Updated October 2026.

What are TExES content exams?

TExES (Texas Examinations of Educator Standards) is the state’s testing program for teacher certification. To teach a subject in Texas, you must show you know it by passing the TExES content exam for that certification area. The exams are administered by Pearson. As of October 2026, most content exams cost $116 to $136 each time you take them.

There are TExES content exams for dozens of subjects and grade bands, from Core Subjects EC-6 to Mathematics 7-12, Science, English Language Arts and Reading, Special Education, Bilingual Education, Career and Technical Education, Art, Music, Physical Education and more. Teachworthy supports more than 50 certification areas: see the full list. Some certifications, especially those that include teaching reading in the early grades, also require the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam.

What is the format of the exams?

All TExES exams are taken on a computer, either at a Pearson testing center or, for many exams, online with a remote proctor. Most questions are multiple choice; some exams also include written or oral responses.

How are the exams scored?

Your score reflects how well you know the subject, not how you did compared with other test takers. Scores range from 100 to 300, and you need a 240 to pass.

Each exam is divided into domains, and each domain into competencies. A competency has two parts:

  1. Competency statement: a broad outline of the knowledge and skills a teacher needs.
  2. Descriptive statements: the specific knowledge and skills in more detail.

The domains and competencies match what you’ll be expected to teach your students, so they’re the best map for your studying.

How to prepare for your exam

TExES exams are challenging. Plan real time to prepare. Here are the steps.

Step 1: Choose your content area

Deciding what to teach can be hard if you didn’t study one of these subjects in college. The free preparation materials in Step 2 include sample questions that can help you decide.

You’ll need approval from your certification program before you can register for a content exam. Apply to Teachworthy for free, and we’ll review your coursework to find the certification areas you qualify for and that match your interests.

Step 2: Use the best study resources

Start with the free official materials. Pearson publishes a free preparation manual for every TExES exam, with the domains and competencies, sample questions and a practice test with an answer key.

Then add a test preparation program. Teachworthy candidates use three programs, each with a Teachworthy discount:

  • Certify Teacher: simulated exams with a large bank of practice questions. A pre-test shows which domains need the most work.
  • 240 Tutoring: TExES study guides and practice tests, with feedback on the areas you need to review.
  • Passage Preparation: TExES test preparation and practice.

When you compare programs, ask how closely the practice questions match the real exam, whether practice tests are scored for you, and what it costs for as long as you’ll need it.

Step 3: Master the practice test

Each attempt at a content exam costs $116 or more. Texas allows five attempts per exam, and you have to wait before you can retest, which could mean missing the hiring season. It pays to be ready the first time.

Start by taking a timed practice test. It simulates the real exam and shows which domains need the most work. Study those areas, then test again.

Texas requires programs to confirm you’re ready before approving you to test. At Teachworthy, that usually means reaching a qualifying score on a practice test; your testing plan tells you which practice test to take and the score you need. Plan on three to four weeks of preparation for each content exam. It’s worth the effort.

Step 4: Take the exam

Once Teachworthy approves you to test, register with Pearson and choose a testing center or online appointment. Register early: appointments fill up in the summer, when the most people are testing.

Passing your content exam is a major step toward your certificate. If you haven’t already, keep going with your online courses and field-based experience, and you can now attend the live Capturing Kids’ Hearts training. For the full sequence, see our guide to getting certified.

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