Test Results and Score Reporting

Test Scores and Passing Standards

TExES test results are reported using a total test scaled score as follows:

Your results for each TExES test are reported as a score in the range of 100-300, with a total test scaled score of 240 as the minimum passing score.

The multiple-choice section of the test is scored based on the number of questions you answered correctly.

No points are subtracted for questions answered incorrectly.
Even if you are uncertain about the answer to a question, it is better to guess than not to respond at all.

Minimum passing standards for the tests were established by SBEC with input from committees of Texas educators. For the TExES tests, the minimum passing score represents the minimum level of competency required to be an entry-level educator in Texas public schools in the field in which you tested.

Interpreting Your Test Scores

Your total test scaled score shows how you performed on the test as a whole and whether you passed the test. Scaled scores are used to allow for comparison of scores across different versions of the test. For an explanation of the reporting and interpretation of scores on various tests, see Understanding Your Texas Educator Certification Program Test Scores (PDF). Further data about total scores for many of the Texas tests is available in Summary Statistics for Total Scores (PDF).

NOTE: Your test may include some questions that do not count toward your score. These are new questions that are being tried out in actual test administrations in order to collect information about how they will perform under actual testing conditions.

Reporting Your Test Scores

Your score report will be available to you via your ETS testing account. It will provide information about your passing status and other performance information. Also provided is an explanation of how to read your score report. See Test Scores and Passing Standards for information on the passing requirements for TExES tests.

Score reports for computer-administered tests (except for BTLPT - Spanish and LOTE French, German and Spanish) are posted within seven business days of the test date. Scores for BTLPT - Spanish and LOTE French, German and Spanish are posted within 20 business days of the test date. (See Score Reporting Dates below.) Scores are viewable for 90 days.

Your scores are automatically added to your certification file and made available to TEA and to your EPP (if applicable). Your score report is for your information only; do not submit it with your application for certification. Under no circumstances will ETS or TEA release your score information by phone, fax, e-mail or in person.

Paper score reports are not mailed. It is suggested that you print a copy of your online score report for your permanent records.

NOTE: Application for certification does not proceed automatically based upon receipt of your scores by TEA. To apply for certification, you must go to the SBEC website and follow the application for certification instructions.

Delay of Test Scores

Under some circumstances, scores may be delayed.

Scores for newly developed tests may be delayed in order to set passing scores.
Scores may be delayed due to problems with registration, failure to comply with the policies and procedures set forth in the Registration Bulletin and/or with instructions given by test center personnel.
Scores will be delayed if there are problems with your payment. See Fees for Tests and Related Services for more information.
Your scores may be permanently voided if you are completing certification requirements through an EPP and you have not provided proof that you have approval to test (i.e., a TEA ID number from your EPP). See Approval to Test for more information.

Score Reporting Dates

Score reports for computer-administered tests other than BTLPT - Spanish and LOTE French, German and Spanish are posted within seven days of the test date. Scores for the BTLPT - Spanish and LOTE French, German and Spanish tests are posted within 20 business days of the test date.

Cancellation of Test Scores by You

At the end of a computer-administered test, you are given the option of reporting or canceling your score. Once your test has been scored, your score cannot be canceled. If you choose to have your scores reported, they become part of your record and will be reported to you, to TEA and to your EPP (if applicable). Once you choose to report your scores, they cannot be canceled.

If you choose to cancel your scores, they will not be reported and they cannot be reinstated. You wil not receive a refund if you cancel your scores. If you would like to retake the test via computer after canceling your scores, you must wait at least 60 days.

Cancellation of Test Scores by ETS and TEA

ETS takes reasonable security precautions in developing and administering TExES computer-administered tests and processing test scores with a view to ensuring that no test taker has an unfair advantage over other test takers. Accordingly, TEA reserves the right to withhold and ultimately cancel your scores due to misconduct and/or if TEA deems there is reason to question your scores' validity or legitimacy (including, but not limited to, a violation of the rules set forth in the current Registration Bulletin, including the Test Center Procedures and Regulations, and the procedures communicated to you, orally or in writing, at the test center). In such cases, ETS will notify the relevant parties of TEA's decision.

Further action may be taken, including denying, revoking and/or suspending a teaching credential or certificate. Other actions, as described in Test Center Procedures and Regulations may be taken as deemed appropriate by TEA and/or ETS.

Testing Irregularities
"Testing irregularities" refers to test administration problems that may affect an individual or groups of test takers, including without limitation, administrative errors (such as improper timing, improper seating, defective materials and defective equipment); improper access to test content; and other disruptions of test administrations (such as natural disasters or other emergencies). When testing irregularities occur, ETS may decline to score the test, or cancel the test score at the TEA's discretion. When, in the TEA's sole judgment it is appropriate to do so, test takers will be given the opportunity to take the test again as soon as reasonably possible without charge.

Identification Discrepancies
When, in ETS's judgment, or the judgment of test center personnel, there is a discrepancy in a test taker's identification, the test taker may be dismissed from the test center, and/or ETS may decline to score that test or may cancel that test score if the documents completed on test day cannot be authenticated. If scores are canceled, test fees are forfeited.

Misconduct
When ETS or test center personnel find that there is misconduct in connection with a test, the test taker may be dismissed from the test center and/or ETS may decline to score the test, or withhold and ultimately cancel the test score. If scores are canceled, test fees are forfeited. Misconduct includes, but is not limited to, noncompliance with the Test Center Procedures and Regulations.

Invalid Scores
ETS may also cancel scores if, in its judgment, there is substantial evidence that they are invalid for any other reason. Evidence of invalid scores may include, without limitation, discrepant handwriting, unusual answer patterns and inconsistent performance on different parts of the test. Before canceling scores pursuant to this paragraph, ETS notifies the test taker in writing about its concerns, gives the test taker an opportunity to submit information that addresses ETS's concerns, considers any such information submitted and offers the test taker a choice of options. The options include voluntary score cancellation, a free retest or allowing TEA to make a decision whether to accept the scores.

Confidentiality of Information

TEA and ETS recognize your right to control the information about you that is stored by them. Their policies are designed to safeguard that information from unauthorized disclosure.

Your score information is intended only for you and your EPP (if applicable). However, background information, as noted on the registration form, is reported to the state of Texas and some institutions.

ETS will not release your scores at the request of institutions or agencies except:

for use in research studies, scoring and statistical analyses approved by the TEA and that preserve your anonymity
when information is required under compulsion of legal processes (Your score record and the documents you completed that are retained at ETS may be released to third parties, e.g., government agencies, parties to a lawsuit, etc., if requested pursuant to a subpoena.)
Under the Higher Education Act Title II section 207 of 1998, the U.S. Department of Education requires all states that require testing for licensure to provide that agency with annual performance data for students completing their state-approved teacher preparation programs. If you complete your preparation program in a given cohort year, your preparing institution will collect and forward your score information to the state for inclusion in the federally mandated educator preparation performance report. The report will contain aggregate data only, and will not include any information that identifies examinees.

Note that whenever ETS has confirmed that you have submitted a TExES score directly to an educational institution, agency or district in satisfaction of one of its requirements, ETS will respond to requests for score verification from that recipient.

ExCET - Examination for the Certification of Educators in Texas