So you’re taking the TExES Science 4-8 (116) 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 Becky Hummel, and at Best in Class we are here to answer these questions and other questions you may have about the TExES Science 4-8 (116) exam!
TExES Science 4-8 Video Overviews
This video goes through a problem similar to what you might find on the TExES Science 4-8 exam and explains how you can answer it using educated guessing strategies:
Finding quality study resources can be difficult. This video from 240 Tutoring provides helpful tips on finding the best study material for you:
First Thing to Know
The TExES Science 4-8 exam is part of the TExES series of tests. TExES stands for Texas Examinations of Educator Standards. The TExES tests are designed to test beginning educators and determine whether or not they have the sufficient knowledge to teach various subjects and grade levels.
This test was created to determine whether or not the test taker has the prerequisite knowledge of science necessary to teach entry-level classes in grades 4-8.
The identification number for the TExES Science 4-8 is 116. This number is used to distinguish this content exam from other subject area tests.
TExES Science 4-8 Exam Breakdown
The TExES Science 4-8 is made up of five domains. The test includes 100 multiple-choice questions tested over a five-hour time frame.
| Domain Name | Percentage of Test |
| Scientific Inquiry and Processes | 22% |
| Physical Science | 22% |
| Life Science | 22% |
| Earth and Space Science | 22% |
| Science Learning, Instruction, and Assessment | 13% |
Each domain is broken down into individual competencies with specific knowledge and skills related to that competency.
What is a Passing Score
Once you’ve taken the test, you’ll want to know if you’ve passed. The TExES Science 4-8 (116) exam has a scaled score between 100 and 300, with a minimum passing score of 240. If you’ve scored 240 or higher, you’re ready to teach science in grades 4-8!
Note that the test may contain unscored questions that are being piloted by the testing company. These questions will not count toward your total score. However, you will not know which questions will count toward your score while you are taking the exam.
How to Register for the TExES Science 4-8 Exam
New to Teaching?
If you are new to teaching, you will need to participate in an Educator Preparation Program through the state of Texas before taking any certification tests, including the Science 4-8 exam. If you do not currently possess an education degree from an accredited university, check out this resource for alternative certification programs in Texas:
5 Best Alternative Certification Programs in Texas
Once you’re on track to obtain your teaching degree or certification, follow these steps to register for the TExES Science 4-8 (116) exam:
- If this is your first time taking a TExES exam, you must first create an account with the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
- Click “ECOS for Educators.”
- Create and complete your TEAL Educator Profile to receive a TEA ID Number. You will need this number when registering for your exams.
- Make sure to choose EDUCATOR as your organization type.
- You will need a Social Security number while creating your account. If you do not have a Social Security number, there are additional instructions available during registration to request a temporary identification number.
- Create an account with the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program here or log in if you already have an account.
- Use a permanent email address, not one associated with your college or other address that may be temporary.
- Complete your profile with your TEA ID number, name, and birth date.
- Register for your exam.
- Choose the exam title.
- Register for any testing accommodations if required.
- Answer two questions about your best and first language.
- Select how you would like to receive your exam score.
- Pay the exam fee of $116 and take your test within 170 days of registration.
- Schedule your exam. Registering for your exam only enters you into the system for testing. Once you have paid for your test you can choose a date and location of testing. Be sure to schedule within 170 days of your registration date.
- Choose which exam to schedule if you have registered for more than one.
- Find a testing location near you using the built-in search feature.
- Search for available testing dates in your chosen location.
- Finalize and confirm your selection.
- Save your confirmation email. Your confirmation is also available in your Pearson account.
Already Certified?
If you are already a certified teacher from another state or content area and would like to add Science 4-8 to your teaching repertoire, follow these steps:
- Out-of-state teachers need to be approved by the Texas Education Agency. Follow this link to review the steps necessary to have your out-of-state credentials reviewed and approved.
- Log in to your Texas Educator Certification Examination Program account. Have your TEA ID number handy.
- Register for the TExES Science 4-8 (116) exam and pay the exam fee.
- Find a testing location, date, and schedule your test.
Once you pass the TExES Science 4-8 and any other required exams, you are qualified to teach science in grades 4-8 in the state of Texas!
Yay!
TExES Science 4-8 (116) Free Practice Test
Now that you’ve registered for the TExES Science 4-8 (116) exam, you’re probably wondering what you need to study to be sure to pass. No one wants to retake a teaching exam if they can avoid it. One of the best ways to start studying is by taking a practice test, which is why we’ve collected some of the best free and paid practice tests available for you to try!
Best Free Practice Test
240 Tutoring’s TExES Science 4-8 Practice Test
240 Tutoring has been helping teachers pass their exams since 2011. They offer an online, completely free practice test for TExES Science 4-8 (116). This practice test will give you a free score breakdown, so you can see exactly what you need to study.
TExES Science 4-8 (116) Paid Practice Test
Best Paid Practice Test
240 Tutoring’s TExES Science 4-8 Study Guide
Besides the free practice test, 240 Tutoring also offers a full study guide with additional practice questions. Their TExES Science 4-8 Study Guide includes more than 290 questions and 72 pages of content reviewing both science and pedagogical terms. The content is broken down into succinct, specific, and focused review material and sample questions. Every sample question comes with a written explanation of correct and incorrect answers, and they are designed to mirror the content of the actual exam. The 240 Tutoring guide won’t just test your factual knowledge recall either; questions are written so that you can practice applying your knowledge to the classroom.
Best of all? The study guide comes with a money-back guarantee that you will pass the test!
240 Tutoring is set up as a month-to-month subscription with access to all available TExES study guides for just $39.99.
Runner-Up for Practice Test
TEA TExES Science 4-8 Manual
The Texas Education Agency has compiled a preparation manual for educators looking to take the TExES Science 4-8 exam. Within this manual are 40 sample questions along with answer explanations. Because this manual is put together by the Texas Education Agency, the sample questions should provide an accurate representation of how real test questions will look and sound. This manual also links the questions to the individual competencies tested, which can help guide you while you review and study. The downside to this practice test that it does not come with any supplementary material or guidance for users after they have taken the test.
TExEs Science 4-8 Preparation Manual
Honorable Mention
ExamEdge Practice Test
This is a short, 10-question practice test containing only simple questions that test your recall knowledge. While factual recall is important for passing the test, many of the real exam questions will require you to go beyond basic memorization of facts.
TExES Science 4-8 (116) Practice Tests & Test Prep by Exam Edge
TExES Science 4-8 (116) Free Study Guide
Signing up to take a new certification exam like the TExES Science 4-8 (116) can be nerve-wracking. With so much content to know and tricky test questions to navigate, you may want a little extra guidance before braving the exam.
You’re in the right place! We’ve done the research and found the best study guides to use for the TExES Science 4-8.
Best Free Study Guide
240 Tutoring’s TExES Science 4-8 (116) Ultimate Guide
Looking for a quick review of the content you can expect on the TExES Science 4-8 exam? The 240 Tutoring Ultimate Guide is just that. The Ultimate Guide breaks down the test into its domains and competencies and provides a short review of several concepts that are likely to appear on the exam.
TExES Science 4-8 (116) Paid Study Guide
Best Paid Study Guide
240 Tutoring’s TExES Science 4-8 Study Guide
Besides the free Ultimate Guide, 240 Tutoring also offers a full study guide. Their TExES Science 4-8 Study Guide includes more than 290 questions and 72 pages of content reviewing both science and pedagogical terms. The content is broken down into succinct, specific, and focused review material and sample questions. Every sample question comes with a written explanation of correct and incorrect answers, and they are designed to mirror the content of the actual exam.
Best of all? The study guide comes with a money-back guarantee that you will pass the test!
240 Tutoring is set up as a month-to-month subscription with access to all available TExES study guides for just $39.99.
Runner-Up for Study Guide
Study.com
If you are a visual learner, Study.com may be right for you. This program breaks the content down into 241 video lessons and 38 chapters of study. This study guide costs $59.99 a month, making it pricier than some of the other paid study guides that exist.
Study.com TExEs Science 4-8 (116) Study Guide
Honorable Mention
Mometrix TExES Science 4-8 Study Guide
Mometrix provides a print or PDF version of their TExES Secrets test prep. This content provides a review of the material, but focuses on how to “beat the test” by applying test-taking strategies to answering the questions. While using and applying test-taking strategies can be a useful tactic for passing an exam, educators need to know the material, not just how to pass the certification test. The written manual comes with one practice test in addition to the study guide content.
Mometrix TExES Secrets Study Guide
Becky Hummel
Becky taught for six years as a Reading/Language Arts teacher in middle and high school. She currently spends her time chasing after two sweet girls and catching up on current teaching research.
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