TExES Success

Texas Administrative Code, §230.21(e) specifies the state laws for certification requirements, including certification exams, which WU must abide by. All candidates for either an initial teaching certificate or an advanced professional certificate are required by Texas law to pass all certification exams aligned with the certification being sought. The WU-EPP cannot recommend a candidate for any certificate until they have passed all their tests.

All certification candidates should be aware that standards for certification are revised by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) periodically. This means that certification exams and certificate requirements also change. While WU endeavors to communicate all upcoming changes to current and former students via email and on the TExES Success Office webpage, it is the responsibility of each certification candidate to stay current on exam changes and certification requirements.

All candidates should be aware of the costs associated with certification upon admission to the Educator Preparation program at WU and begin to plan their finances accordingly. Students who receive financial aid can speak with a Financial Aid counselor about a Cost of Attendance Adjustment or financial aid loan to help pay for these costs. Fees are subject to change at the discretion of the State Board for Educator Certification.

• Certification Exams - Costs range from $116 - $200
  Students are responsible for payment of certification exam fees. TExES exam fees can be found on Texas Educator Certification Examination Program website. The Texas Education Agency will waive certain fees for eligible military service members, military veterans, and military spouses.

  • All candidates can locate the cost of their TExES certification exams by going to http://tx.nesinc.com and locating the required exams under the Exams menu.

  • Principal candidates should be aware that they are required to take the Performance Assessment for School Leaders (PASL) in addition to their TExES certification exam. The PASL exam costs $375.

• Application for Certification - $78

• Fingerprinting fees due to the Texas Education Agency - $50.25

Two forms of ID

• Primary ID must be government issued:

  • Valid Driver's License

  • State Identification Card

  • Military ID card (with signature)

  • Passport 

• Secondary ID must be valid and contain:

  • Your name and a clear photograph (ex. WU ID card) OR

  • Name and signature (ex. credit card with a signature on the back)

NAME ON BOTH MUST MATCH WHAT IS ON FILE WITH PEARSON

If your name does NOT match, do not register for your exam before you change your name with TEA.

Steps to Submit Name Change Request

1. Wait until you have your new valid ID with your legal name.

2. Submit a name change request through the Texas Education Agency.

3. Wait for confirmation that the change has been made and check your Pearson Testing Account Personal Information to ensure that the update has been made.

4. Once your name matches your ID, register for your test and schedule the exam.

5. Make sure your supplemental ID also contains your legal name.

Computer-Administer Test Overview - Tutorial that will prepare you for how the test will be administered, and how your screen may look the day of the exam.

What to Expect - Video on what to expect from checking in on test day, to completing your exam.

Preparing for the TExES Exams - A guide on how to prepare and study for the exams.

TExES Exam Question Formats - An explanation of the types of questions you can expect to see on your certification exams.

Student's Guide to Improving Study Skills - How to assess and advance your study habits.

Understanding the Land of TExES - Three-part video series that breaks down the history, language, and culture of the TExES exams so that you can better understand your exams.

Five Star Study App - Five Star has released Notebooks that can be scanned by their Study App so you can automatically turn your notes into flashcards!