TExES
TEA is currently making changes to certification examinations. Revisions to the School Counselor (152) certification examination are part of this process. As information becomes available, this page will be updated and students notified. Students are strongly encouraged to actively monitor the webpages listed below.
About the Tests
The TExES tests are criterion-referenced examinations designed to measure a candidate's knowledge in relation to an established criterion rather than to the performance of other candidates. All of the tests in the TExES program contain multiple-choice/selected-response questions. Some tests also have additional types of constructed-response questions (e.g., open-ended written or oral responses). For more information about individual tests and test composition, see the preparation manual for each test.
Texas Educator Certification Examination Program | Preparation Materials
School Counselor (152) Preparation Materials
- Study Tips
- Developing a Study Plan
- Student Profile Worksheet
- Preparation Manual
- Pearson Professional Center Tour
- What to Expect When Testing with Pearson VUE
- Test Taker Tips
- CAT Tutorial (A downloadable, interactive tutorial of the CAT experience)
Educator Certification Test Retake Policy Change
Candidates are limited to a total of 5 attempts to pass a certification examination under Texas Education Code §21.048. A subsection of the law, which currently counts all attempts of the same examination taken before September 1, 2015 as only one attempt, has expired. Beginning September 1, 2018, all attempts of the same examination, no matter when they occurred, will count toward the 5-attempt testing limit regardless of when the examination was first attempted.
Candidates, educators, and others who took certification examinations before September 1, 2015 and have not yet passed those examinations will find more information in the candidate guidance document. Testers impacted by the change must take their examination(s) by August 31, 2018 if the new test attempt counting method will make them ineligible on September 1, 2018. Candidates who reach the 5-time testing limit must apply for a test-limit waiver to retest.
Note: Individuals who did not test before September 1, 2015 are not affected by the change since all examination attempts have always been included in the attempt count for these testers.
Test and Service Refunds
Effective September 1, 2018, all processed fees for exam registrations will be refundable up to 170 days from completion of initial order payment. The 170-day refund policy begins with the date the initial payment transaction was processed. If an exam is changed (e.g., change of test date), the 170-day refund policy applies to the date the payment was initially processed.
UTRGV Professional Certification Policy
Students in professional certification programs will have two years after program completion to take their certification exam. Within this two year period, program completers who are requesting test approval will be reviewed by the department chair/program coordinator before approval is granted to ensure that all TAC requirements have been met. After the two-year period, program completers requesting testing approval will be reviewed by the department chair/program coordinator so that a new certification plan can be created as needed. This certification plan may include additional coursework or professional development and must be completed before testing approval is granted.
Change in State Standards and Teacher Certification
If TEA certification standards change between the time that the program is complete and the time that certification is sought, the new standards must be met. This may mean taking additional courses or completing additional requirements in the form of a certification.