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Easy-to-follow study guides, practice tests and resources.
Create AccountThe TExES Core Subjects 4-8 (211) test is a teacher certification exam for those who want to teach core subjects in upper elementary or middle school classrooms in Texas. Core subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Unlike content-specific exams (e.g., the TExES Science 4-8, TExES Mathematics 4-8, etc.), this exam is general. Upon passing it, test-takers will be eligible for certification in all core subjects for grade levels 4 through 8.
Because this is a core subjects exam, it contains a lot of material across several different content areas. We will go step-by-step through what the exam covers over the next few sections. We'll also give some pointers on how to build your TExES 211 study guide, as well as how to ultimately pass the TExES Core Subjects 4-8.
Easy-to-follow study guides, practice tests and resources.
Create AccountThe TExES 211 tests the following core subjects: English Language Arts and Reading, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science. These core subjects - otherwise known as domains - make up the entirety of the test.
Each domain is described below.
The first portion of the TExES 211 deals with a centerpiece of elementary and middle school education: English and reading. The material covered here is diverse. From basic English language mechanics to higher-order reading comprehension skills, test-takers will need to be well-versed in grammar, literacy development, and English composition. Choosing appropriate assignments and knowing how to measure student progress also factors heavily into this portion of the test.
Math is the second component of the TExES Core Subjects 4-8 exam. Here, test-takers will be tested on their knowledge of both pure math and applied math. There will also be an emphasis on math education and the strategies used to teach math to children and adolescents.
Because the material in the exam focuses on grade levels 4 through 8, the pure math knowledge required is not as advanced as what you would find in a high school certification test. However, those who take this exam will still need to be familiar with arithmetic, geometry, algebra, probability, and the coordinate system.
The third domain in the TExES 211 is that of Social Studies. Focuses of this portion include basic principles of history, economics, culture, and other aspects of human society. Because the TExES exams are catered towards the state of Texas, some of the material in this section is Texas-specific. You'll want to be well-studied on the history of Texas, as well as the political and cultural forces that shape both Texas and the United States as a whole.
The fourth and final domain contained in the TExES Core Subjects 4-8 is Science. Like the other ones, the Science section of the test is multi-disciplinary. It covers everything from Earth science to basic biology to physical science. It also includes classroom safety and the basics of science education.
The four core subjects are further broken down into competencies. Competencies, quite simply, are skills and knowledge that test-takers need to know to do well on the exam. We'll spend the next few minutes of our time walking through them.
The following competencies are covered under this domain:
The following competencies are covered under this domain:
The following competencies are covered under this domain:
The following competencies are covered under this domain:
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The exam is broken up into four separate subject exams. Each subject exam pertains to one of the core subjects. These exams are given one at a time, with the total time limit ranging from 50 minutes to 1 hour and 55 minutes per exam. The test format is displayed in the table below.
| Subject Exam | Percent of Total Score | Number of Questions | Time Limit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language Arts and Reading | 37% | 74 | 1 Hour, 55 Minutes | |
| Mathematics | 21% | 42 | 1 Hour, 5 Minutes | |
| Social Studies | 21% | 42 | 50 Minutes | |
| Science | 21% | 42 | 50 Minutes |
In all, the TExES Core Subjects 4-8 contains 200 questions across the 4 subject exams. As is the case with other TExES exams, some of these questions will not be graded. They will not count towards your final score. However, test-takers won't know which tests are ungraded, so the best bet is to do your best on every question!
The exam is also a computer-administered test (CAT), which means that it is taken entirely on a computer.
The TExES 211 is made up entirely of selected-response questions. Test-takers will be given a question and then asked to select the correct answer from a list of provided answer choices. Sometimes, more than one answer choice may be correct, in which case, multiple answers should be selected. There are no "constructed response" or "written response" questions on the exam. Although you will be provided with a formula sheet and an on-screen calculator for the Mathematics portion of the test, you will not be required to show your work.
As was mentioned earlier, the test is also administered entirely by computer. No component of the TExES Core Subjects 4-8 is taken on paper.
For the entire TExES 211 exam, the fee is $116. There are also small additional fees involved with the registration process, but these fees are used only to support the operation of the TExES official website. If you need to take a separate subject exam at a later date (we'll discuss when you might need to do this later), the fee for a single subject exam is $58.
For TExES exam registration, candidates will need to visit the TExES website and navigate to the "Core Subjects 4-8 (211)" page. Basic information about the test is displayed here, along with a registration button at the bottom of the page. Those who wish to register will need to create an account with Pearson (the test-making company) and then proceed through the registration process as instructed.
The TExES scores are computed for each individual subject exam. To pass the TExES Core Subjects 4-8, a score of 240 or better is needed on every subject exam. A score of less than 240 on even one part of the test will result in a "Not Passed" status.
You should receive your score no later than 7 days after taking the exam.
As per the TExES exam retake policy, retakes of the TExES 211 are permitted. Generally speaking, there are two ways to retake the exam. For those who passed 3 out of the 4 subject exams, it is possible to come back at a later date to retake the one subject exam they didn't pass. If the retake for the single exam results in a passing score, the test-taker will pass the entire exam and be eligible for certification.
For those who failed to pass two or more individual subject exams, it is necessary to retake the entire test. However, the TExES Education Agency will take the highest score on each subject exam across all attempts. If you have already passed one or two subject exams, you will not need to respond to the questions on those subjects when re-taking the test.
TExES 211 retakes are limited to 5 attempts, including individual attempts of subject exams. Those who wish to retake part or all of the exam also must wait at least 30 days between attempts.
Exams are available by appointment only. However, those who want to take the TExES Core Subjects 4-8 have great flexibility in determining where and when they will take their test. The exams are conducted at various testing centers both in Texas and nationwide. Virtually all large and medium-sized cities are within striking distance of a testing center.
Once you have determined where you want to test, you can schedule a time for an appointment. Appointments are generally available year-round, Monday through Saturday. Not every testing center offers the TExES 211 during all time slots, but once again, there should be a great deal of different exam times available. You'll be able to see all your available options when registering.
On test day, you need to bring two forms of ID that can verify your identity. One of these documents - your "primary" document - must be an original form of government identification. Examples of primary documents include:
Additionally, you will need to bring a second form of ID to further verify your identity. Requirements for this are not as strict. Secondary documents can include any original form of ID that bears your name and either your signature or a clear photo of yourself.
When you report to the testing center, you will be required to place any personal possessions you have in a locker outside the testing room itself. You cannot have phones, calculators, watches, notecards, or any other items with you when you take the exam. Additionally, you cannot have any form of headwear in the testing room, except for that which is used for religious purposes. Food and drink (including chewing gum) are also prohibited.
You should arrive at the test center 15 minutes before the start of your scheduled exam time. This will ensure that you have enough time to check in and confirm your appointment.
Accommodations are available for those who have disabilities, as well as for nursing mothers. If you fall into one of these categories, you should submit an Alternative Testing Arrangements Request Form as soon as possible. You will need to provide documentation along with this form, which will be used by Pearson and by the Texas Education Agency to determine what accommodation(s) you qualify for on a case-by-case basis.
There are also some accommodations available, which do not require pre-approval. For example, all testing facilities are wheelchair-accessible. All candidates will have access to visual aids like font enlargement and color enhancement. Other aids, such as earplugs or noise-reducing headphones, are also allowed without prior approval, though these will need to be examined by the exam proctor before you are allowed to use them.
Preparation is essential in order to pass the TExES Core Subjects 4-8 (211). Here are a few tips to help get you started!
There are many practice tests that are available for free, including practice tests on the official test website. The TExES website contains sample practice questions for each of the four core subject exams. Additional practice tests can be found on test preparation sites and even in libraries. It's our hope that this practice material can jumpstart your preparation for the exam and send you on your way to pass the TExES Core Subjects 4-8 with flying colors!
Amy Mayers, M.Ed. has taught middle school math for over 7 years. She is a Texas certified teacher for grades 4-12 in mathematics and has passed the TExES Math 4-8 and the TExES Math 7-12. Amy graduated with a B.S. in Mathematical Sciences from the University of Houston and a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of St. Thomas.
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