Association of Texas Professional Educators
 
 

TExES/ExCET Exam Q&A

What is assessed on TExES/ExCET tests?
The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) develops the Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES) and the Examination for the Certification of Educators in Texas (ExCET), in close consultation with Texas public school educators and teacher educators. The TExES/ExCET assessment is designed to ensure that Texas public school educators have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their jobs. Therefore each test is organized into two to eight domains that define the content of the test.

For example, a person who wants to be certified to teach biology must pass the Life Science TExES, which assesses an examinee’s knowledge of six domains:

  • Scientific Inquiry and Processes
  • Cellular Structure and Processes
  • Hereditary and Evolution of Life
  • Diversity of Life
  • Interdependence of Life and Environmental Systems
  • Science Learning, Instruction and Assessment

These domains cover the range of content that a biology teacher could be assigned to teach. A person with a biology major has completed a variety of advanced biology courses and has a desirable, broad knowledge base. However, advanced or specialized knowledge is not tested because that content is not usually taught in public schools.  

How do I register for a TExES/ExCET test?  
Call the SBEC Information and Support Center at (888) 863-5880 (toll free), visit the Texas Educator Certification Web site or send your request (along with your mailing address) via email to: sbec-info@esc20.net

How can I find out about the Texas Oral Proficiency Test (TOPT)?
Persons seeking certification in Spanish, French, or bilingual education must demonstrate speaking proficiency in the appropriate language through the TOPT. Registration bulletins are available at no cost from the National Evaluation Systems. TOPT preparation kits for French and Spanish are available for $30 through the Center for Applied Linguistics office shown below:

TOPT Preparation Kit
4646 40th Street NW
Washington, DC 20016-1859

What if I still have questions about the tests?
Direct your questions about the TExES/ExCET assessments to the SBEC Information and Support Center toll-free at (888)863-5880 or visit their website at www.sbec.state.tx.us.

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