The TExES
Core Subjects 4-8 (211) Exam is a computer-administered exam that consists of four
subject tests.
Examinees who
have conditions covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act that require
special testing accommodations, may make this request in writing.
Some of the
special requests that may be accommodated include extra time, breaks that do
not lessen your testing time, separate testing room, Braille test materials,
large print booklet and answer sheet, zoom text font size, the ability to
choose background and foreground colors, adjustable height table, ergonomic
keyboard, anti-glare screen, and a screen magnifier.
What subjects and topics are covered on this exam?
TExES Core
Subjects 4-8 (211) consists of four subject exams. They are English Language
Arts and Reading, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science.
English Language Arts and Reading
This subject
test makes up about 37% of the entire exam. You will have 1 hour and 55 minutes
to complete 74 selected-response questions. The competencies that will be
assessed on this subject include oral language, early literacy development,
word identification and reading fluency, reading comprehension and assessment,
reading applications, written language (writing conventions and composition),
viewing and representing, and study and inquiry skills.
Mathematics
This subject
test makes up about 21% of the entire exam. You will have 1 hour and 5 minutes
to complete 42 selected-response questions. The competencies that will be
assessed on this subject include number system structures, association between
quantity and symbolic representations, number operations and algorithms, number
theory and using it within and outside the context of math, mathematical
reasoning, linear and non-linear functions, calculus and its relation to middle
school math, measurement, geometry, 2 and 3-D figures, algebra, investigating
data and finding patterns, probability, how children learn and develop math
skills, how teachers arrange and execute instruction, and how teachers utilize
different assessments.
Social Studies
This subject
test makes up about 21% of the entire exam. You will have 50 minutes to
complete 42 selected-response questions. The competencies that will be assessed
on this subject include historical events and developments, geography,
economics, government and citizenship, science, technology & society, the
foundations and skills of social studies, and the instruction and assessment of
social studies.
Science
This subject
test makes up about 21% of the entire exam. You will have 50 minutes to
complete 42 selected-response questions. The competencies that will be assessed
on this subject include making sure students are safe when engaging in learning
activities, the teacher using the proper tools and technology, scientific
inquiry and history and nature of science, the impact of science on everyday
life, concepts and processes that relate to all sciences, forces and motion,
properties and changes of matter (both physical and chemical), energy and how
energy and matter relate, transformations of energy, living things, heredity,
evolution, organisms and the environment, Earth systems, energy and how it
relates to weather and climate, solar system, how to effectively teach science
so students learn, and how to use different assessments.
What is the most convenient way to
register?
Registration
and payment for this exam can be done online, 24/7.
What is the cost of taking this exam?
If you take
an individual subject test, the cost is $58/subject test. If you take all four
subject tests at one time, the fee is $116.
What are the testing dates and
locations?
This exam is
offered by appointment, year-round.
There are
various testing centers throughout Texas, and others in many states within the
U.S.
What
should I do the day of the exam?
Getting
to the testing center 15 minutes early should be sufficient for you having
enough time to check-in and get settled in.
Be
sure to bring a form of identification that includes your name, signature, and
photo.
Personal
items such as a calculator, cell phone, purse, briefcase, handwritten
materials, food/drink and jackets are prohibited from the testing area.
Can I take a break during the
exam?
You
are allowed to take restroom breaks, but the exam clock will continue to count
down while you are on break.
What happens after I take the exam?
Your score
report will be available for review within seven days of you taking the exam.
They are typically posted online by 10 p.m. CST.
What is the minimum passing score on
this exam?
240 per subject
test
What happens if I don’t pass the
exam?
You are
allowed to re-take a subject test or entire exam after waiting 45 days from the
last attempt.
How Can I Prepare for the TExES Core Subjects 4-8 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!