Updated October 2026.

Every Texas teacher candidate must pass the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) exam to earn a standard teaching certificate. Here’s what’s on it, how it’s scored and how to prepare.

What is the PPR exam?

The PPR EC-12 exam (test code 160) is part of the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES). It measures whether you know how to plan lessons, manage a classroom, teach and assess students effectively, and meet your professional and legal responsibilities as a Texas teacher. It’s the same exam for every grade level and subject.

What’s on the PPR exam?

The exam has 100 selected-response (multiple-choice) questions across four domains:

  • Domain I: Designing Instruction and Assessment to Promote Student Learning (about 34%). Student development, diversity, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), and how learning happens.
  • Domain II: Creating a Positive, Productive Classroom Environment (about 13%). Building a safe, supportive classroom and managing routines, procedures and student behavior.
  • Domain III: Implementing Effective, Responsive Instruction and Assessment (about 33%). Communicating clearly, engaging students, using technology well, monitoring progress and giving timely feedback.
  • Domain IV: Fulfilling Professional Roles and Responsibilities (about 20%). Working with families and colleagues, growing as a professional, and following the legal and ethical requirements for Texas educators.

Many questions are built around a classroom scenario. You’ll read about a teacher’s situation and choose the best decision, sometimes across several related questions.

What score do you need to pass?

Scores range from 100 to 300. You need a 240 to pass.

How long is the PPR exam?

You’ll have 5 hours of testing time. It’s a computer-administered test, taken at a testing center or, where available, online with a remote proctor.

How much does it cost?

As of October 2026, the PPR costs $116 each time you take it, paid when you register.

How many times can you take it?

Your certification program must approve you before you can register. If you don’t pass, you can retake the exam, but Texas limits each certification exam to five attempts in total. If you don’t pass on your first try, Teachworthy will give you targeted preparation before approving you to test again.

When should you take the PPR?

You’ll need to pass the PPR before your program can recommend you for a standard certificate. Most candidates take it during their first year of teaching on an intern certificate.

Teachworthy recommends taking the PPR soon after you finish your Teachworthy courses, while the material is fresh.

How to prepare

  • Finish your program coursework first. The PPR covers the same ground.
  • Review the official preparation manual for test 160, which lists every competency and includes sample questions.
  • Take full-length practice tests to build your pacing and stamina.
  • Practice scenario questions: ask what an effective, student-centered teacher would do first, and what the law and Texas educator ethics require.

Hear from Melissa Arredondo

“When I first decided I wanted to teach, it was pretty late in the game. It was mid-summer, and I needed to complete all my training, land a teaching position and get ready for the first day with students. I thought, ‘I’m sure I can pass this PPR exam without any trouble,’ even though I hadn’t even started training with Teachworthy. So I signed up, took it, and failed it.

“I was disappointed for sure, but I knew I would get another shot once I finished training. And guess what? I completed the Teachworthy Training, took the PPR again and passed it, no problem.

“I’ve been a certified Texas teacher for the past two years and know that I’ve found my purpose.”

Watch the full interview

How to register for the PPR exam

Apply to Teachworthy for free. Once your program approves you to test, you’ll register for the PPR exam. We’ll guide you through every step.