So you’re taking the TExES ESL Supplemental (154) 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 all things about the ESL Supplemental (154)!
TExES ESL Supplemental Video Overviews
This video goes through a few practice questions and explanations. While it doesn’t have someone speaking or presenting, it can still give you a quick idea of what the ESL Supplemental test might be like.
While not specific to this particular exam, these two videos offer some excellent study tips and test taking strategies that can be applied to any teacher certification exam.
First Thing to Know
TExES is an acronym that refers to the Texas Examination of Educator Standards. This series of exams is used to assess the skills of prospective teachers in Texas.
You may have noticed the number “154” attached to this exam’s title and wondered what that number refers to. The ESL Supplemental number is included as an organizational feature used mostly by the state and the examination agency. Each of the TExES exams has an assigned number that is used to help organize the administration of these tests. It’s much easier to reference a test number than always using each of the many tests’ full titles.
This particular exam, the ESL Supplemental, is used to demonstrate a teacher’s ability to support the learning of ESL students despite being certified in a different content area. It is not a stand-alone certificate. If you are taking this test then you either already have a different base certification or you are in the process of earning one.
You may be taking this exam because your district requires it or simply because you find it important — either way, we can help guide you toward a successful exam experience.
TExES ESL Supplemental Exam Breakdown
The ESL exam is made up of three different domains, and questions from the domains will be mixed together within the test. You will not need to meet specific standards for each domain, so you can focus on meeting one overall passing standard in order to pass the entire ESL Supplemental (154) exam.
| Domain | Standards Assessed | Percentage of Exam |
| I: Language Concepts and Language Acquisition | English as a Second Language I, III | Approximately 25% |
| II: ESL Instruction and Assessment | English as a Second Language I, III – VI | Approximately 45% |
| III: Foundations of ESL Education, Cultural Awareness, and Family and Community Involvement | English as a Second Language II, VII | Approximately 30% |
You will have five hours to complete all 80 selected-response questions. That’s it! No essays, no subtests — just 80 questions and one passing standard to focus on.
What is a Passing Score
Okay — so I mentioned a passing standard in the paragraph above. You are probably wondering what that passing standard will be. You must score 240 out of a possible 300 points on the ESL exam.
If you are wondering why TExES doesn’t provide a simple passing percentage, it is because there’s no consistent percentage that constitutes a passing grade. These exams are scored using a scaled scoring system to more accurately represent the test results. Basically, the percentage required to pass shifts slightly from test to test in order to account for variations between the tests. Some test questions may be more challenging than others and all tests will likely contain some questions that will not count toward your overall score.
If that seems a little confusing, just know that generally speaking if you answer at least 70% of the questions correctly you should pass the test.
How to Register for the TExES ESL Supplemental Exam
New to Teaching?
Since this is a supplemental exam, it must be taken after passing a content exam.
If you are new to the teaching profession you will first participate in and receive approval from an Educator Preparation Program in Texas.
There are many program options, all with different requirements and costs, but a little research will go a long way toward helping you choose the program that will be a good fit. Beyond researching the programs online, consider meeting with a representative from the company or a recent participant to really understand what the program requires.
5 Best Alternative Certification Programs in Texas
Once you receive approval from a certification program, signing up for your test will be a piece of cake!
- First, visit the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program website.
- Click on the “Register” link near the top center of the page.
- Click on the “AAFCS, PACT, TASC, TExES” tab that is near the center of the page.
- Click on the orange “Register Now” button.
- Below the “Sign In” button, click on “Create an account now.”
- Once you have an account, you will be able to log in and sign up for your test. Select “English as a Second Language Supplemental” from the drop-down list, click “add” and click “next.”
- You will then be taken through a few more pages of questions that are used to determine your testing needs and background information.
Remember, you will not be able to select a testing location and time until you have paid for your test and completed your registration.
Already Certified?
- First, visit the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program website.
- Click on the “Register” link near the top center of the page.
- Click on the “AAFCS, PACT, TASC, TExES” tab that is near the center of the page.
- Click on the orange “Register Now” button.
- Confirm that you are the individual taking the test and click “next.”
- Select “English as a Second Language Supplemental” from the drop-down list, click “add” and click “next.”
- You will then be taken through a few more pages of questions that are used to determine your testing needs and background information.
Remember, you will not be able to select a testing location and time until you have paid for your test and completed your registration.
That’s it! Once you pass the exam, you will have added ESL Supplemental to your teaching certifications!
Yay!
TExES ESL Supplemental (154) Free Practice Test
Are you signed up (or thinking of signing up) for the ESL Supplemental (154)? That’s great news!
If you are feeling nervous or unprepared, it may not seem so great at the moment. You may be wondering if you know enough to pass. You probably really want to know what you need to study.
That’s where we come in! We have done the research and we are here to tell you about the absolute best practice tests for the ESL exam.
Best Free Practice Test
240 Tutoring’s ESL Supplemental (154) Practice Test
240 Tutoring has been helping teachers pass their exams since 2011. They offer an online, completely free practice test for the English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) exam. The practice test will give you a free score breakdown so you can see exactly what you need to study.
TExES ESL Supplemental (154) Paid Practice Test
Best Paid Practice Test
240 Tutoring’s TExES ESL Supplemental Study Guide
240 Tutoring also offers a full study guide that comes with a practice test. The TExES ESL Supplemental includes more than 140 questions and 59 pages of content.
Plus, you can feel confident in your purchase because the study guide comes with a money-back guarantee that you will pass the test.
So while it is a paid practice test, you know you’re getting your money’s worth.
BONUS: 240 Tutoring is a month-to-month subscription. You get the entire ESL Supplemental study guide — including the study material and practice questions — for just one monthly price of $39.99.
Runner-Up for Practice Test
Texas Education Certification Examination Program Preparation Manual
This free practice test is offered by the creators of the test and is located on the same website that you went (or will go) to in order to register for the ESL Supplemental. This practice test is a highly reliable resource because the practice questions are made by the same company that makes the questions on the actual exam.
Be aware that there are only 40 questions available on this site and that they are not paired with study materials.
Preparation Manual Practice Test
Honorable Mention
Mometrix Practice Test
Mometrix offers a short practice test on its website. This practice test is short, with only 10 questions. While it is very short, the questions are high-quality and could be useful when combined with other practice test questions.
Mometrix ESL Supplemental Practice Test
TExES ESL Supplemental (154) Free Study Guide
Are you preparing for the ESL Supplemental Exam? That’s great! Hopefully you are feeling confident, but it is possible you have found your way here because you aren’t 100% sure you are going to pass.
And if you’re not sure that you are ready, then determining what you need to study should be first on your list!
You are in luck! We have done the research and are here to tell you which study guides are the absolute best for the ESL Supplemental exam.
Best Free Study Guide
240 Tutoring ESL Supplemental (154) Ultimate Guide
240 Tutoring offers a FREE Ultimate Guide specifically designed for the ESL Supplemental exam. This study guide includes a 40-question practice test, an overall look at the test domains, and specific breakdowns of some individual skills and concepts.
It may not cover every tested skill and concept in this free guide, but it serves as a great place to start and should give you a clear idea of where you will need to go next!
TExES ESL Supplemental (154) Paid Study Guide
Best Paid Study Guide
240 Tutoring’s TExES ESL Supplemental Study Guide
240 Tutoring also offers a full study guide. The TExES ESL Supplemental study guide includes more than 140 questions and 59 pages of content.
Plus, you can feel confident in your purchase because the study guide comes with a money-back guarantee that you will pass the test.
So while it is a paid practice test, you know you’re getting your money’s worth.
BONUS: 240 Tutoring is a month-to-month subscription. You get the entire ESL Supplemental study guide — including the study material and practice questions — for just one monthly price of $39.99.
Runner-Up for Study Guide
Certify Teacher
Certify Teacher offers a study guide for the ESL Supplemental exam that contains study content, flash cards, and practice questions. The up-front cost is a larger investment at $80, but it is a one-time fee that provides access for up to three years. Depending on your individual testing expectations, this extended access may or may not be valuable.
Certify Teacher ESL Supplemental Study Guide
Honorable Mention
Texas Education Certification Examination Program Preparation Manual
This is the preparation material provided by the test maker. It includes 40 practice questions, guidance on how to study, and a description of the competencies that make up each tested domain.
This guide does not provide explanations of the skills within each competency. For example, it might identify “syntax” as a required concept without explaining it.
Texas Education Certification Examination Program Preparation Manual
Kayman McIver
Kayman McIver is in her 13th year of teaching and her favorite subject is science. She enjoys middle schoolers who appreciate her sarcasm and jokes.
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The Ultimate Overview of the TExES ESL Supplemental (154)
TExES – Questions Quick Guide | 240Tutoring
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