About the Test

About TExMaT

The Texas Examinations for Master Teachers™ (TExMaT™) program has its origins in legislation passed in 1999 (House Bill 2307) that required the creation of the Master Reading Teacher (MRT) Certificate, the development of standards for the certificate and the development of a Master Reading Teacher test. The MRT Certificate was implemented as part of the Texas Reading Initiative to ensure that all Texas students are reading at grade level by the end of the third grade and that their reading knowledge and skills grow throughout their public school careers. The MRT test was the first test to be offered in the TExMaT program.

In 2001, the Texas legislature passed legislation that created two additional categories of Master Teacher Certificates: the Master Mathematics Teacher (MMT) Certificates (Early Childhood-Grade 4, Grades 4-8, and Grades 8-12) and the Master Technology Teacher (MTT) Certificate. Tests for these certificates were first administered beginning June 28, 2003.

In 2002, Governor Rick Perry proposed the creation of an additional category of Master Teacher Certificate: the Master Science Teacher Certificate. In 2003, the Texas legislature created Master Science Teacher (MST) Certificates for Early Childhood-Grade 4, Grades 4-8 and Grades 8-12. Tests for these certificates were first administered beginning October 21, 2006.

For more information about these certificates and their requirements, visit the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) website.

What's New in 2009-10

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.

Paper-Based Test Administration Dates
The paper-based Master Reading Teacher, Master Mathematics Teacher, and the Master Science Teacher tests will be administered only two times during the 2009-10 testing year.

Master Reading Teacher (MRT)

The purpose of the MRT test is to ensure that each educator certified as a Master Reading Teacher has the prerequisite content and professional knowledge necessary to perform satisfactorily in Texas public schools as a Master Reading Teacher. A Master Reading Teacher's primary duties are to teach reading and to serve as a mentor in the field of reading instruction to other teachers.

The MRT test is a criterion-referenced examination designed to measure a candidate's knowledge in relation to an established standard of competence (criterion) rather than to the performance of other candidates.
The MRT test contains two assessment modes: multiple-choice questions and a constructed-response case study assignment.

Master Mathematics Teacher (MMT)

The purpose of the MMT tests is to ensure that each educator certified as a Master Mathematics Teacher has the prerequisite content and professional knowledge necessary to perform satisfactorily in Texas public schools at certain grade levels as a Master Mathematics Teacher. A Master Mathematics Teacher's primary duties are to teach mathematics and to serve as a mentor in the field of mathematics instruction to other teachers.

There are three levels of Master Mathematics Teacher certification, each having its own test. The three levels are Early Childhood-Grade 4, Grades 4-8 and Grades 8-12.
The MMT tests are criterion-referenced examinations designed to measure a candidate's knowledge in relation to an established standard of competence (criterion) rather than to the performance of other candidates.
The MMT tests contain two assessment modes: multiple-choice questions and a constructed-response case study assignment.

Master Science Teacher (MST)

The purpose of the MST tests is to ensure that each educator certified as a Master Science Teacher has the prerequisite content and professional knowledge necessary to perform satisfactorily in Texas public schools as a Master Science Teacher. A Master Science Teacher's primary duties are to teach science and to serve as a mentor in the field of science instruction to other teachers.

There are three levels of Master Science Teacher certification, and each has its own test. The three levels are Early Childhood-Grade 4, Grades 4-8 and Grades 8-12.
The MST tests are criterion-referenced examinations designed to measure a candidate's knowledge in relation to an established level of competence (criterion) rather than to the performance of other candidates.
The MST tests contain two assessment modes: multiple-choice questions and a constructed-response case study assignment.

Master Technology Teacher (MTT)

The MTT test is offered via computer at specially equipped computer-administered test (CAT) centers. It is administered separately from the other TExMaT tests.

The purpose of the MTT test is to ensure that each educator certified as a Master Technology Teacher has the prerequisite content and professional knowledge necessary to perform satisfactorily in the Texas public schools as a Master Technology Teacher. A Master Technology Teacher's primary duty is to serve as a mentor in the field of technology instruction to other teachers.

The MTT test is a criterion-referenced examination designed to measure a candidate's knowledge in relation to an established standard of competence (criterion) rather than to the performance of other candidates.
The MTT test is composed of four sections that are administered in two separate parts. Each part of the exam has two sections. Part 1 consists of a 90-question multiple-choice section and a case study question. Part 2 has one question designed to assess the candidate's understanding of spreadsheet functionality (using Microsoft® Excel®) and one question where candidates demonstrate understanding of the creation and use of presentation software (using Microsoft PowerPoint®).

For more information about MRT, MMT, MST and MTT preparation programs, testing and certification, contact TEA or visit the SBEC website and click on the link for "Master Teacher Programs."

Registration Bulletin

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

Fees for Tests and Related Services

Test Fees
$120 Test fee (per test)
$35 Late registration fee* (for MRT, MMT, MST tests)
$75 Emergency registration fee* (for MRT, MMT, MST tests)
*Late and emergency registration fees are nonrefundable

Additional Services
$15 Test, test center or test date change during regular or late registration period
$75 Test, test center or test date change during emergency registration period
$20 Fee for returned check

MRT, MMT, and MST Score Verification
$25 Multiple-choice section
$35 Written-response section
$60 Multiple-choice and written-response section

MTT Score Verification
$70 Case study and performance assessment

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 Network®, 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.

ExCET - Examination for the Certification of Educators in Texas