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Exam Overview
The TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) exam is part of the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) program. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) sets the certification requirements, and Pearson administers the test. Passing it adds the ESL Supplemental certificate to a Texas teaching certificate.
Test Format
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Delivery | Computer-administered test (CAT) at a Pearson testing center |
| Questions | 80 selected-response (multiple-choice) questions with four answer choices |
| Appointment | 5 hours, including about 15 minutes for the tutorial and compliance agreement (about 4 hours 45 minutes of testing time) |
| Unscored questions | Some questions are being tried out for future use and do not count toward your score |
| Score scale | 100–300; a scaled score of 240 passes |
| Fee | $116 (additional fees may apply) |
| Retakes | Texas rules require a 30-day wait before retesting and limit you to five attempts at the same test |
Domains and Competencies
The exam framework has three domains and ten competencies. The approximate share of the exam for each domain is shown below.
| Domain | Competency | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| I | 001 Fundamental language concepts | Phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics; social and academic registers; links among listening, speaking, reading and writing |
| I | 002 First- and second-language acquisition | Acquisition theories, cognitive processes, L1 influence on L2, common learner difficulties |
| II | 003 ESL teaching methods | Planning with the TEKS and ELPS, methods and materials, content-based ESL, technology, classroom management |
| II | 004 Communicative language development | Language-rich environment, oral language at each proficiency level, feedback, L1 transfer |
| II | 005 Literacy development | Phonological skills, decoding, comprehension factors, L1-to-L2 literacy transfer, interrupted schooling |
| II | 006 Content-area and academic language | Linguistically accommodated content instruction, academic vocabulary, learning strategies |
| II | 007 Assessment | Formal and informal assessment, standardized tests, LPAC procedures, using results to plan |
| III | 008 Foundations and program types | History, law and policy; Texas program models; research on program effectiveness |
| III | 009 Learning factors and multilingual environments | Affective, linguistic and cognitive needs; culture; respect for language differences |
| III | 010 Advocacy and family and community involvement | Advocacy in LPAC, ARD and site-based committees; family engagement; community resources |
Scoring and Results
Your result is a scaled score from 100 to 300, and 240 is the passing score. The scaled score is based only on scored questions, and there is no penalty for guessing, so answer every question. Scores are released on published score report dates; check the official testing website for the dates that apply to your appointment.
Exam Updates to Know
- Texas adopted revised English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) in 19 TAC Chapter 120 (§120.20 for kindergarten–grade 3 and §120.21 for grades 4–12). They replaced §74.4 and are now in effect in Texas classrooms.
- The revised ELPS use five proficiency levels — pre-production, beginning, intermediate, high intermediate and advanced. The current 154 exam framework was written to the earlier four levels (beginning, intermediate, advanced, advanced high), which this guide also explains.
- A new exam, English as a Second Language Supplemental (254), is scheduled to replace 154. Until then, the 154 framework described here is the one you are tested on; confirm dates on the official site before you register.
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