So you’re taking the TExES Social Studies 4–8 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 help you get familiar with everything you need to know about the TExES Social Studies 4-8 (118) exam!

TExES Social Studies 4-8 Video Overviews

This video from Mometrix provides a lecture-style review of important concepts that might appear on the TExES Social Studies 4-8 exam:

Finding the best study guide for your needs can be overwhelming. 240 Tutoring provides a brief guide on the types of resources available to choose from when studying for your exams:

First Thing to Know

The TExES Social Studies 4-8 (118) is part of the TExES series of tests. TExES stands for Texas Examinations of Educator Standards. The TExES exams are designed to test beginning educators and determine whether or not they have the sufficient knowledge to teach entry-level courses in specific content areas and grade levels. TExES exams mirror the content for grade levels identified by the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

The TExES Social Studies 4-8 will determine whether or not a teaching candidate has the knowledge to teach social studies courses in grades 4-8. Passing this exam certifies you to teach upper elementary and middle level social studies.

The identification number for the TExES Social Studies 4-8 is 118. Each test has its own identification number that’s used to differentiate it from other TExES exams (the Social Studies 7-12 exam, for example, is test code 232).

TExES Social Studies 4-8 Exam Breakdown

The TExES Social Studies 4-8 is made up of 100 questions covering two domains. This means you must pass the entire TExES Social Studies 4-8 (118) exam to become certified in this content area. Each domain is divided into competencies that break down the content more specifically. You can review those domains and competencies here.

Domain Name Percentage of Test Questions
Social Studies Content 71%
Social Studies Foundations, Skills and Instruction 29%

Because this is a single 100-question test that’s not broken down into individual sections, you must pass the entire exam in one try. If you do not receive a passing score and want to retake it, you will have to take the whole test again.

What is a Passing Score

TExES exams use a scaled score between 100 and 300. Scaled scores allow the testing company to make adjustments for questions that may still be in development or that are not included in the score for other reasons. In order to pass the TExES Social Studies 4-8, you need to score a 240 or higher.

How to Register for the TExES Social Studies 4-8 Exam

New to Teaching?

Before you sign up for the exam, you will need to participate in an educator preparation program through the state of Texas. 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 complete your teaching degree or certification, follow these steps to register for the TExES Social Studies 4-8 (118) exam:

  1. If this is your first time taking a TExES exam, you must first create an account with the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
    1. Click “ECOS for Educators.”
    2. Create and complete your TEAL Educator Profile to receive a TEA ID Number. You will need this number when registering for your exams.
      1. Make sure to choose EDUCATOR as your organization type.
      2. 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.
  2. Create an account with the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program here or log in if you already have an account.
    1. Use a permanent email address, not one associated with your college or other address that may be temporary.
    2. Complete your profile with your TEA ID number, name, and birth date.
  3. Register for your exam.
    1. Choose the exam title [Social Studies 4-8 (118)]
    2. Register for any testing accommodations, if needed.
    3. Answer two questions about your best and first language.
    4. Select how you would like to receive your exam score.
    5. Pay the exam fee of $116.
  4. 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 a date within 170 days of your registration date.
    1. Choose which exam to schedule if you have registered for more than one.
    2. Find a testing location near you using the built-in search feature.
    3. Search for available testing dates in your chosen location.
    4. Finalize and confirm your selection.
    5. 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 Social Studies 4-8 (118) to your certified content areas, follow these steps:

  1. 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.
  2. Once you have been approved, or if you are already a teacher in the state of Texas, log in to your Texas Educator Certification Examination Program account. Have your TEA ID number handy.
  3. Register for the TExES Social Studies 4-8 (118) exam and pay the exam fee of $116.
  4. Find a testing location and date, then schedule your test.

Once you pass the exam, you are qualified to teach Social Studies 4-8 in the state of Texas!

Yay!

TExES Social Studies 4-8 (118) Free Practice Test

So you’re taking the TExES Social Studies 4-8 (118). Now you want to know that you’ll pass. The best way to prepare for the exam is to take a practice test and see where you have any knowledge gaps.

There are many practice tests available, but how do you know that you’ve found a reliable one? Which are the most thorough and detailed available?

Well, you’re at the right place. Here are some of the best TExES Social Studies 4-8 practice tests around.

Best Free Practice Test

240 Tutoring’s TExES Social Studies 4-8 Free Practice Test

240 Tutoring has been helping teachers pass their exams since 2011. They offer an online, completely free practice test for TExES Social Studies 4-8. This 50-question practice test will give you a free score breakdown, so you can see exactly what you need to study.

TExES Social Studies 4-8 (118) Paid Practice Test

Best Paid Practice Test

240 Tutoring’s TExES Social Studies 4-8 Complete Study Guide

If the free practice test isn’t enough, 240 Tutoring also offers a full study guide with additional practice questions! Their Social Studies 4-8 (118) study guide includes more than 230 questions, 121 pages of content, and hundreds of flash cards. It offers a lot of extra benefits in addition to the practice test.

The study guide also comes with a money-back guarantee that you will pass the test! No need to fear that your studying will come to naught.

240 Tutoring is a month-to-month subscription that gives you access to all of their TExES study guides — including the Social Studies 4-8 — for just one monthly price of $39.99. This is a great deal if you have multiple TExES exams in your future!

Runner-Up for Practice Test

TEA TExES Social Studies 4-8 Sample Questions

The Texas Education Agency supplies a 40-question practice test for educators. Since this test is provided by the TEA, it will give users a good idea of how questions on the actual test are formatted. Questions come with an answer explanation but no additional study material or guidance.

TEA Preparation Manual

Honorable Mention

Study.com Practice Test

This short, 15-question practice test breaks covers a wide variety of content, gives correct answers, and breaks down your strengths and weaknesses at the end. The test doesn’t give question rationales for questions.

Study.com Practice Test

TExES Social Studies 4-8 (118) Free Study Guide

So you’ve taken a practice test or two and now you’d like to find a study guide. Where do you start? With such an important test on the line, it’s imperative that a study guide be complete, well written, accurate, and cost-effective.

Well, you’re in the right place. We’ve done the research and found the absolute best free and paid study guides for the TExES Social Studies 4-8.

Best Free Study Guide

240 Tutoring’s TExES Social Studies 4-8 Ultimate Guide

The 240 Ultimate guide is a great place to start to review key concepts for free! This guide summarizes all the domains covered on the exam and provides terms, definitions, and images you might encounter on the exam. This is an excellent place to start if you don’t want to pay for a program or you need a quick, thorough review before your exam.

TExES Social Studies 4-8 (118) Paid Study Guide

Best Paid Study Guide

240 Tutoring’s TExES Social Studies 4-8 Complete Study Guide

240 Tutoring also offers a full study guide! Their Social Studies 4-8 (118) study guide includes more than 230 questions, 121 pages of content, and hundreds of flash cards. It offers a lot of extra benefits in addition to the practice test.

The study guide also comes with a money-back guarantee that you will pass the test! No need to fear that your studying will come to naught.

240 Tutoring is a month-to-month subscription that gives you access to all of their TExES study guides — including the Social Studies 4-8 — for just one monthly price of $39.99. This is a great deal if you have multiple TExES exams in your future!

 

Runner-Up for Study Guide

Study.com Texas Social Studies 4-8 Online Course

If you prefer a visual study guide, Study.com provides video lessons and practice questions to cover the content. Study.com plans start out at $59.99 a month and come with the guarantee of a higher score but not a passing score.

Study.com TExES Online Study Guide

Honorable Mention

Pass the TExES Study Guide

If you’re looking for a printed study guide, you can order a digital download or hard-copy book from Ed Publishing and Consulting. The book comes with a variety of study material and practice questions, but as with any printed material, once you’ve used the content, it won’t generate new questions to study with.

Social Studies 4-8, 6TH ED For #118

About the Author

Becky Hummel

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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