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If you have any questions about your PACT exam or this process, reach out to a TEACH for Houston coach or educator preparation program staff for support. We’re here for you.
Here's a bit of background on PACT and your requirements for taking the right exam(s).
PACT refers to the Pre-Admission Content Tests. There are two tests offered for Texas-based programs, the TeXes and Praxis, and which one you take depends on where you live when you apply to the program (more on that in a moment). They’re required in your application to educator preparation programs (EPPs) in Texas, including:
If you live in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Puerto Rico or Mexico, the PACT is offered through and referred to as the TExES (Texas Examinations of Educator Standards). For a full list of TExES exams, see Tests Offered.
If you live outside of the areas listed above, these Praxis exams may qualify you to teach in Texas:
Our advice? Don't overthink it—just follow the steps below.
You are eligible to sign up for the TeXes or Praxis if you:
You have five attempts to pass a certification test.
The right PACT exam for you depends on your program and teaching interests.
All programs require that you pass the content exam at some point.
For graduate programs, each program will determine when you are required to pass the content exam. See below for a table that illustrates when you’re required to pass the content exam by program:
When do I need to take and pass the content exam? | ||||
Institution | Program | Before Applying | After Applying, but Before the Program Begins | After the Program Begins |
INSPIRE TEXAS | Alternative Certification Program | ✅ | ||
Relay Graduate School of Education (GSE) - Houston | Residency Program | ✅ | ||
Sam Houston State University | Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree | ✅ | ||
Teaching Excellence | Alternative Certification Program | ✅ | ||
Teach For America Houston | Alternative Certification Program | ✅ | ||
Texas Southern University | Bachelor’s Degree | ✅ | ||
University of Houston – Central | Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree | ✅ | ||
University of Houston – Clear Lake | Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree | ✅ | ||
University of Houston – Downtown | Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree | ✅ |
There are things you can do to prepare for your test that apply to all subjects. There are also more specific study guides available based on the subject areas and grade levels you’re interested in. We cover them both:
Remember: You’re taking this test for a reason. You want to become a teacher in a specific subject, and this is your chance to prove it. Take the time necessary to truly understand the information. You’ll thank yourself for it (and your students will thank you, too).
We recommend a two-pronged approach to structuring your study time:
Not all subject area tests are offered on a continuous basis. Some, including the English Language Arts test, are offered only in specific administration windows.
Once you gain a baseline understanding of a subject area, taking practice tests might be your best way to prepare for a PACT exam.
There are a number of options available from test-makers directly, and some third-party services have come up with options, too.
Check out Tarleton State University’s Test Prep Resources for additional recommendations.
These resources are endorsed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Step-by-Step instructions by TExES provide step-by-step instructions for preparing for your exams, from researching which tests you need to take to scheduling practice tests.
Preparation Materials by TExES allow you to search for preparation materials for your exams. Preparation materials include study tips, student profile worksheets and preparation manuals.
We recommend taking a look at yours to at least get an idea of where to focus your study time.
Manuals are available for these exams:
Interactive Practice Tests by TExES are full-length practice tests that include correct answers, explanations for correct answers and an automatic score summary report.
Practice tests are available for these exams:
These resources are endorsed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Preparation Materials by Praxis include study companions, study guides and practice tests.
Preparation materials are available for these exams:
Although they may not be identical to the TExES equivalent, it may be helpful to review materials for these Praxis exams in your subject area:
There are a number of free and paid options for getting prepped for your PACT exam.
Before purchasing, check with your program to see if any discount codes are available for your test prep option of choice.
Register for the right exam, know what to expect on test day, and report your scores on time.
Once you know which exam you’re taking, head over to the online registration system for TExES. There, you will:
See the TExES creating a new account and registering guide for more instructions.
Taking a Praxis exam? Click here to register.
Find out how you did—and make sure your program does, too!
Paper scores are so yesterday. Get yours online.
Generally, you will report your scores on your online application itself. (Your checklist has a step for this!)
In some cases, submitting your “score report” will be part of the required paperwork during a program’s onboarding process.
You’ve settled on a content area, verified which test is required for your program application, studied hard, and now you’re ready to take the PACT.
Make sure you:
See TExES’ On the Day of the Test or Praxis’ On Test Day page for the nitty-gritty.