The TExES Science exam is used by all Texas state schools and licensing agencies to certify potential teachers in this field. It will measure your knowledge and skills in relation to entry-level professionals as needed for this position.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for TExES exams Educator Preparation Program (EPP) and Out-of-state/country candidates will need to gain approval through their program, create a TEA Login account to receive a TEA ID number, and create a TExES testing account.
Candidates using a Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT), charter schools, or certification-by-exam will not need to create a TEA account as you will already have a TEA number through your program. You will then need only to create a TExES testing account and register to take the exam.
There is a fee of $116 to take this exam.
When and Where is it Taken?
This computer-administered exam can be scheduled year-round at Pearson VUE sites throughout Texas and nationwide. To choose a date, time, and location that is convenient for you, register as soon as possible as space and seating are limited and are filled on a first come, first served basis.
Rescheduling or canceling your appointment can be done for any reason at least 48 hours before your original testing session. Afterward, changes cannon be made, and you will forfeit any fees paid.
Special accommodations are available for those with disabilities or who may not be able to test under normal circumstances. This must be requested during the registration process and supporting documentation will need to be provided for approval.
What Should I Bring?
Plan to arrive at the testing center at least 15 minutes before your scheduled exam. Those who arrive late will not be able to test and will have to reschedule, forfeiting any registration fees.
Upon arrival, you will need to present two forms of current personal identification. These must contain your signature and full name as it appears on your registration. One must also contain a recent and recognizable photo.
All other personal items are not permitted. The following items will be assigned to a locker for the duration of the exam and are not to be accessed.
- Wallets and keys
- Jewelry and watches
- Cell phones and electronic devices
- Food or drinks
- Study materials, pencils, and paper
- Calculators
You will be given a periodic table, an on-screen calculator, and a list of definitions and physical constants for use on the exam.
What is Covered?
This exam consists of 140 multiple-choice questions and is given five hours to complete. This includes 15 minutes for a short tutorial and compliance agreement.
Below is a brief summary of each main section or domain included on the exam with the approximate amount of weight it is given.
Scientific Inquiry and Processes (10%)
Selection and management of learning activities in relation to materials, organisms, equipment, and technologies used, the nature of science and the processes and concepts that are basic to all sciences, the history of science and its effects on daily life and society
Physics (20%)
One and two-dimensional motion, the laws of motion, gravity and electromagnetic concepts, electricity, magnetism, conservation of energy and momentum, laws of thermodynamics, characteristics and behaviors of waves, quantum physics
Chemistry (20%)
Matter and atomic structure, properties of gases, chemical bonding, chemical equations and reactions, properties of solutions, energy transformations, nuclear fission, fusion, and reactions, oxidation and reduction reactions, acids and bases
Cell Structure and Processes (8%)
Biomolecules, cell structures, growth and development of cells and other organs
Heredity and Evolution of Life (8%)
Nucleic acids, variations in traits, biological evolution, evolution in history
Diversity of Life (8%)
Taxonomic systems and their uses, relationships between living organisms, homeostasis, biology and behavior
Interdependence of Life and Environmental Systems (6%)
Abiotic and biotic factors, habitats and biomes, flow of matter and energy, living organisms in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, carrying capacity and populations within ecosystems
Earth’s History and the Structure and Function of its systems (9%)
Structure and function of the geosphere, plate tectonics, weathering, erosion, and deposition, the formation of Earth and its history, the hydrosphere, atmosphere, effects of human activity and natural events on Earth
Components and Properties of the Solar System and the Universe (6%)
Earth’s placement and orientation, the role of the Sun and other orbital objects, properties of the universe, history and methods of astronomy
Science Learning, Instruction, and Assessment (5%)
The role of scientific inquiry, how students learn, assessments in laboratory, field, and classroom settings,
How is it Scored?
Scores are reported by 10 pm Central Standard Time on the score report date assigned for your testing day. This date should have been made known to you during the registration process. Your scores will be available on your TExES account online and will automatically be sent to TEA and your EPP if applicable. Paper copies are not sent to anyone.
Your score report will include your scaled score and your pass/fail status. Your raw score (number of correctly answered questions) is converted to a scaled score ranging from 100-300 based on the difficulty of the questions you answered. A scaled score of at least 240 is considered passing.
For those who do not pass, you may retake the exam up to five times. You will need to re-register and submit a new exam fee each time. You must also wait at least 45 days after your last attempt to be approved.
Once you have passed, you can apply for certification through your ECOS account. However, you must wait at least 7-10 business days after your scores have been reported to you to do this.
How Can I Prepare for the TExES Science 7-12 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!