Core Subjects EC–6 (291)

Effective January 1, 2021, candidates seeking certification in this area will be required to take the Core Subjects EC–6 (current 291 or new 391) exam and new Science of Teaching Reading (293) exam. For more information about certification requirements and important action steps for teacher candidates, including December graduates and previous preparation program finishers, visit the Texas Education Agency website at www.tea.texas.gov/str Link opens in a new window. .

Candidates can now register and schedule testing appointments for the new Core Subjects EC–6 (391) exam. There will be a yearlong overlap period between the current exam (291) and the new exam (391). Both exams will be available between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021. The last administration date for the current exam (291) will be December 31, 2021. Candidates are encouraged to work in collaboration with their educator preparation programs to determine the most appropriate exam to take.

The new Core Subjects EC–6 (391) and Science of Teaching Reading (293) preparation manuals are available on this website. Please review the appropriate Core Subjects EC–6 preparation manual (291 or 391) based on the exam you plan to take.

This exam includes five Subject Exams:

English Language Arts and Reading & Science of Teaching Reading (801)
Mathematics (802)
Social Studies (803)
Science (804)
Fine Arts, Health and Physical Education (805)

If you did not pass the Core Subjects EC–6 (291) exam, review the Retake Policy to learn about your testing options.

No other TExES exam substitutes for any of the individual Subject Exams.

Format

Computer-administered test (CAT)

English Language Arts and Reading & Science of Teaching Reading: 75 selected-response questions
Mathematics: 47 selected-response questions
Social Studies: 41 selected-response questions
Science: 52 selected-response questions
Fine Arts, Health and Physical Education: 52 selected-response questions

Time

5 hours total appointment time

CAT tutorial and compliance agreement: 15 minutes
Testing time:
- English Language Arts and Reading & Science of Teaching Reading: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Mathematics: 1 hour
- Social Studies: 35 minutes
- Science: 40 minutes
- Fine Arts, Health and Physical Education: 40 minutes

Exam Dates

By appointment, year round. Test appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Check appointment availability opens in a new window

Exam Sites

CAT sites are located in Texas and nationwide. Locate a test center opens in a new window

Passing Score

240 on each Subject Exam*

Exam Fee

$116 for the total exam
$58 for a Subject Exam taken separately
Additional fees may apply.
Review payment information.

Score Reporting

Scores are available at 10:00 p.m. Central time on the score report dates.

Policies

When you register, you must agree to abide by all program rules and policies.

Prepare

View the preparation materials available for this exam.

*Results for the Core Subjects EC–6 (291) exam are reported as Passed or Not Passed, as there is no total passing score for the overall exam. Testers must earn a passing score of 240 on each individual Subject Exam to pass the overall exam.

Exams may include questions that are evaluated for future administrations and do not affect a candidate's score.

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