Today is When Is Your Testing Date?

How Do I Pass The TExES Core Subjects EC-6 Exam?

If you are interested in becoming an entry-level educator within the Texas public school system, you’re required to pass the TExES Core Subjects EC-6 exam. The TExES 391 test is a required exam for anyone wanting to teach Early Childhood through 6th grade in Texas.

Please note: The TExES 291 last date of administration was December 31, 2021.

The TExES EC-6 exam assessment evaluates the knowledge and skills necessary to teach from early childhood to grade 6 in Texas public schools. The rationale for the test is for prospective teachers to demonstration they have the professional knowledge to teach students from Early Childhood through 6th grade.

Links To TExES Prep Tools And Tactics:

TExES Core Subjects EC-6 Practice Test (391)

Be sure your EC-6 practice test covers all part of the TExES Core Subjects EC-6.

Typically, there are three main questions formats: single-answer, stimulus-based, and cluster. The majority of questions require you select an oval for the correct answer. Some questions may ask you to evaluate details in a graphic or picture. Other questions may ask you to click boxes next to all that apply, select checkboxes, click on areas of a graphic or sentence, drag and drop something, or select the correct answer in a drop-down menu.

The Texas Educator Certification Examination Program administers the TExES Core Subjects test follows the guidelines of the current educator standards.

Knowing the format of the exam is helpful. However, sitting for the core subjects exam can be stressful and nerve racking. TExES CORE Subjects EC-6 exam assesses your classroom readiness as an educator. An exam like this where anything is ‘fair game’ often makes it hard to know how to prepare. It’s important to learn how the exam is structured, what exactly will appear on the actual exam and how questions are worded.

texes core subjects ec-6

The test is divided into 5 main subject areas or 5 subtests. Each subtest is broken down into 5-18 core competencies.

What should I study for the TExES Core Subjects EC-6 (391)?

The TExES Core Subjects exam is divided into the following areas:

  • English Language Arts and Reading
  • Mathematics
  • Social Studies
  • Science
  • Fine Arts, Health, and Physical Education

English Language Arts and Reading

This part of the exam has 45 questions and comprises 21.5% of the TExES Core Subjects exam. You have 70 minutes to finish this section. The English Language Arts and Reading test evaluates if a candidate has the required professional knowledge in the following:

  • Oral Language
  • Phonological and Phonemic Awareness
  • Alphabetic Principle
  • Literacy Development and Practice
  • Word Analysis and Decoding
  • Reading Fluency
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Development of Written Communication
  • Writing Conventions
  • Assessment and Instruction of Developing Literacy
  • Research and Inquiry Skills
  • Viewing and Representing

Mathematics

The section of the exam is comprised of 40 questions or 19% of the TExES Core Subjects exam. You’re given 70 minutes to finish this part of the test. The Mathematics test requires prospective teachers to have professional knowledge in the follow subsections:

  • Number Concepts
  • Patterns and Algebra
  • Geometry and Measurement
  • Probability and Statistics
  • Mathematical Processes
  • Mathematical Perspectives
  • Mathematical Learning and Instruction
  • Mathematical Assessment
  • Professional Development

Social Studies

The Social Studies test has 40 questions that make up 19% of the TExES Core Subjects exam. You’re given 50 minutes to complete this part of the exam. The Social Studies test measures teacher candidates’ subject area knowledge in the following:

  • Assessment of Comprehensive Knowledge
  • Integration of Various Disciplines
  • Assessment of Efficacy
  • History
  • Geography
  • Economics
  • Government
  • Citizenship
  • Culture
  • Science, Technology, and Society

Science

The Science test has 45 question that comprise 21.5% of the TExES Core Subjects exam. You’re given 55 minutes to finish this subtest. The Science exam measures prospective Texas educator’s content knowledge in the following:

  • Classroom Management
  • Equipment and Technology
  • Scientific Inquiry
  • Theoretical and Practical Knowledge
  • Appropriate Assessment Practices
  • History and Nature of Science
  • Scientific Influence on Society
  • Knowledge of Physical Science
  • Knowledge of Life Science
  • Knowledge of Earth and Space Science
  • Knowledge of Common Concepts and Processes

Fine Arts, Health, and Physical Education

The Fine Arts, Health, and Physical Education test has 40 questions. This section of the test responsible for 19% of the TExES Core Subjects exam. You’re given 35 minutes to complete this subtest. The Fine Arts, Health, and Physical Education exam assesses prospective educators knowledge in the following:

Art

  • Development of Ideas
  • Techniques for Personal and Creative Expression
  • Student Appreciation of Art History and Diverse Cultures
  • Analyzing, Interpreting, and Evaluating Works of Art
  • Implementation of Age-appropriate Art Instruction

Music

  • Musical Perception and Performance
  • Ability to Sing and to Play a Musical Instrument
  • Music Notation
  • Creating and Arranging Music
  • Music History
  • Ability to Evaluate Compositions, Performances, and Experiences
  • Implementing Effective Music Instruction
  • Management and Discipline Strategies
  • Understanding Student Assessment
  • Professional Responsibilities and Interactions

Health

  • Relationship between Health and Behavior
  • Concepts and Purposes of Health Education
  • Effective School Health Instruction
  • Effects of School Health Instruction

Physical Education

  • Movement Skills
  • Principles of a Healthy Lifestyle
  • Creating and Managing a Productive Learning Environment
  • Knowledge of How Students Learn
  • Providing Equitable and Appropriate Instruction and Communication
  • Using Developmentally Appropriate Instruction and Communication
  • Using Formal and Informal Assessment
  • Evaluating the Effects of Your Actions
  • Collaboration
  • Legal Issues and Responsibilities

Theatre

    • Planning and Implementing Effective Theatre Instruction and Assessment
    • Creating, Utilizing, and/or Performing Dramatic Material
    • Producing and Directing
    • Design and Technical Theatre
    • Theatre from Different Cultures and Historical Periods
    • Interrelationship between Theatre and Other Disciplines

texes core subjects ec-6 practice test

TExES Core Subjects EC-6 FAQS:

How do I register for the TExES Core Subjects EC-6 test?

You can register on the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program website or by phone.

What is the fee for the TExES Core Subjects EC-6 test?

The cost for the full exam is $116. If you take each subject exam individually, the fee is $58 each.

Who administers TExES Core Subjects EC-6 test?

The Texas Educator Certification Examination Program provides this assessment.

What is the total length of time allowed to take the TExES Core Subjects EC-6 test?

A full 5 hours is given to complete all 210 multiple-choice question on the the TExES Core Subjects test.

How Many Times Can I Take The Test?

You can retake any TExES test four more times. In other words, you can take any TExES exam for a total of five times. You could waste a lot of time and money attempting it that many time. If you need to redo the exam after your fifth try, you must apply for the TExES 4x waiver.

Am I allowed to use a calculator?

You will be given a online scientific calculator. You will not be allowed to bring your own calculator.

How is the EC-6 core subjects scored?

The TExES Core Subjects EC-6 exam is a pass/fail exam. To pass you must have a scaled score of at least 240 on each subject.

What score do I need to pass the TExES Core Subjects EC-6?

Possible scores range from 100-300. However, 240 is the minimum score required to pass each section.

What Happens If You Fail One TExES Core Subjects?

If you fail one of the CORE Subjects exams subtest, you may retake the failed section for $58.

What else do I need to know before testing day?

        • You can take the assessment at any official testing locations. A number of universities and colleges have the exam on campus.
        • Arriving on time at the exam center is a basic requirement. If late, you will not be allowed to take the exam.
        • You must bring your admission ticket to the test center. This ticket is found on your account at the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program website.
        • Be sure to bring an a photo ID that includes your name, photograph, and signature. No expired identification will be accepted for testing.

May I pick and choose sections of the 291 and 391 tests?

No, the rules state you have to have all of the 291 exam passed, or all of the 391 exam passed. Mix and matching between each test is not allowed.

Can I teach if I have a passing 291 test score and NOT the 391?

Yes. You can be hired until December 30, 2022 with a passing 291 exam. Next year, you must pass the 391 test to teach.

Does taking the 391 test require a passing Science of Teaching Reading (STR) score?

Yes. Rules state you must pass the STR exam before taking any of the Core Subjects exams.

Am I required to take the new 391 exam if I am currently hired in Core Subjects EC-6 and have passed the 291 exam?

No, you do not need to take a 391 exam if you have passed your 291 exam and have been hired.

TExES 291 vs 391. What is Happening?

The 291 Core Subjects EC-6 exam is getting updated. Among the changes are an increase in the amount of content tested in pedagogy. It will be replaced with the 391 Core Subjects EC-6 exam. The last date to take the 291 Core Subjects EC-6 will be December 31, 2021.

Looking for more TExES Core Subjects EC-6 practice test tips that’ll propel you to Texas teacher certification in less time?…

See: What Type Of TExES Test Taker Are You? – Will It Block You From Passing The TExES Exam?….

Author: Mark Dahlson