You will also have access to an on-screen Definitions and Formulas reference page.
You should become familiar with using the provided calculator before test day rather than assuming you will be able to use your own calculator.
What to Know Before Test Day
Review your appointment confirmation and current identification requirements before leaving for the test center.
Remember that the total appointment is five hours, but only 4 hours and 45 minutes are available for answering exam questions.
Practice using an on-screen scientific calculator before your appointment.
Answer every question. There is no advantage to leaving a selected-response question unanswered.
Keep in mind that time used for an unscheduled restroom break is part of your available testing time.
How Is the TExES Mathematics 4–8 Exam Scored?
TExES scores are reported on a scale from 100 to 300. You need a scaled score of at least 240 to pass Mathematics 4–8 (115).
Your scaled score is not simply the percentage of questions you answered correctly. Raw scores are converted to scaled scores so that results remain comparable across different versions of the exam.
Only scored questions contribute to your result. Any embedded pretest questions used to evaluate potential future exam items do not affect your score.
Your score report is made available through your testing account. Scores are posted at 10:00 p.m. Central Time on the published score-report date for your test appointment.
What If I Don’t Pass?
You can retake the TExES Mathematics 4–8 exam if you do not earn a passing score.
You must wait at least 30 days from your previous exam date before taking the exam again. You cannot register for another attempt until the results from your previous attempt have been posted.
If you are affiliated with an educator preparation program, you must also obtain approval from your program before retesting.
Attempt limit: Texas generally limits candidates to five attempts at a certification exam. The five attempts include the first attempt and four retakes. Candidates who reach the limit may be able to apply to the Texas Education Agency for a test-limit waiver.
How Can I Prepare for the TExES Mathematics 4–8 Exam?
Start by comparing your current skills with the six official exam domains. Do not assume that being comfortable with middle school mathematics alone is enough. The exam also tests mathematical reasoning, instructional decisions, student misconceptions, assessment, and how mathematics should be taught.
The two largest domains are Patterns and Algebra and Geometry and Measurement, but together they represent only 42% of the exam. A strong study plan still needs to cover number concepts, probability and statistics, mathematical reasoning, and mathematics instruction and assessment.
TExES Mathematics 4–8 Study Checklist
Review all six official exam domains instead of studying only computation.
Spend substantial time on Patterns and Algebra and Geometry and Measurement, which are the two largest domains.
Practice solving problems involving fractions, ratios, percentages, equations, functions, geometry, probability, and statistics.
Review common student errors and how a teacher should respond to mathematical misconceptions.
Practice interpreting classroom scenarios involving instruction, assessment, TEKS, manipulatives, and mathematical communication.
Complete timed practice questions so you are comfortable pacing yourself through 100 questions in 4 hours and 45 minutes.
TExES Mathematics 4–8 Study Resources
Use these resources to review the exam content and get additional practice before your test appointment.
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