Planning to teach P.E. in Texas? First you’ll have to pass the TExES Physical Education EC-12 (158) exam. But don’t stress—you’re in the right place. The following article will detail the structure of this exam and offer valuable tips and resources to help you ace it.
The TExES Physical Education EC-12 exam gauges your ability to instruct students in physical education and related activities. Since this test is a key part of your teaching journey, it’s natural to feel some anxiety – especially if, like many P.E. instructors, you’re a kinesthetic learner who doesn’t enjoy long exams. (Then again, who does enjoy them?)
However, there are ways to take charge of your testing experience. For instance, getting familiar with the exam structure can boost your confidence. A suite of effective study tools will also set you up for success on the TExES Physical Education EC-12 test.
With that in mind, let’s delve into the details of the TExES Physical Education EC-12 (158) exam and explore some strategies for preparation. Whether you’re taking the exam for the first time or gearing up for a retake, this article will empower you to tackle the TExES Physical Education EC-12 test with confidence. Let’s get to work!
Overview of the TExES Physical Education EC-12 (158) exam
Knowing what to expect can help ease your nerves on test day. Let’s take a broad look at the TExES Physical Education EC-12 (158) exam to understand what it covers.
The TExES Physical Education EC-12 (158) exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that you will have 4 hours and 45 minutes to answer. This test covers three content domains:
- Movement Skills and Knowledge
- Health-Related Physical Fitness
- The Physical Education Program
For specific details on exam topics, check out the information provided by the official TExES Physical Education EC-12 prep guide.
Familiarizing yourself with these content expectations should help you decide how to allocate study time. For instance, as you begin preparing for the TExES Physical Education exam, prioritize areas you know will be challenging.
Overall, a balanced approach to studying the three content domains listed above will set you up for success on the TExES Physical Education EC-12 (158) exam.
Time Limit
You will have 4 hours and 45 minutes to complete the TExES Physical Education EC-12 (158) exam.
Passing Score
The passing score for the TExES Physical Education EC-12 (158) exam is a 240.
Number of Questions
The TExES Physical Education EC-12 test has 100 multiple-choice questions that cover three different content domains.
Cost
The TExES Physical Education EC-12 (158) exam costs $116. Visit the TExES website for more information on payment and additional fees.
Registration Information
You can register for the TExES Physical Education exam year round. Start the registration process by creating an NES account, and then choose a convenient time, date, and exam site.
Scoring Information
Your TExES Physical Education EC-12 (158) scores will be posted to your Pearson account after 10 p.m. (CT) on the report date for your exam. This typically falls within seven days of your testing date. You will also receive your TExES scores via email if you selected this option at registration. View the score report dates on the TExES website to find out when to expect your report. (Scroll down to “Score Reporting.”)
Want to learn more about TExES Physical Education scores? Explore the details with our TExES Physical Education EC-12 (158) scoring guide!
Test Preparation Tips
Given its importance to your career, the TExES Physical Education EC-12 (158) exam may feel intimidating. However, the right strategies and mindset will give you the boost you need to succeed. Here are some preparation tips to make the most of your study time:
Take a Proactive Approach
- Get familiar with the format and content domains of the TExES Physical Education EC-12 (158) test as soon as you can. The longer you put off studying, the more anxiety you’ll feel. (Reading this article is a great start!)
- Avoid procrastination by using a calendar app to schedule study time. When you’ve made a formal appointment to study, it’s harder to skip.
- Split your study blocks among all three content domains, and consider setting a timer to stay on track. It’s important that you be ready for every topic that may appear on this exam.
Review Basic Concepts and Key Terms
- Consider easing in with the Physical Education Program content domain. This domain deals less with factual knowledge and more with issues related to pedagogy, including safety management, student support, and curriculum design.
- The physical education field is packed with scientific terms. To avoid confusion as you prepare for the TExES Physical Education EC-12 exam, ensure you’re well versed in relevant vocabulary. In addition to reviewing full terms, you might also consider memorizing a variety of root words. That way, even if you forget a specific term, knowing that cephalo- refers to the head and bronch- refers to the trachea might just save your bacon on exam day.
Study Sample Questions and Take Practice Tests
- Attempt sample questions in every content category. While you may already have a sense of your strengths and weaknesses, you should test those assumptions against exam materials.
- Take full-length practice tests on a regular basis to ensure you’re comfortable with the exam’s format and timing. If you’re unable to finish tests within 4 hours and 45 minutes, avoid attempting a drastic time cut. Try gradually accelerating your pace instead.
- Use official TExES Physical Education EC-12 exam preparation materials. Studying content that aligns with the real TExES exam will help prevent surprises on test day.
Develop Effective Study Strategies
- Whenever you miss a practice question, don’t just move on. Read the explanation behind each answer and ensure it makes sense.
- Break down your study routine into manageable chunks. It’s better to dedicate 20 minutes to studying every night than to burn out after 10 hours of nonstop prep.
- Use flashcards, charts, and diagrams to organize vocabulary and key concepts. Visualizing ideas can make them easier to remember.
- Engage in active learning by defining terms in your own words, explaining a technique to someone else, or participating in study groups. These strategies will help ensure you’re truly mastering the material, as opposed to memorizing surface details.
Important Exam Day Instructions
On the day of your TExES Physical Education EC-12 exam, read all pre-test instructions carefully. Allow ample time for travel—and verify that you’re headed to the location named in your confirmation email. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes before the time of your exam.
Check Required Items
Before leaving for the exam, double-check that you have all you need. Essential items can include:
- Valid identification: To take any TExES content exam, you’ll need to present two forms of photo ID. Both IDs must also show your signature, and neither may be expired.
- Necessary materials: The TExES website recommends bringing clothing you can layer. You should also wear soft-soled shoes to keep the testing space quiet. Read the official instructions to learn more about testing policies and what to bring to the exam site.
Understand Exam Format and Instructions
To prevent confusion on test day, familiarize yourself with the format and basic instructions of the TExES Physical Education EC-12 (158) exam well in advance. Key things to remember include:
- Time limits: Be aware of the time limit and set your pace accordingly. You will have 4 hours and 45 minutes to answer all 100 multiple-choice questions.
- Marking scheme: Make sure you know how to mark selections properly on your screen. TExES content exams take place exclusively via computer.
- Special instructions: Pay attention to any special instructions provided by the exam proctors, such as rules around breaks or how to fill out the compliance agreement you’ll sign before starting.
- Adaptive questions: The TExES Physical Education exam is adaptive, meaning that your performance on each question affects the difficulty level of the next question. Missing too many easy questions can start to limit the difficulty of your test, making it harder to gain enough points to pass. For this reason, you should take the exam seriously from beginning to end.
- Test difficulty: Don’t assume you’re doing poorly just because the test seems tough. No matter how well you’re performing, this exam will feel challenging due to its adaptive design. Keep calm and carry on!
Manage Time Effectively
Time management is crucial to finishing the TExES Physical Education EC-12 exam within 4 hours and 45 minutes. The following tips can help you manage your time effectively.
- Read and understand the instructions: Take a moment at the beginning of the test to go over all instructions thoroughly. This will help prevent errors and wasted time.
- Pace yourself: On average, you’ll have 2.85 minutes to answer each question. However, try to work faster than that whenever possible, so that you can bank time to check answers or ponder difficult questions.
- Anticipate needs: If you feel you’ll need a bathroom break during this lengthy test, be sure to budget a few extra minutes.
- Know when to move on: There is no guessing penalty on the TExES Physical Education exam, so if you’re stuck on a question, it’s in your best interest to guess.
On exam day, you can use these tips to streamline your test-taking process and maximize your chances of success. Working efficiently, staying calm, and maintaining your focus are all essential to doing well on the TExES Phys Ed (158) test.
Conclusion
The TExES Physical Education EC-12 (158) exam is essential to becoming a P.E. instructor in Texas. To pass this exam, you’ll need to demonstrate proficiency in areas such as motor skills, individual and team sports, human anatomy and physical fitness, nutrition and wellness, and student instruction and assessment.
While the length and breadth of this exam is impressive, don’t let that intimidate you. If you familiarize yourself with the exam structure, review all content areas, and follow our test prep tips, you can approach the TExES Physical Education exam with confidence, increasing your chances of success.
More TExES Physical Education EC-12 Resources
- Kick off your exam prep with a free TExES Physical Education EC-12 practice test!
- Questions about your scores? Our TExES Physical Education EC-12 (158) scoring guide is here to help.
- Looking for even more prep tools? View officially recommended books, journals, and online resources for the TExES Physical Education EC-12 (158) exam, or check out our own study guide for the TExES Physical Education EC-12 test.
