So you’re taking the TExES CORE Subjects EC-6 exam and you’re asking some of the following questions:

The Key Links for the CORE Subjects EC-6:

  • Best Free and Paid Practice Test
  • How to Register for the Test
  • Exam Breakdown
  • Best Videos for the Test

Those are all great questions, and you’ve found the right place to get them answered!

My name is Kayman McIver and at TestPrepPractice we are here to help you get familiar with everything you need to know about the TExES CORE Subjects EC-6 test.


Video Overviews

The TExES CORE Subjects EC-6 has recently been updated from CORE Subjects EC-6 (291) to CORE Subjects EC-6 (391). This video highlights what you need to know about the changes:

The following videos from 240 Tutoring provide overviews and practice questions for the different subtests of the TExES CORE EC-6 exam:

First Thing to Know About the CORE Subjects EC-6


The CORE Subjects EC-6 test is one of the TExES exams. TExES is an acronym used to
describe the Texas Education of Educators Standards series of exams. It is required for prospective educators to pass these exams in order to be certified as a teacher in Texas.

The CORE Subjects EC-6 exam is for teachers planning to teach one or all of the included elementary subjects:

  • English Language Arts and Reading & the Science of Teaching Reading
  • Social Studies
  • Math
  • Science
  • Physical Education, Health, and Fine Arts

This test will only certify teachers for these subjects through grade 6. Teachers of higher grade levels or other departments, like special education, will take different tests.

You will see this test identified by its test number. Each of the TExES exams has an assigned number, and the number for the CORE Subjects EC-6 is 391. There are many different educator exams and these numbers exist to help the state keep track of the different tests without always using the test names.

The TExES CORE Subjects EC-6 exam was recently updated. The old CORE Subjects EC-6 exam has an identification number of 291. Both versions of the exam (291 and 391) will be administered until December 31, 2021, at which point the 291 version of the exam will be discontinued.

This article will refer to the updated CORE Subjects EC – 6 (391) exam.
For information on the 291 exam, visit the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program website.

Super Important Thing to Know

The CORE Subjects EC-6 is made up of five subtests. This means you must pass each individual subtest to pass the entire CORE Subjects EC-6 exam.

Subtest Subject Time Limit Number of Questions
English Language Arts
and Reading (901)
70 Minutes 45
Mathematics (902) 70 Minutes 40
Social Studies (903) 50 Minutes 40
Science (904) 55 Minutes 45
Fine Arts, Health, and
Physical Education (905)
35 Minutes 40

For your first administration, you will be required to take all five subtests.
If you do not pass some of the individual subtests, you will be allowed to retake only the subtests you did not pass instead of retaking the entire test. For example, if you only fail to reach a passing score on the Mathematics portion of the test, you can register for only that individual subtest on your next administration.

CORE Subjects EC-6 Passing Score


A passing score on the CORE Subjects EC-6 exam is 240 or above out of 300 possible points on each subtest.

These tests are graded using a scaled score, so scoring a 240 does not necessarily mean you must get 80% of the questions correct in order to pass. In fact, the scoring of each administration varies slightly depending on the test’s content because test questions can vary some in their level of difficulty, and each test typically contains some questions that will not count toward your score at all. Generally, as long as you answer at least 70% of the questions accurately, you can expect your score to fall within the passing range.

How to Register for the CORE Subjects EC-6


New to Teaching?

In order to register for the TExES CORE Subjects EC-6 exam, you must have approval from an educator preparation program in the state of Texas. This requirement exists to verify that you have successfully participated in an approved teacher training program.

The requirements of certification programs in Texas vary widely. If you are just starting out in this process, take some time to really compare the different programs, and speak to representatives of the programs in order to determine which is the best fit for you and your experience. While choosing your certification program may require some research and comparisons, once you have approval to take the test, the registration process is pretty simple.

Step 1

Visit the Texas Education Certification Examination Program website and create an account.

Step 2

Click on the “Register” link at the top of the page.

Step 3

Choose the tab labeled “AAFCS, TASC, TExES.”

Step 4

Click on the “Register Now” button.

Already Certified?

If you are already a certified classroom teacher, you can add certifications by taking additional certification exams, even if they are not the same subject as your original certification. You will use your TEA ID number to create an account on the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program website. If you do not know your TEA ID number, it can be found by logging into TEAL on the TEA website. Once you have created an account, you can follow these simple steps to register for your test:

  • Step 1: Click on the “Register “ link at the top of the page.
  • Step 2: Choose the tab labeled “AAFCS, TASC, TExES.”
  • Step 3: Click on the “Register Now” button.

The website will then walk you through a series of screens and questions about your testing needs, including a drop-down list of the tests that you are approved to take. You should find CORE Subjects EC-6 (391) on that list. Once you have selected and paid for the test, you will be able to reserve your testing date and location. You can check out the available seats prior to purchasing by following the prompt.

Once you pass the exam and meet any additional requirements, you’ll be qualified to early childhood through sixth grade in the state of Texas!

Yay!

Free Practice Test for the CORE Subjects EC-6

TExES CORE Subjects EC-6 (391) Free Practice Test

 

So you’re taking the TExES CORE Subjects EC-6 391 and you want to know if you’ll pass.

And if you’re worried about passing you really want to know what you need to study.

Well, you’re in the right place. We’re going to tell you about the best practice tests for the CORE Subjects EC-6.

 

Best Free Practice Test

240 Tutoring’s Diagnostic Practice Test

240 Tutoring has been helping teachers pass their exams since 2011. They offer a completely free online practice test for each individual subtest of the TExES CORE Subjects EC-6. Each practice test will give you a free score breakdown, so you can see exactly what you need to study.

CORE Subjects EC-6: English Language Arts and the Science of Teaching Reading

CORE Subjects EC-6: Mathematics

CORE Subjects EC-6: Science

CORE Subjects EC-6: Social Studies 

CORE Subjects EC-6: Fine Arts, Health, and Physical Education

Best Paid Practice Test for the CORE Subjects EC-6

Best Paid Practice Test

240 Tutoring’s Online Study Guide

240 Tutoring also offers a study guide that comes with a full length practice test. Their TExES CORE Subjects EC-6 Study Guide has over 2,800 questions, 500 pages of content, and 1,600 flashcards. So while it is a paid practice test,  it also offers a lot of benefits.

Best of all? The study guide comes with a money-back guarantee that you will pass the test. 

BONUS: 240 Tutoring is a month-to-month subscription. You get all of their TExES study guides — including the five subtests for the CORE Subjects EC-6 — for just one monthly price of $39.99. So subscribing to one study guide gives you access to all study guides. This is a really great deal, especially if you need to study for multiple TExES exams. 

CORE Subjects EC-6: English Language Arts and the Science of Teaching Reading

CORE Subjects EC-6: Mathematics

CORE Subjects EC-6: Science

CORE Subjects EC-6: Social Science

CORE Subjects EC-6: Fine Arts, Health and Physical Education

 

Runner-Up for Practice Test

Coresubjects-6.com

This is another great option for a free practice test. As demonstrated by the website name, it is solely focused on information related to the CORE Subjects EC-6 test. This source does not contain an interactive practice test, but it is a solid source of reliable information and quality practice questions to use as you prepare for your exam. It has also been updated to reflect the new CORE Subjects EC-6 exam. 

NEW 391 CORE Subjects EC-6: Free Practice Test [2021]

 

Honorable Mention

Mometrix Practice Test

This website has helpful information about the test and provides some free practice questions. However, the practice test contains only 10 questions and only covers one subtest: English Language Arts, Reading, and the Science of Teaching Reading. Because of the single-subject focus, you will likely need further study resources. This resource has also not yet been updated to reflect the new exam changes. 

TExES Core Subjects EC-6 (291) Practice Test 

Best CORE Subjects EC-6 (391) Free Study Guide

So you’ve taken a practice test and now it’s time to start studying, but how can you be sure that you are finding the best resources?

Well, you’re in the right place. We’re going to tell you about the absolute best study guides for the TExES CORE Subjects EC-6.

 

Best Free Study Guide

240 Tutoring’s CORE Subjects EC-6 Ultimate Guide

This free study guide is a great resource. It is clear, well organized, and provides an overview of each of the subtests that are included in the CORE Subjects EC-6 exam. Included in this overview are a handful of specifically chosen concepts from each subtest with a few paragraphs of explanation. This is an excellent starting point for your studying! 

TExES Core Subjects EC-6 Ultimate Guide

Best CORE Subjects EC-6 Study Guide

Best Overall Study Guide

240 Tutoring’s Online Study Guide

240 Tutoring also offers a full study guide. Their TExES CORE Subjects EC-6 Study Guide has over 2,800 questions, 500 pages of content, and 1,600 flashcards.

Best of all? The study guide comes with a money-back guarantee that you will pass the test. 

BONUS: 240 Tutoring is a month-to-month subscription. You get all of their TExES study guides, including the five subtests for the CORE Subjects EC-6 test, for just one monthly price of $39.99. So simply subscribing to one study guide gives you access to all the study guides. 

 

CORE Subjects EC-6: English Language Arts and the Science of Teaching Reading

CORE Subjects EC-6: Mathematics

CORE Subjects EC-6: Science

CORE Subjects EC-6: Social Science

CORE Subjects EC-6: Fine Arts, Health and Physical Education

 

Runner-Up for Study Guide

Study.com TExES Prep

This guide is a great resource that includes thorough content coverage with study guides, videos, and practice tests. However, this study guide is a bigger monthly investment, and its money-back guarantee only promises a higher score, not a passing score. Also, this guide has not yet been updated to reflect the new exam changes. 

TExES Core Subjects EC-6 (291): Practice & Study Guide Online Course 

Honorable Mention

Mometrix Test Preparation

Mometrix offers a study guide and flash card set for the TExES CORE Subjects EC-6 test. There are options for a 291 or 391 study guide. The study guide is available for purchase in e-book or printed form and Mometrix also offers a money-back guarantee. Be sure to note that the flash cards must be purchased separately from the study guide, increasing your test prep investment. 

TExES Study Guide & Practice Test

About the Author

 


Kayman McIver has been teaching for 13 years. She has a master’s degree in education and loves teaching. She has taught all ability levels, from special education to highly gifted students, in kindergarten through 9th grade. She is thrilled to help talented people like you join the world of education.

 

 

Recommended articles:

The Ultimate Overview of the TExES Core Subjects EC-6

How To Prepare For (And Pass) The CORE SUBJECTS EC-6

TExES – Questions Quick Guide | 240Tutoring

The Ultimate Guide To Prepare For The TExES

Do You Know Which TExES Exams You Need to Take?

Everything You Need to Know About TExES Scores

Your Ultimate Guide to TExES Registration | 240Tutoring

TExES CORE Subjects EC-6 (291) – View Test Details

TExES CORE Subjects EC-6 (391) – View Test Details

TExES Core Subjects EC-6 (291) Exam Overview 

 

CORE Subjects EC-6 Practice Test

Are you prepared for the TExES CORE Subjects EC-6 exam? Find out with our quick practice test!

 

English Language Arts and Reading: Questions 

  1. The IEP for a student with multiple disabilities contains the following language arts objective: The student will write a sentence using appropriate punctuation and spelling in 4 out of 5 trials. Which of the following classroom activities would be most appropriate to provide data to meet this objective?
      1. creating a thank you card for a staff member that includes a greeting
  1. identifying common symbols such as stop signs and what they mean
  2. selecting ingredients for a recipe during a community trip to a grocery store
  3. using a dictionary to learn the meanings of new vocabulary words

 

  1. A third-grade class is learning the steps of the writing process. The students are currently writing sentences and paragraphs. Which of the following steps of the writing process have students already completed?
  1. adding or adjusting words in a sentence
  2. rewriting sentences to correct any grammatical errors
  3. brainstorming ideas on a topic
  4. sharing the final product with classmates and the teacher

 

  1. Which of the following is the most appropriate way for a teacher to help students develop an understanding of parts of speech?
    1. Have students practice changing present tense verbs to past tense.
    2. Write five examples of nouns on the board and have students identify what all the words have in common.
    3. Have students copy down the definitions of each part of speech.
    4. Show example words and examples sentences to help analyze/explain how each part of speech functions within a sentence.

 

  1. A kindergarten teacher is preparing to teach a unit about trees. Which of the following strategies will help students to gain background knowledge before beginning the unit about trees?
    1. Ask students to describe their Christmas trees during a warm-up activity.
    2. Prepare a sensory table with leaves, bark, branches, and pinecones to teach new words and parts of trees.
    3. Make desk name tags for each student using leaf shapes and use a tree banner on the class bulletin board.
    4. Show students a video about deforestation and the impact on local wildlife.

 

  1. A first-grade teacher designed a word wheel where only the beginning letter of the word changes when students spin the wheel. This activity best assesses which of the following?
    1. contextual analysis
    2. initial blends
    3. directionality
    4. Suffixes

 

  1. Which of the following statements describes an emergent reader?
    1. The student recognizes high-frequency words and recognizes fiction and non-fiction text.
    2. The student knows some of the letters of the alphabet and recognizes common words in the community.
    3. The student reads with appropriate tone of voice and selects books of interest.
    4. The student is able to decode words when reading below grade level texts but has difficulty understanding the meaning of text or decoding complex words.

 

  1. Since very young children (birth-four years old) learn oral language through family and friends, the early childhood teacher should first establish a common language among all the students. This can be achieved through which of these TWO strategies?
    1. labeling items throughout the room.
    2. pointing to words while reading picture books.
  1. When ELL students hear phrases such as, “It’s raining cats and dogs outside,” or “This is just a drop in the bucket,” they may be confused, as they probably need to have specific instruction in:
    1. phonetic strategies
    2. segmentation
    3. semantics
    4. scaffolding
    5. creating a “word wall” comprised of words the students supply from prior experience.
    6. prioritizing state curriculum words.
  1. By the end of first grade, a student should be able to:
    1. keep eye contact while speaking.
    2. make planned speeches for a specific audience.
    3. use complete sentences.
    4. use figurative language.
  1. In what ways do small-group conversational activities help improve oral language development?
    1. Students are able to chat with their friends, relieving stress and clearing the mind for more learning.
    2. Students can respond to each other and learn to formulate arguments and critique other’s responses.
    3. The teacher can step back from the discussion and allow students to express themselves.
    4. Students are able to respond to each other in a low-stakes setting, which contributes to higher student involvement.

English Language Arts and Reading – Answers

  1. Correct answer: C. Creating a thank you card is an opportunity to practice fine motor skills as well as writing skills by including a sentence inside the card that demonstrates proper spelling and punctuation.
  2. Correct answer: C. Brainstorming comes before writing sentences and paragraphs in the writing process.
  3. Correct answer: D. This would be an appropriate way to introduce the concept of parts of speech.
  4. Correct answer: B. This is a multi-sensory approach that will help students to access prior knowledge and learn new vocabulary before beginning the unit.
  5. Correct answer: B. The activity provides a way for students to use a variety of initial blends to make new words with the same ending.
  6. Correct answer: B. This describes an emergent who is able to recognize common words in the community such as stop signs or letters on a store, knows some letters, and attempts to write using scribbles
  7. Correct answer: A and B. A is an excellent strategy to use with early childhood students in order to help establish a common language among all students. Labeling items allows all students to refer to all items with the same language. B gives all students the same context clues for language.
  8. Correct answer: C. Semantics is the study of word or symbol meaning. It is important because one word or sentence might have multiple meanings or have a meaning that is figurative rather than a literal meaning.
  9. Correct answer: C. This is the correct speaking benchmark for a first grader.
  10. Correct answer: B. Bouncing ideas off each other and learning to formulate arguments are important oral language skills, and thus an important byproduct of small group discussions.