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TExES/ExCET Exam Preparation

The best preparation for a TExES/ExCET test is a well-rounded education with in-depth learning experiences in your teaching field. Because the range of knowledge and skills required of teachers is so broad, it is unlikely that you can learn all that is necessary to pass the test in a short time. However, here are some steps you may wish to follow before you take the examination. 

The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) has registration materials and preparation manuals for the TExES/ExCET test. SBEC has over 60 study guides available depending on your preparation needs and the specific test you plan to take. You can call their toll-free number at (888)863-5880 to request these items.

STEP 1: In each TExES/ExCET Study Guide you will find a list of competencies grouped by domains. Those domains identify the range of topics on the test. They can also help you determine the areas of emphasis on the test. For example, Secondary Art has five domains, which are listed below with the number of competencies in each domain. By dividing the number of competencies in each domain by the total number of competencies on the test, you can determine the relative weight of each domain as you see in the third column.

You can see in this example that the first domain is weighted most heavily on this assessment.  Twenty-nine percent of the test items will assess the objectives in the Awareness, Basic Design, and Organization section. Together with the Art, Culture, and Heritage domain, those two sections compose over half of the test. You may want to keep in mind the relative weights of each domain as you plan how to use your study time.

STEP 2: The Study Guides also contain sample items that you should review. However, use caution in interpreting the results because your performance on these questions is not intended to be an indicator of your performance on actual test items. By correctly answering 80% of the twenty items in a practice test, you cannot assume that you will answer 80% of the items correctly on the actual test form. Instead use the sample items to understand how an objective might be assessed and to help you identify objectives that you may need to study.  

STEP 3: After you target objectives to study, locate sources that will help you in reviewing the material. (See listing of sources below.)  

STEP 4: Make notes of important material that you want to review. Use a format, such as note-cards or an outline, which has helped you study in the past.

Study Materials
Because the TExES/ExCET assessments cover the wide range of knowledge required for teaching, there are many sources that may help you prepare for the assessments and for your teaching experience. ATPE does not guarantee that the use of materials in this list will result in better performance on a test, and there may be other materials not listed here that will be helpful in preparing to take tests.

1. TExES/ExCET Study Guides
   Each test is based on a framework, or list of objectives, which is included in the study guide. Each question on the test assesses your knowledge of one of the objectives. These study guides also contain sample questions that will give you an idea about the types of questions that may be asked on the test. Study guides are available at no cost through education departments at Texas colleges and universities, alternative certification programs, SBEC Information and Support Center at 1-888-863-5880 (toll free) and the SBEC website at www.sbec.state.tx.us.

   Each year some tests are redeveloped or new tests are implemented. Be sure to get the most current study materials for the tests you plan to take.
    

2. Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
   Chapter 75 of the Texas Administrative Code, the State Board of Education Rules for Curriculum, (more commonly known as the TEKS) outlines Texas’ curriculum guidelines. The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills were an important influence in determining the content of the TExES/ExCET tests because they define the content that Texas teachers are required to teach. The TEKS for specific content areas may be available from school districts, universities, and Education Service Centers. You may view and download the TEKS at www.tea.state.tx.us/teks/ or call the Office of Curriculum and Professional Development at (512) 463-9581.

 
3. State-Adopted Textbooks
   The most recently adopted textbooks and teacher guides in the courses you will be eligible to teach may also be helpful in your test preparation. If you are already employed by a Texas public school, you may be able to borrow textbooks from your district. Additionally, some Education Service Centers and some university libraries have the textbooks available for reference purposes, if not to checkout. If you are not in Texas, reviewing textbooks adopted by your state may also be helpful.
    
4. Journals and Other Materials from Professional Organizations
   Most of the content areas included in the TExES/ExCET program have a corresponding professional organization. For example, if you are planning to be an algebra teacher and are going to take the Mathematics TExES test, you may wish to contact the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics to find out about their publications. Though they may not have materials specific to the TExES/ExCET, they generally publish journals, policy statements, and/or current research that may aid you in your test preparation. In addition to the printed materials, local chapters often have meetings and workshops on pertinent topics.

 
5. College Texts, Notes, and Assignments
   When reviewing materials from college coursework in preparation for a TExES/ExCET exam, you may wish to focus your study on courses that included content that will be assessed on the test. For example, if you are studying for the Special Education test and feel you need additional work in the subarea of Characteristics and Needs of Individuals with Disabilities, you may wish to study your notes and text from the course that examined the range of disabilities, rather than materials from a course in one specific disability.
    
6. TExES/ExCET Exam Books

• The Best Test Preparation for the ExCET – Examination for the Certification of Educators in Texas
  By Research & Education Association - This test preparation book includes two full-length exams from the ExCET Professional Development Tests, a review of key educational theories and concepts, and a review of legal matters that are relevant to teachers.
   
• Pass the TExES (PPR)
  By Mark Mentze - This book will prepare teachers for the TExES PPR exam like no other book of its kind. The book covers all levels, and includes easy-to-study outlines, worksheets, study techniques and helps, and a CD.
   
• Barron’s How to Prepare for the ExCET (Examination for the Certification of Educators in Texas: Professional Development Tests)
  By Sandra Luna McCune, Mary Ella Lowe & Donnya E. Stephens 

The State Board for Educator Certification does not endorse any commercially developed study guides. If you choose to purchase one, be sure to keep your focus on the objectives listed in the TExES/ExCET Study Guide. ATPE does not guarantee that the use of materials in this list will result in better performance on a test, and there may be other materials not listed on the website that will be helpful in preparing to take tests.

Additional Help
Twenty Education Service Centers (ESC’s) support Texas educators in a variety of ways. Some of them offer preparation courses for certain TExES/ExCET tests or other workshops that relate to your content area. Others may have textbooks and other reference materials that you can use. Check out their website or call for more information to find out how they may be able to help you.

Also, most universities in the state offer coursework in teacher education, and some offer TExES/ExCET preparation classes. You may wish to contact the education department of a university in your area to find out what support is available. Some large school districts also provide study sessions for their teachers. Look for study groups with other examinees for support as well.

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