The TExES Physical Education exam is used to asses whether or not a prospective teaching candidate has the required skills and knowledge to teach this field in the state of Texas’ public schools. These skills are those expected for entry-level educators to possess. A passing completion of this exam will help to earn your certification in teaching physical education.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible to take any TExES exam(s) you must gain approval from a designated program or institution. The following is a list of criteria that must be met to take this exam:
- Have permission from your Educator Preparation Program (EPP) or school district or hold a bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate from another state or country
- Create or have a TEA profile account
- Create or have a testing account through the state of Texas
Prospective testing candidates from charter schools or those using the Pre-Admission Content Tests (PACT) route do not need to create a TEA account. Instead, you will simply create a testing account using the TEA ID you have been provided with through those institutions or programs.
There is an exam fee of $116 that must be paid at the time of registration.
When and Where is it Taken?
All TExES exams are computer-administered by Pearson VUE, a professional testing firm. This exam can be scheduled year-round at various testing sites throughout the state of Texas and nationwide. A complete list of available dates, times, and locations will be provided to you during the registration process.
While you can choose whatever testing session is most convenient for you, it is recommended that you register for that session as early as possible. Seating is limited at most locations is filled on a first come, first served basis.
If you need to reschedule or cancel your exam appointment, you can do so by contacting Pearson VUE at least 48 hours before your original testing session. If you wait any longer, your changes will not be made and you will forfeit all fees paid up to that point for not showing up on test day.
Special accommodations are available to those with disabilities and who may not be able to test under normal conditions. This request must be made during your registration and supporting documentation will be asked for.
What Can I Bring?
You will need to arrive at least 15 minutes early for your scheduled exam to complete a check-in process. Those who are late will not be allowed to test and will have to reschedule, forfeiting all fees.
You will be asked to present at least two forms of current and valid government-issued identification. Once must a primary/photo Id and contain a recent and recognizable photo. Your secondary ID must contain your signature and your full name as it appears on your application or testing account.
IDs with missing or incorrect information will not be accepted. You will need to either provide another ID or will be turned away and not allowed to test that day.
No personal items are permitted in the testing area and must be stored in a designated locker during the exam. These items include but are not limited to:
- Calculators
- Pencils, paper, or study materials
- Food and drinks
- Cell phones or electronic devices
- Bags, purses, or any outerwear
If you are found in violation of these rules, you will be immediately dismissed and your scores voided.
What is Covered?
This exam consists of 100 selected response questions that are divided into three main sections or domains. You will be given five hours to complete the exam including 15 minutes for a tutorial and compliance agreement.
Below is a brief description of each and the approximate weight it is given.
Movement Skills and Knowledge (38%)
Motor development and motor learning, combining and integrating motor skills, movement principles, biomechanical concepts, individual and team sports, safety practices for activities and games.
Health-Related Physical Fitness (31%)
Major body systems, physical fitness development, developing and maintaining cardiovascular endurance, developing and maintaining flexibility and muscle strength, health and wellness concepts.
The Physical Education Program (31%)
Effective instruction and assessment to teach physical education, relevant factors to learning and performance in PE, structure and goals of PE programs, legal issues and professional responsibilities.
How is it Scored?
You will be given a score reporting date during the registration process that indicates the date on which your exam scores will become available to you. These can be accessed no sooner than 10 pm on that date through your ECOS account. Your results will also be sent to TEA and your EPP if applicable.
You must receive a score of at least 240 to be considered passing.
If you fail the exam, you are allowed to retake it after a 45-day waiting period. You will need to reregister and submit another exam fee to do so. There is a limit of five attempts for all TExES certification exams.
If you pass this exam, you may then apply for certification through your ECOS account about 7-10 days after your scores have been released.
How Can I Prepare for the TExES Physical Education EC-12 Test?
That’s a great question. We’ve broken down the answer into three parts.
- Do yourself a favor and study. Do not walk in unprepared. We have recommended prep materials below, but that only helps if you actually try. Plus, studying is actually proven to be the best antidote to test anxiety.
- Take care of yourself. Make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and sleeping. All of these things are scientifically linked to brain performance. If you take care of your body, you’ll be helping your grades.
- Get a study guide or set of flashcards. Some people study better a certain way. Find your study strengths and make the most of them. We’ve tried to make it easy for you by tracking down the best study guide and flashcard set for your exam. Below you’ll see links to both!