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College of Education and P-16 Integration
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    UTRGV's College of Education & P-16 Integration cultivates qualified leaders and promotes educational success through partnerships & accreditation.

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TExES Test Approval Process

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  5. Approval and Initial Certification Process and Policies

TExES Test Approval Process

TExES Test Approval Process revised on February 9, 2026.

Step 1: 1st Attempt - TExES Eligibility Requirements

Table: TExES Test Approval Process — Step 1: Eligibility Requirements for First Attempt Approval for EC-6 Core Subjects (391)(Elementary EC-6 majors ONLY), PK-3 (292) (Early Childhood majors ONLY), Content Exam (Secondary All-Level & UTeach students), Science of Teaching Reading (293) (EC-6, EC-3, English 4-8 ONLY), EC-12 PPR (160)(As instructed), Specialization Exams(Elementary EC-6 ONLY).
Exam 1st Attempt
EC-6 Core
Subjects (391)
(Elementary EC-6 majors ONLY)

Use the resources available on the CESH website to review content related to the Core Subjects exam.
1. Complete the Core Subjects Representative Exam.

  • A minimum score of 75% in every domain is required to be considered eligible.
  • The registration link is available at the bottom of the OEPA homepage.

2. Submit an Eligibility Request in SL&L.

    • Create a CEP – Eligibility Request – Core Subjects (391) Exam (1st Attempt) application in Student Learning & Licensure (SL&L) and upload your Item Analysis Sheet (Representative Exam results) within 48 hours of completion.

3. Eligibility Review and Next Steps.

    • The Certification Exam Support Hub (CESH) will review your eligibility request and communicate next steps.
    • Once a score of 75% or higher in every domain is confirmed, and after review CESH may issue a signed Eligibility Form via email, along with instructions on submitting a TExES Test Application” on SL&L. (Eligibility valid for 10 days and 30 days to redeem the voucher)
PK-3 (292)
(Early Childhood majors ONLY)

This exam is scheduled to be taken while in EDCI 3333 / 2nd Semester (Cluster 2)
1. Attend Required Workshops.

  • Complete three(3) mandatory workshops. For workshop details, contact the PK–3 department:
    • Two (2) EC–3 Content workshops
    • One (1) Constructed Response workshop

2. Complete Exam Preparation.

  • Complete Certify Teacher for the PK–3 (292) exam and achieve a minimum score of 80% or higher in all competencies and domains.

3. Submit Eligibility Request in SL&L.

  • Create a CEP – Eligibility Request – Early Childhood PK–3 (292) Exam (1st Attempt) application in SL&L.
    Attach your workshop certificates and Certify Teacher score report to the application.
Content Exam
(Secondary All-Level & UTeach students)

( SEC/ All-Level Prerequisite: Enrolled in EDUC 3302) ( UTeach Prerequisite: Enrolled in UTCH 3301)

1. Request an Eligibility Form.

  • Email your department chair or program coordinator to request an eligibility form. Include:
    • Full name
    • Student ID
    • Current program status (e.g., Block I, Block II, applying for Clinical Teaching)

Note: Program coordinators contact information is available in OEPA’s FAQ under “Where can I pick up an eligibility form to be cleared to take the content exam?” If you need assistance, please contact your Program Specialist.

2. Complete Assigned Preparation Activities.

  • Complete all educational activities assigned by your program coordinator within the specified timeframe.

Upon approval, your program coordinator will issue a signed Eligibility form through email.

Science of Teaching Reading (293)
(EC-6, EC-3, English 4-8 ONLY)

Prerequisites: Currently enrolled or have taken READ 3324

1. Take the STR (293) Representative Exam The link to register can be found at the bottom of the OEPA homepage.
2. Create a CEP - Eligibility Request – STR (293) Exam (1st Attempt application on SL&L with your Item Analysis Sheet (Representative Exam results) within 48 hours.
3. The Certification Exam Support Hub will issue an individualized study prescription. All items on your study prescription (study plan) are required for approval.
4. Email completed requirements to certificationexamsupport@utrgv.edu by your deadline.

Upon approval, the CESH will issue a signed Eligibility Form through email along with the next steps.

EC-12 PPR (160)
(As instructed)

1. Complete the 240 Tutoring module for the PPR (160) exam to unlock the Practice Test.

  • A score of 80% or higher in all domains is required for approval.
Specialization Exams
(Elementary EC-6 ONLY)

Bilingual Education

  • Bilingual Education Supplemental (164)
  • Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test (BTLPT) Spanish (190)

E.S.L.

  • English as a Second Language Supplemental (154)

Special Education

  • Special Education Supplemental (186)

Prerequisite: Have passed at least 2 primary certification exams (ex. Core Subjects, STR, or PPR)

1. Email the department chair or program coordinator to request your eligibility form. Include the following in your email:

  • Full name
  • Student ID
  • Current semester in our program (Block I, Block II, applying for clinical teaching, etc.)

NOTE: Program coordinator contact information can be found in OEPA’s FAQ section “Where can I pick up and eligibility form to be cleared to take the content exam?” Reach out to your Program Specialist for more information if needed.

2. Complete educational activities assigned by program coordinator in the time/deadline allotted.

3. Upon approval, your program coordinator will issue a signed Eligibility form through email.

Step 1: 2nd Attempt - TExES Eligibility Requirements

2nd attempt will require higher goals and expectations for approvals such as more preparation time and higher scores in Practice Tests. For questions, please contact CESH.

Table: TExES Test Approval Process — Step 1: Eligibility Requirements for Second Attempt Approval for Core Subjects (391), PPR (160), STR (293), and PK–3 (292)
Exam 2nd Attempt
Core Subjects
(391), PPR (160), STR (293), and PK-3 (292)

1. Submit a Second Attempt Eligibility Request in SL&L.

  • Create a CEP – Eligibility Request – “exam name” Exam (2nd Attempt) application in (SL&L) within 48 hours of receiving your official Pearson score report and upload the score report to the application.

2. Eligibility Review.

  • The CESH will review your request and communicate required preparation and next actions.

3. Submit Completed Requirements.

  • Core Subjects (391) - 85% on practice test to be completed in a proctored setting.
  • PPR (160) - 90% or higher on practice test completed in a proctored setting.
  • STR (293), and PK-3 (292) - 85% on practice test.

4. Email all completed preparation requirements to certificationexamsupport@utrgv.edu by your assigned deadline.

Upon approval, CESH will issue a signed Eligibility Form via email, along with instructions for proceeding.

Step 1: Additional Attempts - TExES Eligibility Requirements

Table: TExES Test Approval Process — Step 1: Eligibility Requirements for Additional Attempt for Specialization and Content Exams
Exam Additional Attempts
Specialization Exams and Content

2nd – 5th Attempt:

  • Specialization exams (Elementary EC-6 ONLY)
    • Contact your department chair or program coordinator for eligibility approval.
  • Content exams (PK-3, Secondary All-level and UTeach)
    • Contact your department for eligibility approval.

3rd -5th Attempt:

  • Core Subjects (391)
  • STR (293)
  • PPR (160)

1. Contact CESH for test preparation and eligibility for approval requirements.

A review for eligibility will be conducted based on successful individual performance as demonstrated on study plan, tutoring and assessment scores.

Upon approval, the CESH will issue a signed Eligibility form through email.

TExES Test Approval Process revised on February 9, 2026.

This table details Step 2 of the TExES Test Approval Process, describing the Teacher Certification Roadmap (Testing), from submitting a TExES Testing Request Application and receiving approval to scheduling, voucher redemption, exam completion, and next steps for additional attempts if required.
STEP 2. Teacher Certification Roadmap (Testing)

1. Create a CEP - TExES “exam name” Testing Request Application (FY 2x-2x) on SL&L and upload your Eligibility Form along with the activities completed.

2. Wait for approval to schedule your official exam.

3. Redeem your voucher at one of our office locations (if applicable).

  1. More voucher information in OEPA’S FAQ section.

4. Take your official Certification exam within 30 days of receiving test approval.

  1. Make sure to follow the testing sequence and timeline for each exam to remain in compliance with the EPP.

If you did not pass, please refer to the next attempt approval process within 48 hours of receiving your official score report.

TExES Test Approval Process revised on July 24, 2025.

Program Finishers 1 Year or More

A finisher is a graduate from our Educator Preparation Program who has completed all program requirements including Clinical Teaching, practicum or internship, and is only pending Certification Exams to obtain their Standard Teaching Certificate TAC 228.2(18).

Table: Program Finishers (1 Year or More) – TExES Test Approval Graduates who have completed all Educator Preparation Program requirements and are pending certification exams must obtain TExES approval through the Certification Exam Support Hub before submitting a testing request in SL&L.
Exams Program Finishers 1 Year or More
All Certification Exams

1. Fill out the first portion of the Returning Graduates Form.

2. Email the completed form to the Certification Exam Support Hub at certificationexamsupport@utrgv.edu.

3. The Certification Exam Support Hub (CESH) will provide you with next steps or redirect you to the appropriate department.

4. Complete any applicable requirements.

5. Once you receive your signed Eligibility Form, proceed to Step 2 of the Teacher Certification Roadmap to submit the TExES Testing Request Application in SL&L and upload your signed Eligibility Form.

For future attempts, continue communicating with the Certification Exam Support Hub for approval.

TExES Test Approval Process revised on July 24, 2025.

Program Finishers Within 1 Year of Graduation

A finisher is a graduate from our Educator Preparation Program who has completed all program requirements including Clinical Teaching, practicum or internship, and is only pending Certification Exams to obtain their Standard Teaching Certificate TAC 228.2(18).

Table: Program Finishers Within 1 Year – TExES Test Approval Graduates within one year of program completion may request TExES approval by submitting a Testing Request Application in SL&L.
Exams Program Finishers Within 1 Year of Graduation
All Certification Exams

1.Submit TExES Testing Request Application in SL&L.

  • Attach any test preparation if applicable.

For future attempts, continue communicating with the Certification Exam Support Hub for approval.

 

The information stated in TExES Test Approval Process is in compliance with the new 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 228.31(e), Requirements for Educator Preparation Programs.
  • TExES Test Approval Process
  • Program Finishers

Change in State Standards and Teacher Certification  

Subsequent to completion of degree and request for approval to take State Certification exam; the current TEA regulations will be adhered to. Therefore, candidates may be required to fulfill additional requirements not present at the time of initial completion of degree. TAC 228.31 (E).  

Transfer Requirements  

If a teacher candidate does not complete all required testing requirements to be recommended for certification and opts to pursue a different area of certification/track for teacher certification, the student must complete a Transfer Form . The completion of a Transfer Form indemnifies UTRGV EPP against responsibility for the former student’s teacher certification recommendation and reporting requirements.  

  • Return to Office of Educator Preparation and Accountability

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