State Testing Policy

Texas Administrative Code, §230.21(e) specifies the laws for educator testing which UNT must abide by. All certification candidates need to be aware that current law limits the number of attempts that can be made for each exam. Students will have a total of five attempts (initial, and 4 retakes) on each of their required certification exams. Candidates who are unsuccessful after their fifth attempt must request additional attempts through a test-limit waiver.
Members of the military and their spouses may be eligible for certain fee waivers in regards to certification expenses. Currently, UNT has no programs that offer assistance with the expense of your exams or certification fees. It is the student's responsibility to secure funding for exams, fingerprinting, and application fees related to the certification process

UNT Testing Policy

Students are required to take their content practice exam, and any required supplemental practice exams (ESL, Bilingual, BTLPT, or Special Education EC-12), prior to their observations semester. Students should plan accordingly and familiarize themselves with the practice exam dates so that they can complete requirements in a timely fashion. Practice exams are offered four times in long semesters (Fall/Spring) and twice during summer semesters.
During a student's observations semester, they should plan to take their real content exam, and any supplemental exams required by their program (ESL, Bilingual, BTLPT, and Special Education EC-12).
During Clincial Teaching, students should make sure they have passed all required content and supplemental exams, and complete testing for the PPR EC-12 exam prior to completion of Clincial Teaching.
Students are granted test approval for their certificaiton exams upon admission to the Teacher Education program. Candidates in professional programs (Principal, Superintendent, School Counseling, School Librarian, or Educational Diagnositician) will receieve test approval after certain program requirements have been satisfied (please visit with your program advisor for more information).
Students who are unsuccessful in their testing attempts will be required to remediate based on the following:
1st Failed Attempt - Candidates will be granted approval for a second attempt and encouraged to take a practice exam.  
2nd Failed Attempt - Candidates will be required to complete either a practice exam with a score of 75 or better or six hours of self-guided study through a program such as Certify Teacher.
3rd Failed Attempt - Candidates will be required to complete additional requirements, including visiting with program faculty.
4th Failed Attempt - Candidates must receive program approval for a 5th attempt.
5th Failed Attempt - Candidates are required to file a test-limit waiver with the Texas Education Agency for approval to retest.
Candidates for teacher certification are inelgible to be certified if they have not passed all required exams. It is in the students' best interest to complete testing prior to graduation.
Students who graduate and do not pass all of their certification exams, or do not apply for certification, before exams expire will not receive automatic approval to the new exams. If you are a former student whose program or exams have expired, please read Former Students/Expired Exams for more information about the process for requesting test approval.

Study Materials

• Materials for all candidates

  TExES Preparation Manuals - Provides a breakdown of the exams, strategies for taking the exams, and sample questions with rationales. Each certification exam has it's own Preparation Manual.

  TExES Student Profile Worksheet - Designed to gather information that may help you prepare for your certification exams.

  TEKS Standards - The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills are the standards that your state certification exams are testing you over. Do you know what TEKS you will be responsible to teach or how to align them to each grade level? Being familiar with the TEKS will not only help you on your exams, but will help prepare you for your teaching career.

  240 Tutoring - Online, comprehensive study guides, flashcards, and practice exams that are guaranteed to prepare a student for their certification exams. Email coe-tao@unt.edu for an invite to the site and receive a discount of the normal price. You must use your UNT email address. Students who ask for the discount will pay a monthly subscription of $20 and will have access to every study guide offered by 240 Tutoring. The normal price is $39.99/mo. You can cancel at any time.

  Certify Teacher - Interactive practice exams, study materials, flashcards, and more. UNT Students can receive a discount on products by using their UNT email address and the promotion code UNT4728. This code is only valid for UNT students.

  Study.com — Videos, quizzes, and study guides for educator candidates in various subject areas. Email coe-tao@unt.edu for a discount code on the TEACHER’S PLAN monthly subscription price. You must use your UNT email.

  TExES PPR EC-12 (160) 5e Book+Online Test Package — Package include a diagnostic test to identify areas of need, a study book, and 3 full-length practice tests that feature timed testing conditions, automatic scoring, and detailed answer explanations.

  CrashCourse — Short YouTube videos on various subjects such as history, science, and economics. 

  Khan Academy — Free online review and study for subjects in Math, History, Grammar, Science, and more.

  PPR EC-12 Video Review — Video with 40 sample PPR EC-12 exam questions and answer rationales. Take the quiz along with the narrator, pausing after each question and answer choice is given, then resume play after you have selected your answer to hear the correct answer choice and rationale. 

  Interactive Practice Exams — Interactice exam simulation featuring sample exam questions, comprehensive, immediate feedback on your performance, and a realistic online experience similar to an actual computer-administered testing environment. $10 fee applies to all practice exams.

  T-CERT - Texas Certification Exam Review created to help TExES candidates pass their certification exams. $30 for 60 day access to all modules on the site. Current modules include: Core EC-6, Math 4-8, Math 7-12, Science 4-8, Science 7-12, Social Studies 7-12, PPR EC-12, Special Education EC-12, ESL Supplemental, and BTLPT.  

  Quizlet - Learning tools and flashcards for a variety of TExES exams. Search by your exam name and number (ex. TExES Core Subjects EC-6 291) to find various resources.

  StudyBlue - Create, share, and study flashcards for any subject. StudyBlue is the largest crowdsourced study library, with over 400 million flashcards, notes, and study guides created by other students around the world.

  XAM Online - Offers a selection of preparation books and practice questions for TExES certification exams. 

  Mometrix - Offers a selection of study guides and flash cards for TExES certification exams.

  Pass the TExES - Offers books and e-books for a wide selection of TExES certification exams.

  IRIS - Modules and topics covering information about assessment, dyslexia, reading comprehension, and more.

  The TExES Advising Office has study books available that students may check out at no charge to help them prepare for their exams. Due to limited availability, students are asked to only check materials out for 30 days at a time. Student who need the materials longer may ask for an extension if there is not a waiting list.  Please call or email to find out if your book is available.

• Core Subjects EC-6 candidates

  TExES Core Subjects EC-6 (291) Book + Online Practice Exams – Package contains study book with all five subject areas, online diagnostic test to identify areas of need, and two full-length practice exams that feature automatic timing and scoring, as well as diagnostic feedback on every question.

  240 Tutoring Subject Area Videos – Videos to help prepare for the ELAR, Math, Social Studies, and Science domains of the Core Subjects EC-6 exam.

  Texas Teacher Today: Core Subjects - Online resources, practice exams, and tutoring for the Core EC-6 exam.

  Reading 101 - Over 100 short classroom-centered videos on reading subjects to help you with the ELAR section of the EC-6 exam.

  Glossary of Reading Terms - Helpful terms for the ELAR portion of the Core EC-6 exams.

  TExES Help: Core EC-6 ELAR and Math - Online courses designed to help you pass the Core EC-6 ELAR and Math domains.

  Math Antics - Free video lessons from basic arithmetic and fractions to geometry and alegbra basics.

  Math Help - Videos and lessons on math subjects from 5th grade math to algebra 2.

  That Tutor Guy - Video library by Stanford graduate with ten years professional tutoring experience. Lessons include middle school math, pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, trig, college algebra, pre-calculus, calculus, statistics, chemistry and physics.

  Social Studies Review - Comprehensive review guide created by Dr. Dan Krutka to help students find study resources for most of the competencies in the Social Studies domain for the Core Subjects EC-6 exam.

  Core Subjects EC-6 Social Studies Review Module - PowerPoint module developed for UNT to help Core EC-6 students prepare for the Social Studies domain on the exam.

  Core Subjects EC-6 Social Studies Resources - Comprehensive list of suggested study resources for the Core EC-6 Social Studies domain.
  
  CrashCourse - Short YouTube videos on various subjects such as history, science, and economics. 

  Five Minute Science - Texas Educator Michael Hayes presents 19 5-minute mini-reviews for the EC-6 science section. He covers topics like lab safety, the scientific method, measurement in science, energy, plate tectonics, matter, reproduction, life cycles, and more.

  USGS Science Resources for Primary Grade (K-6) - Selected educational resources that may be useful to educators in primary school grade.

  Kids.gov - Resources, activities, lesson plans and more for every subject.

  STAAR Exams - Released test questions and answers from grades 3 through high school for Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies, Biology and U.S. History.

  TAKS Exams - Released test questions for ELA, Math, Social Studies, and Science.

  Khan Academy - Free online review and study for subjects in Math, History, Grammar, Science, and more.

  Civil Service Practice Questions - Practice questions over grammar, spelling, synonyms, reading comprehension, and arithmetic.

  Texas State Historical Association - Digital gateway to Texas history through a collection of resources.

• Other Than English candidates

  LOTE Spanish (613) Pedagogy Course - Designed to help you pass the pedagogy portion of the LOTE Spanish exam. Sample test questions are included to help you check your comprehension. A sample lesson plan and tips are available to show you how to write an effective lesson plan, and you even have the opportunity to upload your own lesson plan and receive feedback on how to improve your score.

  Vicente Online - Test preparation, courses, and workshops for LOTE Spanish EC-12, LOTE French EC-12, BTLPT, and ESL/Bilingual programs.

  LOTE Tutorials - Character Selector tutorial, Pearson tesing center overview, sample audio files, and more.

  LOTE Spanish Study Materials and Tips - Digital course and study materials, specifically designed for the pedagogy section of the exam.

• ESL or Bilingual Supplemental candidates

  TExES ESL Supplemental (154) Book + Online Practice – Package includes a study book that contains in-depth reviews of all the competencies tested on the TExES ESL Supplemental (154) exam, and two full-length practice tests offered online in a timed format with instant scoring, diagnostic feedback, and detailed explanations of answers.

  TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental (164) Book + Online Practice – Package includes comprehensive review of all content categories tested on the TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental exam, diagnostic test (online and in the book) that pinpoints strengths and weaknesses to help focus study, full-length practice test  (online and in the book) based on actual exam questions with answers explained in detail.

  ESL Review Module - Prepared by Region 10 and presented to attendees of UNT ESL Review sessions.

  Summary of ELPS - Introduction, District Responsibilities, and Student Expectations for English Language Proficiency Standards.

  ELPS Proficiency Level Descriptors for Instructional Planning - Summary of each proficiency level from beginning to advanced high.

  ELPS Overview and Strategies - Excellent resource for teachers working with second language learners.

  Components of Language and Reading Instruction - In-depth chapter reading on language and reading.

  Stages of Language Proficiency - Chart of the stages of language proficiency from pre-production to intermediate fluency.

  Spanish-English Cognates - Comprehensive list of Spanish-English cognates.

  ESL Printables - A website where English Language teachers exchange resources, worksheets, lesson plans, activities, etc.

  BTLPT Study Materials and Tips - A reading comprehension test, a sample lesson plan, a sample essay, and a sample response to an email for the BTLPT Spanish 190 exam, as well study suggestions and tips. 

  BTLPT Tutorials - Character Selector tutorial, Pearson tesing center overview, sample audio files, and more.

• Special Education EC-12 candidate

  TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) Book + Online Practice – Package includes comprehensive study guide and two full-length practice exams offered online in a timed format with instant scoring, diagnostic feedback, and detailed explanations of answers.

• Math 4-8 candidates

  TExES Mathematics 4-8 (115), 2nd Ed., Book + Online Practice – Package includes comprehensive review guide and two full-length practice tests (in the book and online). The online tests are offered in a timed format with automatic scoring and diagnostic feedback to help you zero in on the topics and types of questions that give you trouble now, so you can succeed on test day.

  Math 4-8 Preparation - University of Houston's TExES 4-8 Mathematics Preparation Site is a free resource that provides you with access to over 20 different online quizzes which cover a wide range of mathematical topics and concepts, based around the TExES 4-8 Mathematics Competencies. You do NOT need to be a University of Houston student to access these quizzes.

• Science 7-12 candidates

  Khan Academy - Free online review and study for subjects in Math, History, Grammar, Science, and more.

  USGS Educational Resources for Secondary Science Grades (7-12) - Selected resources that may be useful to educators in secondary school grades.

• History 7-12 candidates

  Best of History Websites - Quick, convenient, and reliable access to the best history-oriented resources online in a wide range of categories and has been designed to benefit history teachers

  Civics Practice Test - Test your knowledge of U.S. history, culture, economics and more.

  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Exam - 100 questions and answers over American Government, American History, and Civics.

  HistoryTeacher.net - Quizzes and resources for US History & Government, and global studies.

  Texas State Historical Association - Digital gateway to Texas history through a collection of resources.

• Social Studies 7-12 candidates

  TExES Social Studies 7-12 (232) Book + Online Practice – Package includes comprehensive review of all content categories tested on the TExES Social Studies 7-12 exam, online diagnostic that pinpoints strengths and weaknesses to help focus study, and two full-length practice exams that feature timed testing, automatic scoring, and topic-level feedback.

• Tutoring Resources

  When seeking tutoring services, you should have the following materials on hand so that your tutor can help you identify what it is you need to study: 1.) Preparation Manual for your exam, 2.) Practice Exam score report(s), and/or 3.) Previous score reports if you have taken the real TExES exam. Be aware that tutoring is a service that may incur personal expense. Speak to your program faculty or mentor teachers about other options that may be available to you. There may be teachers in the schools you are observing/clinical teaching in that may be willing to help tutor you.

  TExES Exam Prep - Online one-on-one tutoring services for all certification fields.

  Region 10 ESC - Offers tutoring services in Math, Science, English, and Social Studies

  Tutor Doctor - Private tutoring in subjects like Math, Science, English, and LOTE (Spanish and French).

  Texas Teachers Today - Online courses and tutoring available for Core EC-6, LOTE Spanish, BTLPT, Bilingual and ESL Supplemental, and PPR EC-12 exams.

  UNT Writing Center - Available to current students for help with structure, grammar, punctuation and more. Students who have a written component to their exams (such as ELAR 7-12, BTLPT, or LOTE exams) and struggle with writing, may wish to meet with a tutor prior to taking their TExES exam.

Study Tips and Strategies

Computer-Administer Test Overview - Tutorial that will prepare you for how the test will be administered, and how your screen may look the day of the exam.

What to Expect - Video on what to expect from checking in on test day, to completing your exam.

Preparing for the TExES Exams - A guide on how to prepare and study for the exams.

TExES Exam Question Formats - An explanation of the types of questions you can expect to see on your certification exams.

Student's Guide to Improving Study Skills - How to assess and advance your study habits.

Learning 101 - Workshops available to current UNT students on Test-taking tips and combating test anxiety offered through the UNT Learning Center.

Understanding the Land of TExES - Three-part video series that breaks down the history, language, and culture of the TExES exams so that you can better understand your exams.

Study Tips and Strategies - Tips and tricks that might give you an edge.

Learning Styles - Seven different learning styles and techniques for how to study.

Reducing Test Anxiety - We understand preparing and taking the exams can be overwhelming.  Click on this link to find some helpful information on what you can do to minimize your test anxiety.

Pearson Testing ID Requirements

Two forms of ID

• Primary ID must be government issued:
  • Valid Driver’s License
  • State Identification Card
  • Military ID card (with signature)
  • Passport 
• Secondary ID must be valid and contain:
  • Your name and a clear photograph (ex. UNT ID card) OR
  • Name and signature (ex. credit card with a signature on the back)

NAME ON BOTH MUST MATCH WHAT IS ON FILE WITH PEARSON

If your name does NOT match, do not register for your exam before you change your name with TEA.

Steps to Submit Name Change Request

1. Wait until you have your new valid ID with your legal name.
2. Submit a name change request through the Texas Education Agency.
3. Wait for confirmation that the change has been made and check your Pearson Testing Account Personal Information to ensure that the update has been made.
4. Once your name matches your ID, register for your test and schedule the exam.
5. Make sure your supplemental ID also contains your legal name.

Expired Certification Exam Information

As educational standards are updated and changed by the state of Texas, certification programs and exams must also be updated so to reflect those changes. This means that the certification exams that were previously offered at UNT may no longer be available.

Candidates who did not complete certification testing before their exams or certification program expired will need approval from program faculty to receive test permission to the new certification exams. Students must submit an ARR Appeal to request permissions to the new certification exams for the completed program.

In the Appeal, select "other" for the reason for the appeal and the reason will be "Permissions for New Certification Exams." Provide the exams and a detailed explanation for requesting test permissions. Transcripts and degree audit are required. Instead of admissions scores, provide copies of TExES exam scores. 

Candidates who wish to pursue teacher certification in an area different than the program they completed should seek certification through an Alternative Certification or Post-Baccalaureate program, as UNT cannot grant test approval for any exam that was not required by the program. A list of accredited Educator Preparation Programs can be found on the TEA website.

Be aware that testing requirements for certification include the content, pedagogy, and any supplemental — ESL, Bilingual, BTLPT, or Special Education — exams related to the program. Students must pass all required exams in order to be eligible for certification.

TExES & AAFCS Exam Registration Guide

Eligibility

Candidates seeking educator certification must have program approval to take their state certification exams. All initial certification students (undergraduate and post-baccalaureate) receive test approval upon formal admission into the Teacher Education Program, and are then eligible to begin preparing for and taking their required certification exams. All candidates should aim to take their content exam, and any supplemental exams (ESL, Bilingual, BTLPT, Special Education EC-12) prior to their Clinical Teaching semester. All undergraduate candidates should aim to take their pedagogy (PPR EC-12) exam prior to or during their Clinical Teaching semester. 

Candidates who are seeking an advanced or support services certificate, such as Educational Diagnostician, Principal as Instructional Leader, School Counselor, School Librarian, or Superintendent, must have program approval for their TExES certification exam. Please contact your program advisor to determine your eligibility status. Most candidates will be eligible for their exam within their Internship or Practicum semester.

Before You Register

All candidates must ensure they have established their TEAL Educator Account prior to registering for their TExES certification exam(s). Please see our TEAL Educator Account Setup instructions if you have not already done this.

Candidates who have legally changed their name should submit a Name Change Request to TEA before registering for their certification exam(s). Please wait for confirmation from the Texas Education Agency that your name has been updated before proceeding.

How to Register

Follow these steps to register for your TExES certification exams:

1. Create a Pearson Testing Account. In order to register for your exams, you must create an account and establish your own login information. Please use a PERMANENT email address, not your UNT email address.  You will use this login information for each TExES exam you plan to register for. 
2. Do you already have a TEA ID number? Select ‘Yes’ at this question, then click next. On the following screen, you will enter the TEA ID number issued to you by the Texas Education Agency. This number can be found by logging into your TEAL Educator Account. Please see our TEAL Educator Account Setup instructions if you have not already set up your account.
3. Verify your information. Be sure you have entered your TEA ID number, name, and date of birth accurately, then click Submit. You may wish to write down your login email address, password, and customer ID number in a secure location.
4. Exam dates and appointment availability. You can check appointment availability by clicking on Exams from the blue menu bar at the top of the screen, then selecting TExES™. Locate and select your exam (in alphabetical order), then look for the Exam Dates section. Click on ‘Check appointment availability’. A new window will open where you will selecting your exam from the list or type in the name of your exam (ex. Core Subjects EC-6) and select ‘Go’. Continue through the screens and type in a zip code you wish to test near. Select up to three locations to view their calendar, click ‘Next’. You can advance through each test center’s calendar to see exam availability.  Make sure there is a day, time, and location that will work with your schedule before you register for your exam(s). Close the appointment finder window to return to your Pearson account.
5. Register for exams. Click on Register from your Pearson login screen, or from the blue menu bar along the top of the page. Select the exam you wish to take. UNT can only grant test approval for the exams required by your program. You will be eligible to take additional certification exam after you have completed all certification requirements and TEA has officially issued your initial teaching certificate.
6. Alternative Testing Arrangements. Determine whether or not you plan to request alternative testing arrangements, and select the appropriate option. Examinees who have a documented physical, learning, or cognitive disability may be eligible for alternative testing arrangements. Please be sure to read the Alternative Testing Arrangements policy and procedures. Students should plan submit their own request form and documentation when requesting alternative arrangements. 
7. Review the period for which your registration is valid. Tests may be scheduled at any time within the 170-day period. Exams that are not scheduled during this time are not eligible for a refund. 
8. Answer the background questions.  These questions are required and only used for the purpose of evaluating exam questions.
9. Select your score reporting option. If you chose not to have your scores reported via email, you will not be notified when your scores are available and will have to log into your TEAL Educator or Pearson Testing account to view your results.
10. Submit your payment. Be aware that there is a convenience fee added into the exam price. Follow the instructions to enter your payment information. You will not be able to schedule your exam until you have submitted payment. 
11. Schedule your test appointment.  Select Schedule in your Pearson testing account and locate the exam(s) you have paid for. UNT recommends that candidates do not schedule back-to-back (consecutive) exam appointments on the same day. Click Proceed to Scheduling.
12. Locate a test center. Enter a zip code or city that is convenient for you. If you have already checked the appointment availability before registering for your exam, choose the center who had the desired appointment date and time.
13. Search available appointment dates. You can search for a specific date or opt to see the full calendar for your selected center(s).
14. Choose your location, date, and time. Select from the list of available dates and times for your desired location.
15. Finalize your selection and check out.  Once you choose your location, date, and time, you can schedule your test and proceed to check out. There is no payment required for this step.
16. Confirm your information and review testing policies. Be sure your personal information matches exactly what is on your ID. If you have a different last name on your driver’s license, do not confirm your appointment until you have submitted a name change request with TEA. Once you have confirmed and submitted your order, your exam will officially be scheduled.
17. Save your confirmation. You will receive an email confirming your appointment date, time, and test center location. You may also view this information in your Pearson testing account at any time. Admission tickets are not required at the test center; your confirmation email is for your reference.

Test Day Tips

1. Know where you’re going. Be sure you have directions to the testing center, and are familiar with where to park before the day of your exam. 
2. Arrive Early.  You should plan to arrive at the test center at least 15 minutes early to complete the check-in procedures. Identify yourself to the proctor and tell them what exam you are taking.
3. Have valid identification. You must bring two pieces of original (no photocopies) and valid identification, printed in English, with the name you registered with. If your name does not exactly match your ID, the testing center will not allow you to test, and you will not be issued a refund.  Your ID must contain your name, a recent photograph, and your signature. Your primary ID must be a valid driver’s license, state identification card, military identification card, or passport. Your supplemental ID may be any original and valid identification that has your name, photograph, and signature. Do not use your UNT ID for your identification.  
4. Leave study materials in the car. Do not take any study materials into the test center with you, they are prohibited. 
5. Personal items. All personal items, such as cell phones, electronic devices, jewelry, watches, unapproved calculators, notes, wallets, purses, bags, hats or headwear (other than those worn for religious or medical purposes), food, drink, aids (such as highlighters, rulers, etc.), and unauthorized medical devises must be stored in a locker outside of the testing room for the duration of your exam. 
6. Security screening. The proctor may ask to inspect your eyeglasses or may ask you to turn your pockets out for the purpose of security. Some centers have wands or other screening tools they may ask you to partake in for the sake of security. If you are wearing a hijab or other head covering, you may be asked to briefly remove your covering for inspection. Please contact your test center location if you have questions or concerns about their security and screening policies.
   NOTE: The security screening can be alarming and distressing if you are not prepared for it. Oftentimes it can feel like going through a security checkpoint at the airport. Please understand that you are not being singled out by the proctor, and that all persons entering the testing room must submit to the security screening. 

TEAL Educator Account Access

WHAT IS TEAL

Every student who is admitted to an Education Preparation Program must create an Educator Profile through the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) Educator Certification Online System (ECOS). TEAL is your personal gateway into TEA’s system where you will use your educator certification account to apply for teaching certificates, renew your certificates, print copies of your certificates, and view the certification exams you have taken. Whenever the Texas Education Agency needs to contact you, they will use the contact information contained in your profile, so it is important that you keep your phone number, home address, and email address current.

STEP 1 — CREATING YOUR EDUCATOR ACCOUNT

CANDIDATES ADMITTED PRIOR TO SEPT. 1, 2019

1. Log into your Eaglemail (UNT) email account on a computer (the search feature will not go far enough back from a mobile device) and type in “TEAL” into the search bar.
2. You should have an email from TEAL Support with the subject line “IMPORTANT ACCOUNT INFORMATION” that contains your username and a temporary password. **IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE EMAIL FROM TEAL, CALL US AT 940-369-8601 FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO RETREIVE YOUR USERNAME/PASSWORD. DO NOT CREATE AN ADDITIONAL ACCOUNT.**
3. Once you have your username and password, go to https://pryor.tea.state.tx.us and log in.
4. You may be asked to create a new password. Be sure to follow the guidelines for creating a password, and make sure you write your username and password down in a secure location.
5. Agree to the User Agreement and Terms (if prompted).
6. Select security questions and answers (if prompted).
7. You should now be logged into the TEAL system. Continue to Step 2.

CANDIDATES ADMITTED AFTER TO SEPT. 1, 2019

1. Go to https://pryor.tea.state.tx.us and click Request New User Account.
2. Complete the following fields: 
   • Legal first, middle, and last name. If you do not have a middle name, leave it blank.
   • An email address you regularly access (does not need to be your UNT email).
   • Date of birth (ex. 2/5/1999)
   • Under “Organization Type” select “Educator”
   • Job title is “Teacher”
   • Enter your Social Security number, then skip over TEA ID number and enter your birth year again. If you do not have a Social Security Number, please contact the TExES Advising Office and request for a P-Number to be assigned to you.
   • Phone number and address.
3. Click Submit. **IF AN ACCOUNT HAS ALREADY BEEN CREATED FOR YOU, YOU WILL SEE A MESSAGE THAT SAYS YOU WILL GET AN EMAIL WITHIN FIVE DAYS. CONTACT THE TEXES OFFICE AT 940-369-8601 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.** 
4. You should see a green message at the top of the screen that your request has been processed. **WAIT 5 SECONDS FOR THE ENTIRE PAGE TO REFRESH TO THE NEXT SCREEN**
5. You should be taken to the password creation screen. You will see your username (automatically generated by the system) displayed about the password entry fields. Make sure to write it down or remember it, as you cannot change the username in the system. 
6. Follow the guidelines for creating your own password and click Submit.
7. Agree to the User Terms.
8. Select 3 security questions and answers, then click Submit.
9. You should now be logged into the TEAL system. Continue to Step 2.

STEP 2 — ACCESSING YOUR EDUCATOR ACCOUNT

NOTE: Using the Self-Service menu on the left hand side of the White Screen, you can update your personal information (address, phone number, email) by clicking on Edit My User Information. You can also utilize the Change My Password and My Security Questions features if you need to change or update any of your login information.

Under the Access Applications tab, you should see a blue link that says View my Educator Certification Account with your TEA ID number displayed beneath it. Be sure to write your TEA ID number down so you can easily access it.

If you do not see the Educator Certification Account link or a TEA ID number, come by the TExES Advising Office in Matthews Hall, Room 119F for assistance.

STEP 3 — COMPLETING YOUR PROFILE

1. Click on the View my Educator Certification Account link above your TEA ID number to navigate into your TEAL Educator Profile.
2. You will need to fill in any field that has a RED asterisk (*) next to it. Fields that are greyed out can only be changed by a TEA administrator.
3. Make sure that the following fields has been filled in:
   • Gender
   • Phone Number
   • Ethnicity/Race (click on ‘Select/Update Ethnicity’ to choose from a list of options)
   • Driver License Number 
   • Driver License State (state that issued your license)
   • Mailing Address (leave foreign address blank if you are a US citizen)
   • Billing Address (leave foreign address blank if you are a US citizen)
4. After all fields are updated, click Continue at the bottom of the page.

STEP 4 — UNDERSTANDING YOUR EDUCATOR ACCOUNT

You will only use your Educator Profile (or “Blue Screen”) to apply for certification at the end of your program. Do not apply for certification before you meet all eligibility requirements. A list of requirements can be found at https://coe.unt.edu/educator-preparation-office/educator-certification. 

You can also view your issued certificates and see which certification exams you have taken or been approved for by navigating the menu on the left hand side of the page. You do not use your Educator Profile or TEAL Account to register for your certification exams.

To register for your certification exams, see the TExES & AAFCS Exam Registration Guide.

EC-6 Testing Plan

4-8 Testing Plan

Secondary Education Testing Plan

All-Level Education Testing Plan

PASL Candidate Registration

Eligibility

Candidates seeking Principal as Instructional Leader certification must have program approval to take the Performance Assessment for School Leaders (PASL) assessment. Please contact your advisor in Educational Leadership to determine your eligibility for the PASL. Most candidates will be eligible to register for the PASL within their Internship semester. 

Task Requirements

The PASL assessment contains three tasks requiring written commentary and submission of required documents called artifacts. A video of you facilitating a collaborative team during your internship experience is required as one of the components for Task 3. Task responses can be created throughout your clinical experience rather than at the end, allowing you to continually refine your professional practice.

You will complete tasks by entering and submitting a written response and uploading artifacts via an online submission system. Within the online system, you can:

• enter a written response to each task
• link the required documents and artifacts to the written response
• upload the required video
• upload the required permission forms
• edit, save, delete and change responses up until submission

Tasks must be submitted on or before the task submission deadline date.

For more information, please see the PASL Task Requirements and PASL Candidate and Educator Handbook.

How to Register

Follow these steps to register for the PASL assessment:

1. Create an ETS® Performance Assessment Account. In order to purchase the assessment, create an account in the online registration system and establish your own username and password. You will receive an email confirming that you have successfully created your account. This account is where you access your performance assessment, submit your tasks and view your scores. 
2. Select Your Test and Submission Window. Follow the instructions to purchase your assessment. Verify that the state you are seeking certification in appears above the list of assessments. Be sure to select the appropriate submission window that best conforms to your clinical experience schedule. See Dates and Deadlines for additional information on submission windows.
3. Identify Your Educator Preparation Program. When prompted, select your educator preparation program (EPP). Your EPP automatically receives your score for the assessment, which includes individual scores for Tasks 1, 2 and 3.
4. Select Score Recipients. Your cumulative score and highest scores for each task are automatically sent to the EPP you selected. If you are seeking certification in a state that has established a passing score with ETS, the state certification agency will automatically receive a copy of your scores. You may select up to four additional score recipients at no extra cost. You can add or modify these recipients up until 10 p.m. ET the night before the Task 3 submission deadline. If you wish your scores to be sent to a state certification department, be sure to select them as a score recipient.
5. Answer Background Information and Assessment-related Questions. You will be asked to provide demographic and other background information that may be used for research purposes. In addition, you will be asked to respond to several questions relating to your school leader internship.
6. Pay. You can pay by credit/debit card (American Express®, Discover®, JCB® Card, MasterCard® or VISA®), eCheck or through PayPal™.
7. Confirmation. You will receive an email confirming your registration.

Once you have registered, you will be able to access the assessment through your online account when the submission window opens. See Dates and Deadlines. To work on the assessment before then, see Prepare for the Assessment.