State Assessments for Educator Certification

• Art (Grades EC-12)
• Bilingual Education Supplemental-Spanish
• Core Subjects (Grades EC-6)
• Early Childhood: PreK-3
• Early Childhood: PreK-3 with Special Education Specialist
• English Language Arts and Reading (Grades 4-8)
• English Language Arts and Reading (Grades 7-12)
• English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies (Grades 4-8)
• English as a Second Language Supplemental
• History (Grades 7-12)
• Life Science (Grades 7-12)
• Mathematics (Grades 4-8)
• Mathematics (Grades 7-12)
• Physical Education (Grades EC-12)
• Principal as Instructional Leader (Grades EC-12)
• Reading Specialist (Grades EC-12)
• School Counselor (Grades EC-12)
• School Librarian (Grades EC-12)
• Science (Grades 4-8)
• Social Studies (Grades 4-8)
• Social Studies (Grades 7-12)
• Special Education Specialist
• Superintendent (Grades EC-12)

For candidates to be endorsed by UHCL, candidates must complete two requirements and submit to the COE's Certification & State Assessment Office for Initial Certification:

1. Candidates must complete a Personal Study Plan (PSP), including the minimum number of study hours as indicated for each exam.
2. Candidates must then take a practice exam.

Score Requirements

A passing score of at least 85% or 255 is required on one of the UHCL COE-approved practice tests to earn approval for a certification exam in that area. Approved practice tests are delineated in the COE Student Affairs Procedures Manual and on the COE's State Assessments web page.

*Certain content areas, such as the Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test (BTLPT), have supplemental requirements. The State Assessment Coordinator maintains a list of procedures.

For each required certification exam, candidates must complete the exam approval and official TEA certification exam within 16 weeks (4 months) of achieving the required score on an approved practice exam and the date on the approved PSP completed during the designated exam preparation course and any required PSP checkpoint.

Second Attempt

*You must contact the State Assessments office upon notice of failed attempt.

If the candidate does not achieve the passing score on the first attempt of an official TEA certification exam, then to earn approval for a second official attempt of the specific exam, the candidate must submit an updated PSP and earn 90% or 270 on a practice exam.

Third Attempt

*You must contact the State Assessments office upon notice of failed attempt.

If a third attempt is necessary, the same criteria as the second attempt applies before official exam approval is granted, along with an updated PSP. 

Subsequent Attempts

Any subsequent attempts may have supplemental requires delineated in the initial Certification Exam procedures.

Complete these procedures if you started & completed Teacher Seminar (TCED 4100/4102 or ECED 5100/5102) in the Fall 2026 semester or after. 

• Complete a Personal Study Plan (PSP), including the minimum number of study hours as indicated for each exam.
  • Personal Study Plan UHCL TExES Exam Personal Study Plan Updated.pdf
• Take and pass an approved practice exam with a passing score of at least 85% or 255.
• Additional requirements for certain content areas, such as Bilingual Education, have additional requirements. These requirements are listed below.

Complete these procedures if you completed Teacher Seminar (TCED 4100/4102 or ECED 5100/5102) or if you graduated your program prior to the start of the Fall 2026 semester.

• Create a login with 240 Tutoring. You will need to email stateassessments@uhcl.edu to obtain the registration link. Following this option, you must utilize the link.
• Complete the minimum study hours for your exam, as indicated:
  • Core Subjects EC-6/4-8: minimum 5 hours per subject/content area (ELAR, Math, Science, Social Studies, FA/PE/Health)
  • Early Childhood: PK-3: 15 hours minimum
  • 4-8 Content Specific: 25 hours minimum
  • 7-12 Content Specific: 25 hours minimum
  • Science of Teacher Reading (STR) as required per certification: 15 hours minimum
  • PPR: 15 hours minimum
  • Special Education Specialist (EC-12 186): 15 hours
  • Additional exams: 15 hours minimum (BTLPT, BIL, ESL)
  • BESS 165 and special permission for the BIS and BTLPT
  • Supplemental exams: 25 hours minimum (BESS/165)
  • Note: As of Sep 1st, 2026, permission is no longer provided for taking the BIL and BTLPT unless you have passed at least one of these tests. All students are asked to take the BESS. 
  • Note: For BESS, BTLPT, and BIL, please submit a reflection and a copy of your practice test (85% or above).
  • For BESS, BTLPT, and BIL, please initial next to all completed classes and currently taking (4316).  
    • SILC 4310: Foundation of Bilingual and ESL (earning > B).
    • SILC 4313: Language learning (earning > B). 
    • SILC 4301 Spanish for Bilingual Teachers (earning > B).  
    • SILC 4351 Development of Biliteracy (earning > B). 
• Complete the 240 Practice Exam with a minimum passing score of 85% overall.
• Email stateassessments@uhcl.edu to request exam approval.
• If you have previously completed the 240 Tutoring modules, email stateassessments@uhcl.edu and ask that they be reset.

If you are currently working on the previous exam procedures, you can submit the previous personal study plan (PSP) with the signatures and the approved practice exam with the minimum passing score of 85% or 255.

• A current (within 4 months) personal study plan (PSP) with the appropriate signature and a current (within 4 months) practice exam with a passing score of 85% or 255 are required.

Program directors will review and sign PSPs for students in their program.

Previous personal study plan PSP (PDF)

Test Approval Process starting Fall 2026 for the new Bilingual Education Spanish Supplemental (BESS 165)

Note: Starting September 1, 2026, the Bilingual Education Spanish Supplemental (BESS 165) will replace the BTLPT and the Bilingual Supplemental exams. You will have to take one test instead of two. In this test if you fail one subtest, you can re-take just that subtest. 

• The 165 exam consolidates Spanish language proficiency and bilingual education pedagogy into one test.
• The preparation manual for the new 165 exam is available here. The framework is here. 

The BESS 165, focuses on the four language skills in Spanish and includes a dedicated section on instructional foundations in English. 

Directions: BESS 165 Test approval process both for enrolled and graduated UHCL students

1. Complete coursework in sequence:
   1. SILC 4310: Foundation of Bilingual and ESL.
   2. SILC 4313: Language learning.
   3. SILC 4301: Spanish for Bilingual Teachers.
   4. SILC 4351: Development of Biliteracy
   5. SILC 4316: Bilingual Curriculum in the Content Areas.
      Note: SILC 4351 and SILC 4316 can be taken simultaneously
2. Create a PSP and begin documenting study hours.
   • A minimum of 25 hours of practice (minimum of 5 hours  in each targeted language domain and 5 hours in foundations and educational practice - See chart below). 
   • The link to the study source, the name of the domain, and the description of how you prepared for the exam need to be included in the PSP table.
3. Take the Practice Test as indicated by the instructor while enrolled in SILC 4316: Bilingual Curriculum in the Content Areas. Obtain 85% or higher on the Practice Test on the first attempt, and 90% or higher for candidates seeking to take the certification exam on a second attempt.
   
   

   Practice Test Sources:

   Note: Here are the available practice tests. Please note that some practice tests are still aligned with the BTLPT. 

   The Bilingual Education Spanish Supplemental
   The 240 Tutoring – email stateassessments@uhcl.edu for discount code
   Exam Edge practice exams Free with UHCL Code: email stateassessments@uhcl.edu 

4. Complete and submit the PSP. while enrolled in SILC 4316. The PSP must be signed by the Program Director, Dr. Lana Kharabi-Yamato, at KharabiYamat@UHCL.edu.
   
   
5. Send both the successful practice test and signed PSP to the State Assessments Office: stateassessments@uhcl.edu. 
   
   
6. Receive permission to take the BESS.
   
   

   Request a barcode to take the BESS 165 Certification exam.
   You need a successful Practice Test and a signed PSP.
   A successful practice test is one with a passing score of 85% or higher.

BESS 165 Subtests and Domains

Complete these procedures if you are in one of the following advanced certification programs: Principal as Instructional Leader, Superintendent, School Counselor, School Librarian, or Reading Specialist.

1. Develop a PSP documenting completion of course requirements - Advanced Certificatin Personal Study Plan (PDF).
2. Refer to Graduate TExES Exam Resources for additional study aids
3. *Pass Exam Edge practice test with a score >240*
4. Submit PSP along with practice exam to stateassessments@uhcl.edu
5. State assessments office will grant approval for Attempt 1 of TExES exam
6. Registration confirmation & link will be sent
7. Pass TExES exam with a score >240

*Please know that all exam attempts must be approved by the program director.

Candidates must take a TExES representative practice exam and achieve a minimum passing score of 85% or 255; please note that not every testing program offers a representative practice exam. Candidates may select the one that best meets their needs. Requesting approval to take practice exams is not necessary.

• REA (typically utilized during the TCED 4100/4102 courses)
• CertifyTeacher (Texas Resources)
• 240 Tutoring - email stateassessments@uhcl.edu for discount code
• Pearson Interactive Practice Exams - Limited exams available
• Exam Edge - Requirement for all Librarian certification candidates

Upon completion of required representative practice exams, candidates will submit the final score report document to StateAssessments@uhcl.edu to request TExES certification exam registration approval. Remember a current (within 4 months) exam is required for TExES exam approval.

Initial Certification Study Aids

• PPR, Core Subjects, Generalist (PDF)
• Secondary Content (PDF)
• Social Studies (PDF)
• ESL Proficiency Standards Study Video
  
  • ELPS Made Easy Highlighted Video Guide
  • ELPS Sample For Lesson Plan (PDF)

Advanced Certification Study Aids

• Performance Assessment for School Leaders (PASL 368)
  • PASL Candidate and Educator Handbook (PDF)

CertifyTeacher provides online interactive practice tests/readiness reviews at a discounted price for UHCL students using promo code UHCL4728 and an account with their UHCL email address.

Our discounted, one-time fee provides access for up to three years or until you pass your state assessment, whichever comes first. Discounted prices are below: 

• Content Titles: $35/student - regularly $80
• Science of Teaching Reading (293): $35/student - regularly $80
• Reading Specialist (151): $35/student - regularly $80
• School Counselor (152): $35/student - regularly $80
• Principal as Instructional Leader (268): $165/student - regularly $180
• Superintendent (195): $100/student - regularly $115

Procedure

1. Go to certifyteacher.com.
   
   
2. Select the study guide you wish to purchase.
   Make sure to select the online version option. You will have access to the program until you receive a passing grade from the state.
   
   
3. Click Login under the Apply Promo Code option on the My Shopping Cart page.
   
   
4. Click Sign In under “I Don’t Have an Account Yet” to create your account.
   You must use your UHCL email (include @uhcl.edu). The promo code will not work for any other email.
   
   
5. Enter the promo code, UHCL4728 when prompted. The displayed price will drop to the discounted price after entering the promo code.
   
   
6. Complete the purchase by providing your credit card information.
   You can access your online readiness review solution seconds after the purchase transaction is complete.
   
   
7. Read How to Use CertifyTeacher (PDF) for the recommended approach to the modules in the program.

240 Tutoring provides free online interactive practice tests/readiness reviews. There is a monthly subscription which gives you access to all the state or test series study guides, diagnostic tests, and practice exams, including the Science of Teaching Reading certification exam. 

240 Tutoring offers a lesser subscription rate for users who create an account via invitation sent directly to your UHCL email.

If you would like to access this discounted subscription, please email stateassessments@uhcl.edu and request to be added to the 240 UHCL subscription list. Please include your Full Name, UHCL ID#, and UHCL email address all in the body of the email.

You MUST use your UHCL email address to access this discounted subscription rate link.  You will receive an email invitation directly from 240 Tutoring.  The cost of this access would be $20/month and your subscription can be cancelled at any time.

If you are an existing user, you will log into your existing account and cancel the current subscription from the profile tab. Once this is done you can accept the new invite sent to your UHCL email and sign in using your existing credentials instead of creating a new account. So when accepting the invite you should click "Sign in" on the registration page. 

The TEA Learn is provided to you for free at no cost by TEA.  This is a module self-paced course, meaning you set out a dedicated time to work. This will help build continuity and prepare for your exams. 

You must register and complete the modules assigned.  For each course completed you can earn Professional Development credit hours, and also log into your PSPs. 

To register, visit TEA Learn.

Preparation materials are available for every exam. Select an exam from the dropdown list to access preparation materials by exam, or choose from a variety of tools, resources and support material directly from the testing provider. Visit the Prepare section of the Texas Exam Website for more information. 

Pearson's TExES Interactive Practice Exams are designed to simulate the actual testing experience. They include questions representative of the actual exam.

Each interactive practice exam offers:

• Convenient online access
• An interactive exam simulation featuring sample exam questions
• Comprehensive, immediate feedback on your performance for the selected-response questions
• A realistic online experience similar to an actual computer-administered testing environment.
• The fee for each interactive practice exam is $10.
• Limited selection of TExES certification exams available. 

Review the TEA STR Requirements and Timelines Powerpoint (PDF).

Visit our STR Study Aids webpage for more help including help with the constructed response questions. 

The following STR Test information is taken from the TEA Science of Teaching Reading webpage. 

Overview of the STR Exam Requirements

House Bill 3, passed during the 86th Texas Legislature, established the requirement that all teacher candidates who teach students in grades Pre-K-6 demonstrate proficiency in the science of teaching reading on a new, standalone certification exam. This requirement takes effect on January 1, 2021.   

• Early Childhood: EC – Grade 3
• Core Subjects with Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood–Grade 6
• Core Subjects with Science of Teaching Reading: Grades 4–8
• English Language Arts and Reading with Science of Teaching Reading: Grades 4–8​ 
• English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies with Science of Teaching Reading: Grades 4–8​

Teachers who are currently standard certified in Core Subjects: EC-6, Core Subjects: 4-8, English Language Arts and Reading: 4-8, or English Language Arts and Social Studies: 4-8 will not be required to pass the STR exam for renewal of their certificate. The STR exam requirement only impacts candidates seeking certification after January 1, 2021.  

Content, Standards, Design, and Framework

The Science of Teaching Reading Content and Design document (PDF) provides information on the structure of the exam. 

STR Preparation Manual

The Preparation Manual for Science of Teaching Reading (293) is now available on the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program website. 
This preparation manual includes:

• The STR examination framework
• Approaches to answering different question types
• Sample selected-response questions
• In-depth rationales for correct and incorrect responses
• A sample constructed response question, including the video exhibit
• Sample strong and weak constructed-responses and rationales
• A list of preparation resources 

• Exam Edge Scholarship - Created to help students pass all certification exams.
• TExEStest.org Future Teacher Scholarship  - Scholarships to provide financial support for future Texas teachers.

Visit UHCL's Neumann Library for state educator certification exam test preparation resources, links to applications and resources and grade-specific textbooks on various subjects in the curriculum library:

• TExES preparation books and ebooks:
  • Most are traditional study guides (e.g., Barrons, Research & Education Association).
  • Some support the study of a content area such as "A Young Person's History of the United States" or "Everything You Need to Know about English Homework."
  • Print books are on reserve behind the circulation desk and may be checked out by currently enrolled UHCL students for 3 weeks.
• Learning Express Library - Free for UHCL students
  
  Create an account in Learning Express to access practice exams:
  
  • PPR EC-12
  • Core Subjects (EC-6): Social Studies
  • Core Subjects (EC-6): Mathematics
  • Core Subjects (EC-6): Science
  • Core Subjects (EC-6): Fine Arts, Health, and Physical Education
  • Core Subjects (EC-6): English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) & the Science of Teaching Reading
• Multicultural/Bilingual links:
  • Bilingual education
  • Study and teaching of the English language
  • Spanish language juvenile materials
  • Spanish language reference materials
  • Neumann Library's Databases A-Z page has additional Spanish-language content such as Referencia Latina, MedicLatina, AHFS Consumer Medication Information, DSM-5 Library (includes Spanish-language edition) and Fuente Academica Premier

Success Coaching with Student Success Center: Meet regularly 1-on-1 with an success coach either one hour/week or every other week at to master academic skills. Or, request a one-time session on one skill.

Skill areas include:

• Organization and time/task management
• Academic reading speed and strategy 
• Note taking
• Test-taking strategy
• Critical thinking
• Public speaking

Check your UHCL email for upcoming review sessions, which occur periodically.

• How to study and prepare for a TExES exam
• How I passed the PPR exam
• Passing the TExES exam on my FIRST try
• TExES CORE Subjects EC-6: Social Studies (w/Practice Questions)
• TExES CORE Subjects EC-6: Math - What You Need to Know
• FTCE Elementary Education K-6: Science - Everything You Need to Know to Pass
• FTCE Elementary Education K-6: Language Arts (w/ Practice Questions)