A Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) is an exam that is used in the state of Texas for admission to an alternative certification or post-baccalaureate educator preparation program (EPP). However, not all in-state EPP programs will require these exams. These exams can also be used for students in the intensive pre-service as part of the requirement to be eligible for an intern certificate.
There are also some charter schools in the state that require their educators to pass a PACT exam. PACT exams cover a wide range of subject areas, such as history, journalism, life science, business and finance, art, and more.
These exams are designated for specific grade levels, such as the TX PACT: Mathematics: Grades 4-8 and the TX PACT: Mathematics: Grades 7-12. Finally, there is a TX PACT: Essential Academic Skills exam that has multiple subtests and covers the following subjects:
The PACT Reading subtest consists of 45 selected-response questions. Candidates have 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete the exam. Within the subtest, candidates are asked questions that test their knowledge of specific competencies. These competencies cover topics in:
In many instances, the candidates will be asked to read a passage, identify different concepts, determine the meaning of various words and language, and draw conclusions. This section may also include questions that will ask candidates to obtain information from tables, charts, maps, or other graphics.
The PACE Writing subtest has 36 selected-response questions and 1 constructed-response question. Test takers have 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete the test. The competencies in this subtest evaluate candidates' knowledge and understanding of:
These competencies are primarily addressed in the selected-response portion, where candidates may be asked to identify errors in writing, replace imprecise words/phrases, reorganize writing, and more.
The final competency is addressed in the constructed-response portion of the exam and evaluates their ability to compose a developed composition in Standard Written English on an assigned topic.
The PACT Mathematics subtest requires test takers to answer 45 selected-response questions. Candidates have 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete the exam. The subtest addresses the following 5 competencies:
Candidates will need to calculate or estimate solutions, analyze information, convert units, create graphs, and identify correct expressions/equations. They will need to use both inductive and deductive reasoning throughout the exam and may be asked to translate between mathematical terminology, notation, or concepts and written English.
Candidates may also need to know concepts such as the Pythagorean theorem, linear algebraic equations, and probability.
The primary difference in PACT vs. TExES exams is that PACT exams are used for admission to EPPs, while TExES exams are used to obtain teacher certification. These exams cover many of the same subject areas, but in general, candidates are expected to understand more advanced content for the TExES exams to demonstrate a readiness to teach students in the specific field.
To summarize, PACT exams test subject-matter knowledge only, while TExES certification exams test subject-matter knowledge and pedagogical knowledge specific to the content area.
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Create AccountOnce candidates know which PACT exam they need to take, they will need to register for the exam and prepare. Below, we will discuss in greater detail the PACT registration process, available study materials and resources, and the scoring format for these exams to help candidates prepare for test day.
Candidates may do the TExES exam registration for the PACT exam if they have earned a bachelor's degree or are in the last semester of their bachelor's degree program. First-time candidates need to create an account with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and then fill out their Educator Profile and get a TEA ID number.
They can then register online through their Pearson testing account by filling out personal information, paying the required fee, and selecting/scheduling their TExES exam dates. Also, they can search through testing locations near them and see which test dates are available before choosing. Candidates should then begin preparing for their exam by creating a study plan and using various PACT study materials.
The good news is that there is a wide range of TExES study guides to help candidates prepare for their PACT exam. For example, each PACT exam has a detailed preparation manual that serves as a Texas PACT test study guide. Candidates can read through the format of the exam and the various competencies that the exam covers. There are Texas PACT test sample questions and tests available that students can use to gear up for their exam day. There are also general resources, such as materials for creating a study plan, tutorials for computer-based testing, and study tips for preparing for the exam available.
Candidates need to earn a 240 or higher on their PACT exam to pass. This score is a scaled score to account for different editions of the exam. Scores for exams with selected-response questions are reported within 7 days, while those with constructed-response questions may take up to 28 days to report scores. TExES score report dates for specific exams can be found on the Pearson website.
Candidates who choose to receive their scores by email will receive them after 10 p.m. Central time on the score date for their particular exam. Scores are automatically sent to the TEA and EPP (if applicable) and added to a candidate's certification file.
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Create AccountAmy Lopez, M.A. is a high school teacher with over 8 years of experience teaching Family Consumer Science Education. She has passed the TExES PPR exam and the Praxis Family and Consumer Science Exam. Amy completed a B.S. in Family Consumer Sciences from Tarleton State University, an M.A. in Teaching from Grand Canyon University, and an Education Specialist degree from Northcentral University.
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The Texas PACT exam is a series of subject-specific exams used for admission to an alternative certification or post-baccalaureate EPP (educator preparation program).
The number of questions on the Texas PACT exam varies by exam. However, several subject-specific exams require around 125 questions, which are typically selected-response questions.
The Texas PACT exam is required for admission to an EPP if students have a GPA below a 2.5 or if students have completed less than 12 credit hours in the subject area of their desired certificate area.
Students in Texas must pass the PACT test with a 240 or higher. Therefore, test-takers should prepare with Texas PACT test study guides and other study materials.
