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Exam Overview
What the TExES Science 7–12 (236) Exam Is
The TExES Science 7–12 (236) exam is the Texas certification exam for teachers who will teach science in grades 7 through 12. It measures whether an entry-level educator has the content knowledge and the instructional understanding needed to teach life, physical, Earth and space science.
The exam is part of the Texas educator certification system overseen by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). The exam framework is organized into ten domains and 47 competencies.
Who Administers the Exam
The TExES program is administered by Pearson on behalf of TEA. Candidates register through the Texas educator testing website after receiving approval to test from their educator preparation program, when required.
- Computer-administered test (CAT)
- Offered year-round by appointment
- Taken at Pearson VUE test centers
Exam at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Questions | 140 selected-response (multiple-choice) questions |
| Answer choices | Four options per question |
| Appointment time | 5 hours total: 15 minutes for the tutorial and compliance agreement, then 4 hours 45 minutes of testing time |
| Test fee | $116 (additional fees may apply) |
| Format | Computer-administered test (CAT) |
| Score range | 100–300 (scaled) |
| Passing score | 240 |
| Unscored questions | Some questions may be pilot items that do not count toward your score |
| Penalty for guessing | None; answer every question |
The Ten Content Domains
Each domain carries an approximate share of the exam. Physics and chemistry together make up 40 percent, so plan your study time to match these weights.
| Domain | Content area | Weight | Competencies |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Scientific Inquiry and Processes | 10% | 001–003 |
| II | Physics | 20% | 004–011 |
| III | Chemistry | 20% | 012–020 |
| IV | Cell Structure and Processes | 8% | 021–024 |
| V | Heredity and Evolution of Life | 8% | 025–028 |
| VI | Diversity of Life | 8% | 029–032 |
| VII | Interdependence of Life and Environmental Systems | 6% | 033–035 |
| VIII | Earth's History and Structure and Function of Earth Systems | 9% | 036–041 |
| IX | Solar System and the Universe | 6% | 042–045 |
| X | Science Learning, Instruction and Assessment | 5% | 046–047 |
Time Management
With 140 questions in 4 hours and 45 minutes of testing time, you have about 2 minutes per question. Calculation and data questions in physics and chemistry take longer, so move quickly through recall-based questions and flag lengthy items to revisit.
Scoring System
Your result is reported as a scaled score from 100 to 300, and a score of 240 or higher passes. The score is based on the total number of scored questions you answer correctly, so there is no penalty for a wrong answer. Your score report also shows how you performed in each domain, which helps you plan a retake if you need one.
Why This Exam Is Important
Passing the TExES Science 7–12 (236) exam is required for the Texas Science: Grades 7–12 certificate. The certificate covers all science disciplines at the secondary level, which is why the exam spans biology, chemistry, physics, Earth and space science, and science pedagogy.
- Apply scientific knowledge accurately across disciplines
- Interpret data and experimental results
- Plan safe, inquiry-based instruction
- Assess student learning and address misconceptions
What This Means for You
This exam is broad. Most questions ask you to apply a concept, read data, solve a problem, or choose the best instructional action rather than recall a definition. This study guide follows the ten official domains in order, and each practice test is weighted to match the exam framework.
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