If you plan to teach lower-level science in Texas, you’ve probably heard of the TExES Science 4-8 (116) exam. As you may know, you must pass this test before you can be hired to teach science at the upper elementary or middle school level. With so much at stake for your career, it’s crucial to understand the scoring system for this exam. If you know what it takes to pass, you’ll be able to prepare more effectively.
To give you a leg up, this article will cover all you need to know about TExES Science 4-8 exam scoring.
Overview of the TExES Science 4-8 (116) Scoring Guide:
The TExES Science 4-8 (116) exam will assess your competence in the following content domains:
- Scientific Inquiry and Processes
- Physical Science
- Life Science
- Earth and Space Science
- Science Learning, Instruction and Assessment
The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of 4 hours and 45 minutes. For more details on the structure of this test, take a look at our TExES Science 4-8 (116) exam overview.
How the Exam is Scored
The TExES Science 4-8 exam is scored by taking the sum of your correct answers and converting this into a scaled score that takes test difficulty into account.
There is no penalty for incorrect answers on this exam.
Passing Score
To pass the TExES Science 4-8 (116) exam, you must receive a scaled score of at least 240.
(Yes, that’s why we’re called 240 Tutoring!)
When Will You Get Your Score Report
Your TExES Science 4-8 (116) score will be posted to your Pearson account after 10 p.m. (CT) on the report date for your exam. This should fall within seven days of your testing date. You will also receive your TExEs score via email if you selected that option at registration. View the score report dates on the TExES website to find out when to expect your scores.
Understanding Your Score Report
Your TExES Science 4-8 (116) score report will show your Total Test Performance as well as your Performance by Domain and Competency. The Total Test Performance section states whether you passed and provides your overall scaled score.
The second section shows how you performed in each content domain. If you did not pass the exam, you should find this score report helpful for future studying. By reviewing the breakdown of your performance within each content domain, you can identify areas where you need the most work.
Do be cautious, however, about putting too much weight on your competency breakdown. Each competency within a content domain accounts for a very small number of questions, making it hard to draw firm conclusions about your performance. Focus on your overall domain performance, and plan to broadly study any domain where you did not do well.
Retaking the Exam
If you don’t pass the TExES Science 4-8 exam on your first try, you are allowed up to four retakes. However, you must wait 30 days between each attempt.
Conclusion:
TExES Science 4-8 (116) exam scores play a key role in determining your eligibility to teach lower-level science in Texas. Understanding how this test is scored and what is required to pass should help you prepare more effectively, maximizing your chances of success.
If you don’t pass the TExES Science exam on your first try, remember to take advantage of the detailed performance breakdown on your score report. This is an invaluable tool for identifying knowledge domains where you need improvement.
Even if your first try was unsuccessful, you should feel confident that you can pass the TExES Science 4-8 exam. With diligent study and a clear understanding of the test, you’ll be well prepared for your next attempt.
More TExES Science 4-8 (116) Resources
