Passing the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) exam is crucial for obtaining your certification to teach in Texas. The Texas Department of Education makes the exam a key requirement for all teachers in the state.

These rigorous exams test your knowledge and skills across a wide range – covering different subjects, grade levels, and specialized areas like special education and school counseling. With so much at stake, you need to thoroughly prepare using high-quality test prep resources.

The specific TExES exams you take depend on the content area you wish to pursue. For example, if you wanted to teach high school social studies, you’d take the Social Studies (7-12) exam. 

To pass a teacher certification test, you need to focus 80% on strategy and 20% on the material. You need to get about 70% to pass your Certification exams.

There are many TExES test prep programs available, each offering its own unique approach and features. Choosing the right one can make all the difference in successfully passing the exams.

To help narrow down the options, we’ve compiled a list of the best TExES test prep programs based on content coverage, practice questions, study materials, and student outcomes. 

1. The Learning Liaisons

The Learning Liaisons is a test prep company that has helped thousands of people pass their content exams. 

Founded by Dr Jason Ample, The Learning Liaisons team recruits exemplary educators who understand the content, format, and structure of TExES exams. They provide the best instructors for each content exam. 

Their team is made of teachers just like you, meaning they’ve taken this exam and have taught the subject. They’ll be able to teach you the ins and outs of the content exam, so you don’t have to sweat the small stuff!

With a subscription of only $50 per month, you can have full access to all the TExES test prep courses through a boot camp.

Here’s what to expect from The Learning Liaisons test preparation programs:

  • Test-aligned content review & practice questions: The preview session and practice questions are prepared based on official test blueprints provided by the Pearson and ETS testing companies.  This means you get the most relevant and up-to-date material. Plus, they include these blueprints in every boot camp so you can track your progress every step of the way.
  • Training videos at your own pace: The training hours at The Learning Laison are flexible, usually between 10-35 hours. You will access study aids, including quizzes, tests, content lessons, flashcards, and strategy videos. We recommend you dedicate approximately 3 to 4 to these courses so you can build the confidence and knowledge to pass your test on the 1st attempt.
  • PDF downloads: With The Learning Liaisons, you can’t download the course videos, but you can get PDFs of the slides used in quizzes and lesson reviews. We recommend you download the PDFs before you start your video lessons to take notes and follow along as you watch the video.
  • Digital flashcards: The platform has digital flashcards after each section to help you master key ideas for your exam. These flashcards are based on the official exam guide for your area of study.
  • Completion certificates: In every teacher certification prep course you take with the Teacher Liaisons, you can download a personalized certificate after you finish. You’ll see the option to download once you’ve done all the quizzes, used the digital flashcards, and watched all the videos in the course. Many schools and colleges will ask for this certificate to show you’ve finished the prep course. Teachers who fully commit to The Teacher Liaisons’ courses pass their exams with a 90% success rate or higher.

With The Learning Liaisons, you gain the knowledge, skills, and attitude you need to for TExES prep. Access a complete list of their TExES exams and their codes here.

2. Certify Teachers

Certify Teachers offers test prep and study materials for different state exams, including TExES, PRAXIS, and Foundations of Reading.

They have interactive practice tests, study guides, and a TPA Builder, which helps build your edTPA portfolio. The TPA Builder includes an approved edTPA handbook that includes information on the content area you’re pursuing. 

Certify Teacher creates study materials to ensure you pass your teaching certification exam on your first attempt. Here’s what to expect from certified Teachers:

  • Pass the test guarantee: Certify Teachers are confident in the effectiveness of their program and that they  offer a guarantee: “Pass your actual test, or receive a full refund.”
  • Realistic practice period: The practice test mimics the real certification test, so you’ll know exactly what to expect on exam day. The practice test also features explanations for every answer choice, both correct and incorrect, so that you can assess the skills and knowledge listed in the exam manual.
  • Personalized learning based on your specific needs:  The study platform has a tool that can identify your study needs so you’ll know exactly what to focus on to ace your exam. When you complete a test, you’ll receive a detailed analysis of your performance and a study plan based on your results. 
  • Passion and insight: The Prep practice tests cover all skills and knowledge assessed on the real exam. This means you’re practising with material that targets every skill and knowledge area.

To access a full bundle of practice tests, Certify Teachers charges $55.

3. Ed Publishing and Consulting

Ed Publishing and Consulting has been providing test prep books, tutoring, and seminars to teachers since 1999. All the authors of the test prep materials are educators and specialists in the content area you’re looking to pursue.

They focus solely on the TExES exam, so you know that you’ll be getting great materials to help you pass. 

The platform offers a variety of formats, including downloadable and physical copies of test prep books, as well as interactive modules designed to complement our Ebooks, ensuring a dynamic and engaging learning experience.

Along with test prep materials, they offer seminars that you can attend to learn more about the TExES exam and what it entails. 

Ed Publishing and Consulting offers volume discounts for large orders. 

If you feel like this is the test prep program for you, use our 10% discount code TEACHERSOFTOMORROW on any product! Just be sure to put the discount code in the “Notes” section when you’re completing your check-out. The 10% will be refunded to you 48 hours after purchase.

4. Research & Education Association (REA)

Research & Education Association (REA) is a test prep program that offers test prep of all kinds, ranging from high school SAT exam prep to GED prep to teaching certification prep. 

Their packages include practice tests, comprehensive reviews, study tips and strategies, top-level feedback, and much more. 

Some packages include a textbook along with the practice test so that you can get a more in-depth look at the TExES exam content. 

The textbook is available for purchase through approved sellers, such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and Indie Bound. However, if you want a discount, you’ll have to purchase your materials directly through their website. Get 20% off ALL REA test prep books or digital products by using the promo code RTX67 at checkout on their website

5. Study.com

Study.com is a test prep company that offers a wide variety of teacher materials, which is great, but massive production of materials can create valuable products.

Their resources encompass various aspects of professional development, including test preparation for teaching certification exams like the TExES.

Their TExES preparation resources include:

  • Practice questions: Study.com offers a large database of practice questions specifically designed to mirror the format and content of the TExES exams. You can use these questions to assess your understanding of key topics and identify areas needing improvement.
  • Study guides: The platform provides a collection of in-depth study guides tailored to different TExES exams. 
  • Video lessons: Supplementing the study guides, Study.com offers video lessons that explain complex topics in an engaging format. This can be beneficial if you prefer video instruction or are seeking a more interactive learning experience.

Other Relevant Sources

While test prep programs offer structured learning and guidance, you can venture beyond them and significantly enrich your TExES exam preparation.

Here’s a look at some valuable resources to consider incorporating into your study plan:

  • Texas Education Agency (TEA): The official website of the TEA, the agency overseeing teacher certification in Texas, provides a wealth of information about the TExES exams. You’ll find test guides, sample test questions and information on the registration process.
  • TExES Test: This platform offers personalized test prep courses for TExES exams by providing a range of resources to help individuals prepare effectively. These resources include preparation manuals, study guides, and practice tests tailored to specific TExES exams. 
  • 240 Tutoring: This website offers a collection of free TExES practice tests for various exams. While not affiliated with the TEA, these tests can help you identify knowledge gaps and gauge your exam readiness.
  • Teacher Certification: Similar to 240 Tutoring, this website provides free practice tests for many TExES exams. Take advantage of these tests to practice time management and test-taking strategies.
  • Mometrix Test Preparation: Mometrix offers free sample questions and limited-scope practice tests for select TExES exams. These can be a good starting point to assess your strengths and weaknesses.
  • Exam Edge: This company offers a range of TExES practice tests, study guides, flashcards, and other preparation materials. Their paid practice tests may provide a more in-depth analysis of your performance compared to free options.

Tips to Conquer Your TExES Exams

To perform exceptionally well, you need to adequately prepare for your TExES test requires preparation in good time. To begin, understand what points are required to pass and how the answers are scored. 

The passing score on the TExES test is between 100 and 300 points. But, 240 is thought to be the lowest possible result. Fortunately for test takers, there is no deduction of points for incorrect answers, making it easier to pass the TExES exam.

To ensure you pass your TExES test, we’ve gathered tips from students who’ve excelled in the past:

  • Develop a realistic study plan and plan your other activities around it.
  • Take practice tests while studying to detect areas that need improvement.
  • Arrive at the testing location early enough. 
  • When you don’t know the correct answer, always guess.
  • Read exam questions thoroughly, and don’t rush into answering. 

Ready to Get Texas Certified? 

Let’s Go!

Now that you’ve looked into the top 5 test prep programs to help you ACE Your TExES exam options and began your journey, you’re ready to get certified! 

At Texas Teachers of Tomorrow, we strive to ensure you’re following the steps necessary to become the teacher you’ve always wanted to be. We understand that navigating the path to teacher certification can be complex– especially when you’re doing it alone.

We offer you the guidance you need to complete your educator preparation program, obtain a teaching certificate, and secure your dream teaching position.

Check out our #GetReady page to see exactly what steps you need to take to become a teacher of tomorrow.