Education

Difference Between PACT and TExES

In the field of teacher certification in Texas, two terms frequently arise PACT and TExES. Understanding the difference between PACT and TExES is essential for anyone planning to enter the teaching profession in Texas. Although both are exams administered under the guidance of the Texas Education Agency (TEA), they serve distinct purposes in a teacher’s journey. The confusion often arises due to their similarities in content and structure, but knowing how each functions and when each is required can help streamline the certification process and save valuable time for aspiring educators.

What Is PACT?

Pre-Admission Content Test Explained

PACT stands for Pre-Admission Content Test. This test is designed for individuals who have not yet been admitted to an Educator Preparation Program (EPP). If someone wants to demonstrate content knowledge before entering a program, especially if they don’t hold a degree in the subject they wish to teach, the PACT provides a way to prove readiness.

Taking the PACT is often a requirement for those entering alternative certification programs or post-baccalaureate programs. It helps EPPs evaluate whether a candidate possesses adequate subject knowledge for admission into a teaching track. Importantly, the PACT is not a standalone certification exam; instead, it acts as a gatekeeper to determine eligibility for professional preparation.

Who Takes the PACT?

  • Candidates without a degree in the subject they want to teach
  • Career changers entering teaching through alternative certification
  • Applicants to post-baccalaureate or non-traditional educator programs

The PACT is typically taken before the candidate enters any formal training or coursework in pedagogy, and it covers only subject-specific content knowledge.

What Is TExES?

Texas Examinations of Educator Standards

TExES stands for Texas Examinations of Educator Standards. These exams are required to obtain teacher certification in Texas. Unlike the PACT, which assesses subject knowledge prior to program admission, the TExES exams are designed to confirm a candidate’s readiness for the classroom. These tests are often taken after or during participation in an approved EPP.

The TExES includes both content area exams and Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) exams. The content exams ensure the candidate understands the academic subject they will teach, while the PPR exam evaluates their understanding of teaching methods, classroom management, and student development.

Who Takes the TExES?

  • Teacher candidates enrolled in an EPP
  • Educators seeking standard certification in Texas
  • Out-of-state teachers meeting Texas licensure requirements

TExES is a broader and more comprehensive requirement than the PACT, covering both content and pedagogy.

Key Differences Between PACT and TExES

Purpose and Timing

  • PACT: Taken before entering an educator preparation program. Its purpose is to prove content knowledge for program admission.
  • TExES: Taken after or during participation in an EPP. Its purpose is to certify a candidate’s readiness to become a licensed teacher in Texas.

Content Coverage

  • PACT: Focuses only on subject matter knowledge, without evaluating teaching methods or pedagogy.
  • TExES: Includes both subject matter and Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) exams.

Eligibility Requirements

  • PACT: Open to individuals not yet enrolled in an EPP or those without a degree in the subject they wish to teach.
  • TExES: Requires enrollment in or completion of an approved EPP, or eligibility through an alternative pathway.

Recognition and Certification

  • PACT: Not used to certify teachers. It is only a preliminary requirement to enter training programs.
  • TExES: Officially used for state certification. Passing the TExES is a step toward becoming a certified teacher in Texas.

Similarities Between PACT and TExES

Testing Structure

Both PACT and TExES exams are administered by Pearson and follow similar structures. They use multiple-choice questions and, in some cases, constructed response items. The exams are computer-based and require a scheduled appointment at an approved testing center or online proctoring service.

Subject Areas Offered

Both exams cover a wide variety of subject areas, such as:

  • Math
  • Science
  • English Language Arts
  • History
  • Special Education
  • Early Childhood

The exams may look almost identical in content, especially for subject-specific areas, which adds to the common confusion between the two.

Why the Confusion Between PACT and TExES?

Since both assessments often involve similar content areas and are administered by the same testing company, many candidates mistakenly believe they are the same. However, their roles in the teacher certification journey are distinct. Understanding the timeline of when each test is needed helps clarify their differences. If someone is just starting their teaching journey, the PACT may be the first hurdle. But for those completing their preparation and ready to enter the profession, TExES is the critical final exam.

How to Decide Which One to Take

Start with Your Current Situation

  • If you arenot enrolledin a preparation program and are applying to one, you’ll likely need to take the PACT.
  • If you are already in an EPP or completing certification, the TExES exams will be your next step.

In some cases, an individual may take both tests at different points in their journey. For instance, a candidate might take a PACT exam to gain admission into an alternative certification program and later take the TExES content and PPR exams to become fully certified.

The difference between PACT and TExES lies mainly in their purpose and timing within the certification process. The PACT acts as an entry requirement to educator preparation programs, validating your content knowledge before formal training begins. In contrast, the TExES exams are certification assessments that measure whether you’re ready to lead a classroom as a fully qualified teacher in Texas. Understanding these distinctions is essential for staying on track in your teaching career and ensuring you take the right exams at the right time. Both are important steps in your journey, but they serve different roles in helping you achieve your goal of becoming a professional educator.