So you’re taking the TExES CORE Subjects EC-6 (391) exam and you’re asking some of the following questions:
- Where do I find a free practice test?
- An exam breakdown?
- How do I register 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 Best in Class we are here to help you get familiar with everything you need to know about the TExES CORE Subjects EC-6 test.
TExES CORE Subjects EC-6 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
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.
TExES CORE Subject EC-6 Exam Breakdown
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.
What is a 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 TExES CORE Subject EC-6 Exam
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.
Five Best Alternative Certification Programs in Texas
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.
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 the available seats prior to purchasing by following the prompt.
Be sure to allow plenty of preparation time before your testing date!
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!
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 CORE Subjects EC-6: English Language Arts and the Science of Teaching Reading
240 Tutoring’s CORE Subjects EC-6: Mathematics
240 Tutoring’s CORE Subjects EC-6: Science
240 Tutoring’s CORE Subjects EC-6: Social Studies
240 Tutoring’s CORE Subjects EC-6: Fine Arts, Health, and Physical Education
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.
TExES CORE Subjects EC-6 (391) Paid Practice Test
Best Paid Practice Test
240 Tutoring’s CORE Subjects EC-6: English Language Arts and the Science of Teaching Reading
240 Tutoring’s CORE Subjects EC-6: Mathematics
240 Tutoring’s CORE Subjects EC-6: Science
240 Tutoring’s CORE Subjects EC-6: Social Science
240 Tutoring’s CORE Subjects EC-6: Fine Arts, Health and Physical Education
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.
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
TExES 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 TExES 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 (391) Paid Study Guide
Best Paid Study Guide
240 Tutoring’s CORE Subjects EC-6: English Language Arts and the Science of Teaching Reading
240 Tutoring’s CORE Subjects EC-6: Mathematics
240 Tutoring’s CORE Subjects EC-6: Science
240 Tutoring’s CORE Subjects EC-6: Social Science
240 Tutoring’s CORE Subjects EC-6: Fine Arts, Health and Physical Education
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.
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
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.
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TExES – Questions Quick Guide | 240Tutoring
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TExES CORE Subjects EC-6 (291) – View Test Details