TExES EC-6 (391) Core Subjects: Ultimate Exam Overview

TExES EC-6 (391) Exam Overview

When you book your TExES EC-6 (391), the testing center blocks off an appointment of approximately 5 hours to allow for check-in and administrative procedures. However, your actual scored testing time is 4 hours and 45 minutes.

Testing Time Breakdown

• ELAR (901): 70 Minutes | 45 Questions
• Math (902): 70 Minutes | 40 Questions
• Social Studies (903): 50 Minutes | 40 Questions
• Science (904): 55 Minutes | 45 Questions
• Fine Arts, Health, & PE (905): 35 Minutes | 40 Questions

Note: Subject timers are independent; time does not roll over.

The Passing Score Guide

Passing the TExES EC-6 (391) requires a scaled score of 240 or higher on each of the five subtests. There is no overall average—every subtest must be passed individually.

• Scores range from 100 to 300.
• Retake Rules: For retakes, you can register for the overall Core Subjects EC‑6 (391) exam or for individual subject exams. You only need to pass the subject exams you have not yet passed and do not have to re‑earn credit for subject exams you have already passed; always confirm the current retake and registration rules on the official Texas Educator Certification Testing site.
• Waiting Period: A waiting period (commonly at least 30 days) is required between attempts; always confirm the current retake and attempt-limit policies on the official Texas Educator Certification Testing site.

The Texas Teacher Salary Guide

Teacher pay in Texas is determined by individual school districts' board-approved compensation plans, not by a single statewide salary. Most districts, especially in urban areas, offer compensation significantly above the state minimum.

• Pay is commonly influenced by district location, size, and years of experience.
• High-need certifications like Bilingual or Special Education often receive annual stipends as determined by the district's current pay scale.

The Texas Alternative Certification Roadmap

If you hold a bachelor's degree, you can become certified through an Educator Preparation Program (EPP):

• 1. Apply to an EPP: Generally requires a completed degree and a 2.5–2.75 GPA, depending on the program.
• 2. Pass Content Exam: Pass the TExES EC-6 (391) and meet your EPP’s requirements to receive a Statement of Eligibility (SOE) for a teaching internship.
• 3. Observation: Complete required field-based observation hours (typically 30 hours).
• 4. Internship: Complete a full-year Paid Teaching Internship as a Teacher of Record or a Clinical Teaching assignment.
• 5. Final Exams: Pass the PPR and, for the EC-6 certificate, the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam to earn your Standard Certificate.

Mastering the ELPS for TExES EC-6 (391)

Texas uses the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) to classify learners into four proficiency stages. Below are simplified summaries of these stages:

• Beginning: Little or no ability to understand or use English in academic settings; relies on gestures and visuals.
• Intermediate: Can understand and use simple, high-frequency English; struggles with abstract academic language.
• Advanced: Can engage in grade-level academic instruction with second-language acquisition support.
• Advanced High: Nearly comparable to native speakers; requires minimal linguistic support to engage in grade-level work.

Strategies for Success

The TExES EC-6 (391) tests your ability to choose responses that align with TEKS-aligned, student-centered instruction.

• Test-World Thinking: Favor student-centered, active learning over passive teacher-led lectures.
• Elimination Method: Identify the specific TEA competency being tested to remove distractors.
• No Penalty for Guessing: Your score is based only on correct answers. Never leave a question blank before the timer expires.