So you’re taking the TExES Mathematics 4-8 (115) 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’re here to help you get familiar with everything you need to know about the TExES Mathematics 4-8 test!
TExES Mathematics 4-8 Video Overviews
While this video is not focused on one specific exam, it still provides excellent tips that can help you on any teacher certification exam:
Short on study time? This video from 240 Tutoring gives some tips on how to make the most of any last minute studying you might be doing:
This video gives a quick look at what to expect on the day of your exam:
This video from Mometrix goes through several problems that are similar to what you might see on the TExES Mathematics 4-8 exam:
First Thing to Know
Let’s start with the basics: TExES stands for Texas Examinations of Educator Standards. Every certification test for teachers in Texas has a title that begins with TExES. These tests are required for all public school teachers in Texas (and some private schools) and ensure that teachers are prepared for teaching a specific subject. There are many tests and each one is tailored to certain subject areas. This test is specific to teaching math in grades 4-8; there are different tests for teaching math to other grade levels. In the same way, there are tests for each core subject, electives, and other specializations, such as teaching special education or gifted students.
The identification number for the Mathematics 4-8 test is 115. Each TExES test is assigned a random number that allows the state to track the tests and certifications. Many of the tests have similar names, so the numbers are an efficient way of differentiating them. For example, you are taking the Mathematics 4-8 test (115), but there’s also a Mathematics and Science 4-8 test (116). Using the numbers allows for better and more accurate record keeping.
TExES Mathematics 4-8 Exam Breakdown
The TExES Mathematics 4-8 test is made up of six domains:
| Domain | Approximate Percentage of Test | Standards Assessed |
|
16% | Mathematics I |
|
21% | Mathematics II |
|
21% | Mathematics III |
|
16% | Mathematics IV |
|
10% | Mathematics V-VI |
|
16% | Mathematics VII-VIII |
You will have five hours to take the entire test, which covers all six domains. If you do not pass, you may retake the test 45 days after your test date. If you retake the test, you must take the entire exam again.
What is a Passing Score
In order to pass, you must score a 240 on the test. This score is based on a complicated rubric, so it’s difficult to know exactly how many questions you need to answer correctly to pass. There are field questions embedded in each exam that are not counted and have no bearing on the final score. There are also different difficulty levels for each question, which gives them different point values. In general, if you get about 70% of the questions correct, you should pass.
How to Register for the TExES Mathematics 4-8 Exam
New to Teaching?
If you’re new to the field of education, welcome! You must have a bachelor’s degree in order to teach, but it can be in any major, not just education. In order to become certified to teach, you must participate in an Educator Preparation Program (EPP). The process can be somewhat confusing, so get on the phone with a program (or two or three) and ask questions.
5 Best Alternative Certification Programs in Texas
Once you have approval from a certification program, registering for the test is easy! Follow these simple steps:
- Visit the Texas Educator Certification Examination website and create a login.
- Select the “Register” link near the top of the page.
- Click on the “AAFCS, TASC, TExES” tab that’s in the middle of the page.
- Click on the dark orange “Register Now” button.
From here, you’ll be taken through a series of questions in order to clarify your testing needs. One of the pages in the series will provide a drop-down menu from which to select TExES Mathematics 4-8 (115). While you’re not able to choose your administration date and location until after you have paid for your test, you can view available seats.
Already Certified?
If you’re already a certified teacher and looking to get certified in math for grades 4-8, you will register for your test on the Texas Educator Certification Examination website. In order to create an account on this website you’ll need your TEA ID number. This information can be accessed by logging into TEAL on the TEA website.
Once you have an account, follow these quick steps:
- Select the “Register” link near the top of the page.
- Click on the “AAFCS, TASC, TExES” tab that is in the middle of the page.
- Click on the dark orange “Register Now” button.
From there, you’ll be taken through a series of questions that clarify your testing needs. One of the pages in the series will provide a drop-down menu from which to select your desired test. There will likely be many tests on that list, so be careful to choose the right one, the TExES Mathematics 4-8 (115). Note that you will not be able to choose your administration date and location until after you’ve paid for your test. You can, however, view available testing locations and dates prior to purchasing.
Once you pass the exam, you’re qualified to teach math in the state of Texas!
Yay!
TExES Mathematics 4-8 (115) Free Practice Test
You’re ready to teach math in grades 4-8 and you’ve done everything except take the certification exam. You may have even already secured a job! Let us help you ensure that you pass the exam on your first try.
The best place to start is with a practice test. Practice tests are designed to help you determine whether you can pass and what topics you should focus on as you study. I’ll tell you about the best practice tests so you can confidently walk into the test and pass!
Best Free Practice Test
240 Tutoring Practice Test for TExES Mathematics 4-8
240 Tutoring has been helping teachers pass their exams since 2011. They offer an online, completely free practice test for TExES Mathematics 4-8. Each practice test will give you a free score breakdown, so you can see exactly what you need to study.
TExES Mathematics 4-8 (115) Paid Practice Test
Best Paid Practice Test
240 Tutoring’s TExES Mathematics 4-8 Study Guide & Practice Test
240 Tutoring also offers an excellent full study guide and practice test. It covers everything you need to know, and after you take the practice test, it will specifically recommend which topics to focus on. The TExES Mathematics 4-8 study guide includes more than 250 questions, 125 pages of content, and loads of flash cards.
Best of all? The study guide comes with a money-back guarantee that you’ll pass the test. So while it’s a paid practice test, you know you’ll be getting your money’s worth.
BONUS: 240 Tutoring is a month-to-month subscription. You get the whole study guide for TExES Mathematics 4-8 for just one monthly price of $39.99.
Runner-Up for Practice Test
Mathhelp.com
Mathhelp.com features a free prep program that includes free practice tests for each topic. They’re not combined into one comprehensive test, but each topic has its own diagnostic quiz so you’ll know if you need to spend time on it.
Honorable Mention
Exam Edge
Exam Edge offers a brief practice test that’s free and lasts 15 minutes. After the test, you have the opportunity to purchase up to 20 different practice tests that can be taken timed, untimed, or with an explanation after each question.
TExES Mathematics 4-8 (115) Free Study Guide
Preparing for the TExES Mathematics 4-8 (115) is a big task, but you’ve already taken the first wise step!
In order to prepare, you must know what you need to study to guarantee that you’ll pass. You already know some of the information — maybe even a lot of the information — but there are some topics that need your attention.
We’re going to tell you about the absolute best study guides for the TExES Mathematics 4-8 .
Best Free Study Guide
240 Tutoring’s Mathematics 4-8 Ultimate Guide
240 Tutoring offers a free study guide that covers each domain on the test. Within the six domains, specific topics that are known to be on the test are highlighted. While this guide doesn’t cover everything on the test, it does hit really important concepts and can help prepare you for the test.
TExES Mathematics 4-8 (115) Paid Study Guide
Best Paid Study Guide
240 Tutoring’s TExES Mathematics 4-8 Study Guide & Practice Test
240 Tutoring also offers a great paid study guide. It covers everything you need to know, and after you take the practice test, it will specifically recommend which topics you should focus on. The TExES Mathematics 4-8 study guide includes more than 250 questions, 125 pages of content, and loads of flash cards.
Best of all? The study guide comes with a money-back guarantee that you’ll pass the test.
So while it’s 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 whole study guide for TExES Mathematics 4-8 for just one monthly price of $39.99.
Runner-Up for Study Guide
Certify Teacher
Certify Teacher has a website that includes a practice test, flashcards, and study guides for a flat rate. You must first purchase the program before you can access any of it, but they do have interactive questions and other similar features to 240 Tutoring.
Honorable Mention
Mometrix Study Guide
Mometrix offers an accurate and reliable study guide that covers each domain of the exam. The downside to this study guide is that it can only be purchased as a printed book or an ebook, so you miss out on some of the online features of other study guides.
Kayman McIver has been teaching for 13 years and loves her awkward middle school students. She has taught elementary and secondary students with a variety of abilities and is excited to help you begin a career in education!
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