About the Test

About the TExES and ExCET Tests

Both the TExES and ExCET tests are criterion-referenced examinations designed to measure your knowledge in relation to an established criterion rather than to the performance of other candidates. All of the tests in the TExES and ExCET programs contain multiple-choice questions. Some tests also have additional assessment modes (e.g., open-ended written responses). For more information about individual tests and test composition, see the preparation manual for each test.

In an effort to provide greater access to testing, some TExES tests are also available via computer at specially equipped test centers. The computer-administered (CAT) tests are administered separately from the other TExES tests. See more information about the TExES CAT tests.

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What's New in 2009-10?

New TExES Tests
When a new test is introduced, there is a grace period of one year during which both the new test and the test it will replace are offered. After that initial year, the new test will be required for certification in that field.

First offered in 2009: TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental (164)
No longer offered after June 2010: TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental 4-8 (112) and PBT TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental EC-4 (102)
No longer offered after August 2010:  PBT TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental EC-4 (102)

First offered in 2009: TExES Bilingual Generalist (192)
No longer offered after June 2010: TExES Bilingual Generalist EC-4 (103)

First offered in 2009: TExES English as a Second Language (ESL)/Generalist EC-6 (193)
No longer offered after June 2010: TExES English as a Second Language/Generalist EC-4 (104)

First offered in 2009: TExES Languages Other Than English (LOTE) - French (610), German (611) and Spanish (613)
No longer offered after June 2010: ExCET French 6-12 (048), German 6-12 (049) and Spanish 6-12 (047)
No longer offered after July 2010: TOPT French (080) and Spanish (081)

TExES Languages Other Than English (LOTE) - French, German and Spanish
The TExES Languages Other Than English (LOTE) - French, German and Spanish tests will be offered for the first time in fall 2009. The LOTE tests will replace the ExCET French, German and Spanish tests after June 2010. The TOPT - French and Spanish tests will be replaced by the LOTE French and Spanish tests after July 2010. These tests will be used to certify educators who are teaching a foreign language to students who are non-native speakers of that language. The tests will be offered only via computer during one week administration windows at various times throughout the year.

All LOTE tests are five-hours long and have the following sections:

  • Listening
  • Reading
  • Practice Writing
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Pedagogy Multiple-Choice
  • Pedagogy Writing

You will use headsets with built-in microphones to hear prompts and record your responses.

There are Writing sections in the LOTE tests that require you to enter written responses on the computer. An alternate character toolbar for inputting accents and characters is built into the tests, specific to the language being tested. Tutorials are available that let you practice using the toolbar for each language prior to taking the test. You are strongly urged to take the appropriate tutorial prior to the day of the test.

The test preparation manuals for the LOTE tests are available for download in the Preparation Materials section of this website.

Bilingual Generalist EC-6 and English as a Second Language (ESL)/Generalist EC-6
The Bilingual Generalist EC-6 (192) and English as a Second Language (ESL)/Generalist EC-6 (193) tests will be offered beginning in fall 2009. These tests are designed for educators seeking EC-6 certification and will replace the Bilingual Generalist EC-4 (103) test and the English as a Second Language/Generalist EC-4 (104) test, both of which will no longer be offered after August 2010.

Pre-Admission Content Tests (PACT)
Changes to TAC §227.10(a)(3)(C), approved by SBEC in October 2008, allow degreed individuals who have not formally been admitted into an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) to take Pre-Admission Content Tests (PACT) to demonstrate content proficiency for possible admission into an EPP in Texas.

Information about eligibility and registering to take a PACT test are available in the TExES/ExCET Download Library.

Updated Cell Phone Policy
You are not allowed to bring cell phones, smartphones (e.g., BlackBerry devices, iPhones), PDAs and other electronic or photographic devices into the test center. If you do, you will be dismissed from the test, your test fees will be forfeited and your scores will be canceled. Test administrators are not permitted to collect and hold cell phones.

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Registration Bulletin

The Registration Bulletin is a free publication that contains program information, test dates, contact information, and registration procedures.

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Fees for Tests and Related Services

Test Fees
$120 Test fee (per test)
$240 Superintendent test fee*
$35 Late registration fee (paper-based tests)**
$75 Emergency registration fee (paper-based tests)**
$50 International site fee

*The Superintendent test (064) is a two-session test; both sessions are required.
**Late and emergency registration fees are nonrefundable.

Additional Services
$15 Test, test center, test date or test session change during regular or late registration period
$75 Test, test center, test date or test session change during emergency registration period
$25 Multiple-choice score verification (not available for computer-administered TExES tests)
$35 Written response score verification (including Braille written component)
$60 Multiple choice and Written response score verification
$70 BTLPT - Spanish; LOTE French, German, Spanish written/oral response score verification
$20 Fee for returned check
$30 Additional processing fee for DANTES requests

The above amounts are exclusive of any Sales and Use, Value-Added or similar taxes.

Payment

  • Online and phone payments can be made by credit/debit card (American Express®, Discover®, MasterCard® and VISA®). Any debit/check card branded with one of the above four accepted credit card logos can be processed.
  • Information about payments sent by mail is on the form for the service you are requesting

Payment Policies

  • All fees are stated in U.S. dollars.
  • All outstanding balances with ETS must be paid in full prior to registering for any ETS-administered tests.
  • All payments must be for the full amount.
  • If you do not have sufficient credit or funds in your account, your scores will be withheld, you will be unable to register for additional tests and an additional service fee of $20 will be added to your account. You will receive your scores as soon as the total outstanding balance has been cleared, unless your scores are being withheld for any other reason.
  • Services may be withheld for nonpayment of fees.
  • Refunds of test fees will be made in U.S. dollar denominations.
  • There are no refunds for service fees.
  • Additional policies for payments made by mail are on the form for the service you are requesting.

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