Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where can I obtain a registration bulletin for the test I want to take?
Bulletin information is available for all tests at the testing company's website www.texes.ets.org.
How much will it cost to take the exam?
$82.00 per test until September1, 2008. At that time the cost will increase to $120.00 per test.
Can I register online or do I have to use the paper registration form?
Online registration is available for all the exams except the TASC and AAFCS. See How to Register Online or How to Register Using the Paper Form.
If I register online, do I have to fill out any paper forms?
Yes, one form, the "Credential Testing Clearance Application" form must be submitted to the Office of Assessment and Accountability for any test you want to take, whether you want to register online or by mail.
How do I obtain approval to test?
By submitting a "Clearance" form to the Office of Assessment and Accountability. If you are eligible to take the test you are requesting, your record at the State Board for Education Certification will be updated with your test approval. You will receive emailed instructions from this office to log in at SBEC to update your personal information and to retrieve your testing number. Your testing number from SBEC will be used for registration with Educational Testing Service (ETS). See How to Register Online or How to Register Using the Paper Form.
To whom do I make out my check?
ETS, which stands for Educational Testing Service - the testing company.
The online registration asks for my "route." What do I choose?
Your route will be either "University Initial" (for your initial teaching certification as an undergraduate), or "University Post Bac" for initial teaching certification if you hold an undergraduate degree (in SFA's PBIC program) OR a professional level certificate (Principal, Educational Diagnostician, etc. *** Note: The route is shown with your test approval at your SBEC Online account. See "View Examinations" for your test approval.
Can I choose to take a TExES instead of an ExCET?
No. You must take the test that is specified on your certificate plan or approved by the Advisor.
How many tests can I take at a time?
One
I have to take more than one test, which test should I take first?
It is your choice, but you must have completed the coursework for the test you choose, or have approval from the Advisor.
When can I take a certification exam like the TExES or ExCET?
When you have completed all the required coursework for the particular test you wish to take, or on approval by the Advisor.
Must I take the test at SFA?
No. You may take the test (except TOPT and TASC) at any of the test administration sites that are available for that test date. See the Registration Bulletin for Test Administration Sites.
Are the TOPT and TASC exams given at SFA?
No. See the registration bulletin or website for TOPT and TASC for available sites.
Can I take my test by computer?
Computer administered tests are given at most of the testing centers. At present, only EC-4, 4-8, 8-12 and EC-12 PPR's, EC-4 Generalist, 4-8 Math, 4-8 Science, 4-8 ELR, 4-8 Social Studies, 8-12 Life Science, EC-12 Health, EC-12 Special Education, and Family & Consumer Science tests are offered on computer. EC-4 students must have departmental approval to test by computer. See Computer Administered Tests and the AAFCS website.
How long will it take to receive my scores?
About 3 weeks after you take the test. The date is published in the bulletin for that test.
How often are the tests given?
For the 2008-09 academic year, the TExES ExCET paper test will be administered 5 times. See Test Dates for dates and deadlines for all tests.
How many times can I take a certification exam?
As many times as necessary to pass.
What score must I make to pass the ExCET or the TExES?
For the TExES: a scaled score of 240.
For the ExCET: a scaled score of 70.
How many questions are on the TExES and ExCET exams?
The number of questions varies depending upon the particular test.
When can I apply for my certificate?
After completing all coursework and passing all required certification exams. Student teaching or a teaching internship are also required. See the Certificate Office's website.

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Stephen F. Austin State University

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)