Aug 5 / DR. JASON AMPEL

TExES Special Education EC-12 Exam Overview 2024

Before teachers are licensed to teach all across the USA, they take state-specific tests to assess their expertise in their subject area as well as their instructional skills. These tests are designed to ensure that states maintain high-quality education by only licensing qualified teachers.

In Texas, these exams are known as the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES). A prospective educator in the state must pass these tests to receive a Texas educator certificate.

The TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) exam is an assessment specifically designed for educators who wish to teach special education from early childhood through grade 12. This exam evaluates a candidate's skills to effectively teach students with special needs and ensure their academic success. 

In this guide, we’ll discuss the TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) exam, the question types to expect, study strategies, and tips on how to pass the exam.

Let’s dive in.

TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) eXAM Structure and Format

The TExES (Texas Examinations of Educator Standards) Special Education EC-12 (161) exam evaluates the preparedness of entry-level educators in special education. 

This exam is mandatory for those seeking certification to teach special education from early childhood through 12th grade in Texas. 

The Special Education EC-12 exam is computer-based and administered at designated testing centers. It consists of 150 selected response questions.

The exam includes two types of selected-response questions that assess candidates’ understanding of the domains and competencies. These include:

  •    Single-answer questions: Where candidates select one correct answer from four options.
  •    Clustered questions: Based on scenarios or case studies, candidates are required to answer multiple questions related to the given information.


Candidates are allocated a time duration of 5 hours to finish the exam.

Content Areas Breakdown

The TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) exam covers 12 content areas (competencies)  organized into four domains. Each domain covers a particular percentage of the entire exam and is designed to assess specific competencies necessary for special education teachers. 

The table below shows how the four domains and competencies are covered in the exam.

Domain  Title Percentage of the Exam Competencies assessed
I Understanding Individuals With Disabilities and Evaluating Their Needs 13% 1&2
II Promoting Student Learning and Development 33% 3 through 7
III Promoting Student Achievement in English Language Arts and Reading and in Mathematics 33% 8&9
IV Foundations and Professional Roles and Responsibilities 20% 10 through 12

Let’s look at the four domains and the competencies they encompass.

Domain I: Understanding Individuals with Disabilities and Evaluating Their Needs

Domain I covers two standards or competencies:

  •    Competency 001: The prospective teacher is assessed on their understanding of the characteristics and needs of individuals with disabilities, including developmental characteristics, influences of cultural and linguistic diversity, and the impact of disabilities on learning and development.
  •    Competency 002: The teacher has the knowledge to apply various assessment and evaluation procedures to identify students with disabilities and make educational decisions.

Domain II: Promoting Student Learning and Development

Domain II covers five competencies including:

  •    Competency 003: The teacher is assessed on their knowledge of designing and implementing effective, individualized instruction that promotes student learning and development. This includes adapting curriculum, instructional materials, and strategies to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
  •    Competency 004: The skills to create and maintain effective learning environments for students with disabilities, including strategies for classroom management, promoting positive behavior, and a supportive classroom atmosphere.
  •    Competency 005: Understands and has the skill in assistive technology and its application as defined by state and federal regulations.
  •    Competency 006: The educator is assessed on their knowledge of student development and transition issues and procedures in the life span of people with disabilities.
  •    Competency 007: The educator is assessed on their ability to support students and facilitate high academic achievement in all content areas.

Domain III: Promoting Student Achievement in English Language Arts and Reading and in Mathematics

In Domain III, teachers are evaluated in the following ways:

  •    Competency 008: Proficiency in instructional strategies and pedagogy specific to English Language Arts and Reading for students with disabilities. They include understanding literacy development, reading comprehension, writing processes, and adapting ELA instruction to meet unique student needs.
  •    Competency 009: Educators must demonstrate their knowledge of instructional strategies and pedagogy specific to mathematics for students with disabilities. These include understanding mathematical concepts, processes, and skills and adapting math instruction to meet learners at their level of understanding.

Domain IV: Foundations and Professional Roles and Responsibilities

Domain IV evaluates special education teachers in three competencies as follows:

  •    Competency 010: Teachers are assessed on their understanding of the historical, philosophical, and legal foundations of special education. They must demonstrate their knowledge of major legislation and court decisions related to special education.
  •    Competency 011: Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of special education teachers and adherence to the legal and ethical requirements of the career.
  •    Competency 012: Effective communication skills and collaboration with families, other educators, and related service providers to support students with disabilities.

Scoring Criteria and Results

As you prepare to take your TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) exam, it’s important that you understand the scoring criteria and what to expect on your score report.

The TExES Special Education (161) exam is graded on a score of 100 to 300, with 100 being 0 and 300 being a perfect score. You must attain a score of 240 to pass the exam.

Your score report will have three sections, including:

  •    Total Test Performance
  •    Performance by Domain
  •    Performance by Competency


You may see a Holistic Score section, but the holistic score section will be blank since this test does not have constructed-response questions.

The TExES ec-12 (161) exam scores are usually released 7 to 10 business days after the testing date. If you selected your preferred date during the registration process, you'll get yours on that date.

You can access your results online on your Pearson account at 10:00 pm Central on the release date. An email notification is usually sent when scores are available.

Retake: If you don't pass the exam, you are allowed a total of five retakes after a 30-day waiting period between attempts. 

How to Pass the TExES Special Education EC-12 Exam

As we’ve established, the TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) exam covers several competencies in which aspiring special education teachers must demonstrate proficiency. Therefore, passing the exam requires a strategic approach during the preparation period. 

Here are preparation tips to  help you prepare effectively:

  •    Understand the exam structure and content: Familiarize yourself with the exam’s framework provided by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Understand the domains and competencies covered in the exam.
  •    Use official study materials: Utilize official study guides and preparation manuals available on the TEA and TExES websites.
  •    Develop a study plan: Create a study schedule that covers all domains and competencies. Allocate extra time to focus on areas where you feel less confident and set aside a specific amount of time each day for studying. Consistency is key to retaining information.
  •    Take practice tests: Take full-length practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions. This will also help you pinpoint areas that require additional study.
  •    Utilize online resources:  Enroll in online courses focused on TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) exam preparation. The Learning Liaisons provides practice tests, study guides, video resources, and one-on-one tutoring for all TExES exams.
  •    Join study groups: Join or form study groups with peers to discuss concepts and share study materials. For instance, if you enroll in The Learning Liaisons test prep, you’ll be added to an exclusive Facebook group where you’ll find peers preparing for the TExES Special Education EC-12 exam.
  •    Practice test-taking strategies: Using practice tests, you can practice best test-taking strategies and managing your time during the test to ensure you can complete all questions within the allotted time.

Test Day Instructions

On the day of the exam, you need to be relaxed and have a positive mindset to help you sail through the day. Here are some tips to implement on test day: 

  •    Do a final review of key concepts and notes, but avoid cramming. Focus on reinforcing what you already know.
  •    Get a good night's sleep on the eve of test day. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep to ensure you are well-rested and mentally sharp on test day.
  •    Eat a nutritious breakfast that includes protein and complex carbohydrates. Steer clear of any foods that might cause bloating and discomfort.
  •    Arrive at least 30 minutes early to account for any unexpected delays and have time for check-in procedures without feeling rushed.
  •    Bring required documents like an ID and as per the testing center's instructions.
  •    Wear comfortable clothing to help you stay focused during the exam.
  •    Take deep breaths and stay positive. Reassure yourself that you have prepared thoroughly and are ready for the exam.
  •    Read all exam directions carefully before starting.
  •    Manage your time throughout the exam to ensure you have enough time to answer all questions. Avoid spending too much time on a single question.
  •    Answer the easier questions first and mark those you are unsure about to revisit later. Rule out obviously incorrect options to narrow down your choices.
  •    If permitted, utilize break times effectively. Stretch, hydrate, and briefly clear your mind before returning to the exam.
  •    Bring water to stay hydrated and maintain energy levels during breaks.
  •    Maintain a positive attitude even if you encounter challenging questions. Focus on doing your best on each question.
  •    If time allows, review your answers at the end of the exam and make any necessary changes.
  •    Remain in your seat until the exam period concludes. Use any remaining time to review marked questions or check your work.

    Remember:     This is a selected response exam. Therefore, do not leave any questions unanswered because there is no penalty for guessing.

Additional Resources

The following additional resources will help you prepare and connect with aspiring educators in Texas:

  •    Reddit: This is a subreddit dedicated to Texas educators. You can ask questions about the Texas Special Education EC-12  or other TExES exams from experienced educators.
  •    YouTube: This is The Learning Liaisons YouTube channel that provides information on professional exam preparation and guidelines for TExES exams.
  •    Official study guides: These are study resources provided by the Texas Education Agency.

Prepare to Succeed

Passing the TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) exam requires dedication, strategic preparation, and a clear understanding of the exam's structure and content. 

When you master the domains and competencies we’ve discussed in this guide, you will confidently demonstrate your knowledge and skills in supporting students with disabilities.

Proper exam preparation is essential to increase your chances of success and reduce anxiety as the exam approaches. At The Learning Liaisons, we can help you prepare adequately and face your exams with confidence.

We provide video tutorials, study guides, practice tests, access to study groups, and one-on-one coaching for the TExES Special Education (161) exam. Enroll today and be guaranteed to succeed in becoming a certified special education educator.