The TExES 391 Exam, also known as the Texas Examination of Educator Standards for Core Subjects (Grades 4-8), is mandatory for anyone aiming to become a certified middle-grade teacher in Texas.
This exam assesses subject knowledge and teaching skills in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Fine Arts.
Passing it shows you have the foundational knowledge needed to support student learning and meet the high standards set by Texas educational guidelines. The certification enables you to teach from early childhood through grade 6 in Texas public schools.
To succeed on TExES 391, more than just subject knowledge is needed—you’ll need a strategic approach to practice and answer questions. You must know how to navigate the exam and manage your time to maximize your score.
Our test preparation course is designed with the aspiring teacher in mind. It’s led by DR. A of The Learning Liaisons, who covers all five sections of the TExES 391 exam:
- English Language Arts and Reading
- Math
- Social Studies
- Science
- Fine Arts/Health/PE
This course also gives you access to hundreds of vocabulary flashcards on all the concepts you need to know for this exam. It offers targeted content reviews and best practices that increase your confidence and help you prepare to pass on your first attempt.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the exam format and content areas. We’ll share the essential study materials and explain why each element is important for passing the TExES 391.
The Focus of the TExES 391 Exam
The TExES 391 exam ensures aspiring teachers have a strong foundation across multiple subjects, making them well-rounded educators for Texas middle-grade students.
The exam aims to confirm that teachers not only possess deep knowledge in key subjects but also can apply this knowledge in the classroom. Passing the TExES 391 signals that an educator is prepared to engage students, encourage critical thinking, and adapt their teaching methods to different learning needs.
Our test prep course is built to reinforce the core competencies that Texas demands. Each section focuses on practical knowledge and skills, breaking down complex topics and providing clear explanations so you gain a solid understanding and the ability to teach as expected.
Beyond content mastery, the course integrates best practices in test-taking, helping you develop the strategies to tackle each section confidently. There are timed practice exams, detailed answer explanations, and tips on how to approach different question types.
This preparation focuses on analyzing test questions and smart preparation to pass on your first attempt. Our EC-6 Boot Camps provide content review and extra practice for each content area.
Strategy is king when passing this test. Don’t take our word for it; check our hundreds of Facebook and Google reviews.
What is the TExES 391 Exam
The TExES 391 exam focuses on a teacher candidate’s knowledge of various subjects and comprises five sections. The entire exam has a total of 210 questions.
These sections encompass the five different subjects:
- English Language Arts and Reading (901)
- Mathematics (902)
- Social Studies (903)
- Science (904)
- Fine Arts, Health and Physical Education.
The TExES measures the candidate’s knowledge against a set of criteria rather than comparing this knowledge against the performance of other candidates.
English Language Arts and Reading
The English Language Arts and Reading proportion of the TExES Core Subjects EC-6 391 tests individuals on oral language, reading comprehension, written communication, and viewing and representing media.
The section tests 10 competencies, including:
- Oral Language
- Word Analysis and Identification Skills
- Reading Fluency
- Reading Comprehension and Applications
- Vocabulary Development
- Reading, Inquiry, and Research
- Writing Conventions
- Written Communication
- Literary analysis
- Family and Professional Collaboration
Mathematics
In the Mathematics section of the TExES 391 Core Subjects EC-6 exam, basic mathematical skills are covered, such as patterns, whole numbers, and rational numbers.
The exam is divided into six competencies, including:
- Mathematics Instruction
- Number Concepts and Operations
- Patterns and Algebra
- Geometry and Measurement
- Probability and Statistics
- Mathematical Processes
Social Studies
The third exam of the TExES 391 Core Subjects EC-6 is social studies. This section covers the United States history, world history, and geography. It also covers economic, government, and Texas-related questions, divided into four competencies:
- Social Science Instruction
- History
- Geography and Culture
- Economics
Science
The Science (904) tests the essential knowledge and skills expected of beginning science teachers. The competencies cover the fundamental aspects of science instruction, like managing safety in the lab and understanding core scientific principles in various disciplines.
Prospective teachers must demonstrate proficiency in the following competencies:
- Lab Processes, Equipment, and Safety
- History and Nature of Science
- Impact of Science
- Concepts and Processes
- Students as Learners and Science Instruction
- Science Assessment
- Forces and Motion
- Physical and Chemical Properties
- Energy and Interactions
- Energy Transformations and Conservation
- Structure and Function of Living Things
- Reproduction and the Mechanisms of Heredity
- Adaptations and Evolution
- Organisms and the Environment
- Structure and Function of Earth Systems
- Cycles in Earth Systems
- Energy in Weather and Climate
- Solar System and the Universe
Fine Arts, Health and Physical Education.
The Fine Arts, Health, and Physical Education section tests the skills required for educators to design engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate instruction that supports students’ holistic growth.
This section evaluates the following competencies:
- Visual Arts
- Music
- Health
- Physical Education
- Theatre
Difference between TExES 291 and 391
What’s the difference between TExES 291 and 391? TExES 291 was officially replaced by TExES 391 on January 1, 2022.
These are distinct exams, meaning their passing scores cannot be combined. In other words, passing scores from individual subject exams of one cannot be merged with those from the other.
If a candidate was unable to pass all sections of the TExES 291 by the transition date, they must now begin anew with the TExES 391. The updated 391 exam features fewer questions than its predecessor, and the time allocated to complete its sections has also changed.
TExEs 391 Exam Format
As we’ve discussed, the TExES 391 Core Subjects EC-6 assesses the knowledge and skills essential for elementary teaching in Texas.
The exam is a computer-administered test (CAT) that evaluates candidates through selected-response questions, with specific time limits allocated to each subject area.
The table below shows an overview of the exam subtests, number of questions, and time allocation.
| Subtest | Number of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English Language Arts and Reading | 45 selected-response questions | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Mathematics | 40 selected-response questions | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Social Studies | 40 selected-response questions | 50 minutes |
| Science | 45 selected-response questions | 55 minutes |
| Fine Arts, Health, and Physical Education | 40 selected-response questions | 35 minutes |
The TExES 391 Core Subjects EC-6 exam is available year-round and does not have specific exam dates. You can schedule your test at any time, depending on the availability of testing appointments at your chosen testing center or through online proctoring.
We recommended registering early to secure a preferred date and time.
The Passing Score for the TExES 391
The passing score for the TExES 391 exam is 240 on each of the five sub-tests. Scores range on a scale from 100 to 300.
To pass the TExES 391 exam, you must achieve a score of at least 240 on all subtests. For instance, if you score below 240 on even one subtest, you will need to retake and pass that subtest to successfully pass the Core Subjects EC-6 exam.
Exam Fees
The TExES 391 Core Subjects EC-6 exam costs $116 for the full exam.
If you choose to take each subject area separately, the fee is $58 per subject exam.
Note: Additional fees may apply for rescheduling, late registration, or other administrative services. You can pay using a credit or debit card. Review all fee-related policies carefully to avoid unexpected charges.
How to Prepare for the TExES 391 Exam?
As mentioned, you must pass all the sub-tests in order to pass the TExES 391 exam. Therefore, you need to prepare adequately.
With the wide array of content areas examined, preparing for the exam may seem very daunting and overwhelming. However, with the right guidance and support from experienced test experts, you can face the exam with confidence and pass on the first attempt.
Our online training is a great way to learn what to expect when taking the TExES 391 exam.
Here are some tips on how to prepare:
- Understand the exam subject areas, types of questions, and time limits for each section.
- Use the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) as a guide to understand the core concepts and standards tested in the exam.
- Consider enrolling in a TExES prep course for personalized guidance. You’ll also get access to full-length practice exams to gauge your readiness, identify weaknesses, and get accustomed to the test environment.
- Plan a consistent study routine and allocate more time to areas where you feel less confident.
- Join study groups and collaborate with other test-takers to share resources, discuss challenging topics, and stay motivated.
- Strengthen your test-taking strategies, such as eliminating incorrect answer choices, reading questions carefully, and managing test anxiety.
Why You Should Take This Course
As educators, your mission is to inspire and empower students both in the classroom and beyond. But before you can make that impact, you need to overcome a significant hurdle: the TExES 391 exam.
If you’ve struggled with this test before, don’t lose hope—you can and will pass.
The truth is most test prep materials fall short of what you really need. They focus solely on content, offering generic study guides and textbooks without addressing the critical strategies required to tackle the actual exam.
The result? You encounter unexpected questions on test day, leaving you feeling unprepared and frustrated.
At The Learning Liaisons, we take a different approach—one that works. Our five-hour online training, led by our Founder, Dr. A, is specifically designed to equip you with the tools, techniques, and confidence to succeed.
This interactive course breaks down each of the five subtests, providing the knowledge and strategy you need to excel.
Through real test question analysis, Dr. A teaches proven test-taking methods that have helped countless educators pass this exam. This isn’t just a study session; it’s a game plan for success.
The workshop focuses on the critical skills and mindset you need, while our content boot camps dive deeper into each subject area to ensure you’re thoroughly prepared.
Passing the TExES 391 is within your reach with the right preparation and strategy.
Attending this session + Completing online courses = Passing your EC-6!
This training and our video courses are designed to:
- Help you master proven strategies and practice them effectively.
- Provide a detailed breakdown of the test, including insider tips and tricks.
- Guide you through a review of the concepts tested, aligned with Texas DOE standards.
- Offer activities for self-assessment and practice to strengthen your understanding.
- Put you in the best position possible to pass the exam confidently.
Register today and get all the tools you need to pass this exam so you can focus on what truly matters: Teaching your students.
As a top-rated Teacher Certification Prep resource, Dr. A partners with dozens of school districts and universities to help educators prepare smarter, not harder, for their certification exams.
With The Learning Liaisons, you’ll save time and money by gaining the knowledge and strategies to succeed on your first attempt.
We’ve helped over 8,500 teachers pass their certification exams, and our students boast an impressive 90% pass rate.
Are you ready to become one of those success stories? Let’s get started!
Additional TExES 391 Study Guides and Resources
To pass the TExES 391 exam, thorough preparation is essential. Below is a list of additional study guides and resources designed to help you get ready for exam day and set yourself up for success:
- Overview and Exam Framework
- English Language Arts and Reading Sample Selected-Response Questions
- Mathematics Sample Selected-Response Questions
- Social Studies Sample Selected-Response Questions
- Science Sample Selected-Response Questions
- Fine Arts, Health and Physical Education Selected-Response Question
- Preparation ResourcesPrivacy
Start Preparing for TExEs 391 Here
Passing the TExES 391 exam is an important step toward becoming a certified teacher in Texas. It shows that you have the knowledge and skills to be an effective educator. But to pass the exam, it’s important to be well-prepared.
Preparing properly will give you the confidence to do your best on test day. Studying the material and learning the right strategies will help you feel ready and reduce any stress.
Sign up for a test prep course with The Learning Liaisons to give yourself the best chance of success. Our expert-led training will provide the tools and support you need to pass.
Let us help you prepare so you can pass the exam and move forward in your teaching career.
