TExES Scoring

TExES tests are a part of teacher certification criteria in the state of Texas. An applicant shows his skill level through the TExES tests and proves his worth as an entry-level educator. The results of these tests are required when you apply for Texas educator certification at State Board for Educator Certification, SBEC.

TExES Test Scoring Process

    • For the multiple-choice questions of the tests, you are given a point for each correct response. The total points so earned are converted into scaled scores. Scaled scores make it possible to compare the results of a particular test taken in different administrations.
    • Each test is scored using a total test scaled score ranging from 100 to 300.
    • For the constructed responses in the TExES English Language, Arts and Reading and Braille tests, each response is scored by two examiners on a scale ranging from 0 to 4. If they differ in their opinions by more than a point, a third scorer is called to resolve the differences.
    • In the TExES BTLPT-Spanish test, there are three written expression questions and five oral expression questions. Each is scored on a scale ranging from 0 to 3 by two independent scorers. If they differ in their opinions, a third scorer is called for scoring the responses.

Note: The scaled scores make it possible to compare different versions of the same test. However, scores of different tests cannot be compared. For instance, a score of 200 in Mathematics 4-8 and a score of 200 in Science 4-8 do not signify the same level of competence in the two test subjects.

Passing Criteria
A total test scaled score of 240 is set as the least required for passing the test. The passing criterion for each test is determined by SBEC which takes into consideration the opinions of Texas educators. The minimum score for each test translates as the least capability one has to have in the related subject to become an entry-level educator in a public school in Texas. You shall not be granted a Texas educator certification if you fail to clear the required exams.

Negative Marking
You are not penalized for a wrong response, nor is there any penalty for an unanswered question. This increases the scope for guessing the answer in multiple-choice questions. You can afford to make a guess if you are not sure of a response. Though it is safe to surmise the answer, it is not recommended. One should only make educated guesses based on some peripheral knowledge instead of making random guesses.

Experimental Items
There are some testing items administered in some tests that do not contribute towards your score. These items are intermingled with the test items such that they cannot be distinguished. They are those items that are put to test for future administrations of TExES tests. Once they are found to be suitable to a test, they are administered as regular testing items in future administrations. Since a test taker cannot differentiate between a testing item that contributes towards your score and an experimental item, each item has to be answered with equal seriousness. The presence of these items is responsible for a difference in the number of items administered in an exam and the total number of scored items in the exam.

Score Reporting

    • One score report is released for the score details of one test.
    • For the paper based tests, the score reports are posted on the score reporting date. For all the computer-administered tests, leaving BTLPT-Spanish, the score reports are posted weekly. For BTLPT-Spanish, the score reports are posted within 20 business days of testing. You can view your scores for 90 days through your testing account on the website of ETS TExES.
    • Score reports in paper are no longer sent. You shall have to take a printout of your score report appearing online for record keeping.
    • Your scores are not released by phone, fax, e-mail or in person.
    • Your scores are automatically transferred to Texas Education Agency (TEA), SBEC and your Educator Preparation Program (EPP). Hence, there is no requirement of submitting your score report to any authority along with your application for certification. However, you have to make an application for obtaining your certification; the process is not automatic.
    • For the computer-administered tests an unofficial score report was earlier released. This report contained the number of questions correctly answered and did not contain the scaled score or your corresponding pass or fail status. It stood as a proof of your having taken the test. This unofficial score report is no longer available.

Four categories of information are released for each score report.

    1. Total Test Performance: The Total Scaled Score is mentioned in this part of the report and correspondingly your pass or fail status is mentioned. The range of the total scaled score and the passing score for the test is also mentioned.
    1. Performance by Domain: Major content areas for a test are called domains. For some tests information about performance as per domains is mentioned. The number of questions you answered correctly and the total number of scored questions in the domain are mentioned. One point is given for each correctly answered multiple-choice question and zero each for an incorrect or unanswered question. This information is provided for each domain. There is no passing score established domain wise.
    1. Performance by Competency: For each content area or domain, different competencies are determined. The number of questions that are scored and the number of questions answered correctly by the test taker for each competency are mentioned.
    1. Holistic Score: Braille test and English Language Arts and Reading 8-12 test contain transcription assignments and essay respectively. These question types fall under the constructed response or performance assessment category. For these categories, holistic scores are reported. A score of 4 represents thorough knowledge, a score of 3 stands for general knowledge, a score of 2 or 1 shows limited or no knowledge and a score U stands for an unscorable response. The reasons for scoring U can be illegible, too short, blank, off topic or off task responses. For the TExES English Language Arts and Reading 8-12 test, your score report shall contain analytical feedback which gives details about the areas where you can improve. For the TExES Braille test, your score report contains individual holistic score for each of the four transcription assignments.

Verification of Scores
You can get your scores of all paper based tests verified. Computer based tests??? scores are not verified. For the BTLPT-Spanish test, the written and spoken responses can be verified. Multiple-choice questions are scored by computers. Written, spoken and brailled responses are scored by scorers who are professionally qualified and have been trained to score the responses as per standards. You can only get a test score verified once, on making the required request and payment of the required fee. After you make the request, your results for the multiple choice questions shall be verified within two to three weeks and those for the written, spoken and brailled questions shall be verified within four to six weeks. Your fee will be refunded and TEA shall be informed accordingly if there is a change in your results after verification of scores.

Cancelling Scores
Paper Based Tests: You shall have to fill and submit the Score Cancellation form if you intend to get your scores cancelled after taking the test. The form should be received within 5 business days of testing.

Computer-Administered Tests: You shall be given the option of cancelling your scores for the test after you take a computer based test. For retaking a computer based test after you have cancelled its scores, you shall have to wait for 60 days.

ETS has the authority to cancel your scores in the following circumstances:

  • Testing irregularities
  • Identification Discrepancies
  • Misconduct
  • Invalid scores

Preparation is the Only Way to Success
If you are not satisfied with your scores, you have the option of reappearing for the TExES tests. You can retake a paper based test at any consecutive administration. You shall have to wait for 60 days after testing to appear for a computer administered retest. Though retesting is allowed, the situation should be avoided by taking the test only when you are fully prepared to perform to your optimum best. Reappearing for a test is not easy; you shall require strong motivation for going through the same syllabus that you have reviewed before. Besides, the fear of failure in the first attempt shall plague you. Hence, it is best to put in your best and not let such a situation arise. The only key to avoid retesting is serious preparation the first time around.