ExCET - Examination for the Certification of Educators in Texas

Important Updates

Pre-Admission Content Tests (PACT)
Significant changes to Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §227.10 (a)(3)(C) were approved by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) on October 10, 2008. The new rule, which went into effect on December 14, 2008, allows degreed individuals who have not been enrolled in an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) to take Pre-Admission Content Tests (PACT) to demonstrate content proficiency for possible admission into an EPP. Taking PACT does not ensure admittance into a program. EPPs may have additional admission requirements.

The following options will be available for individuals wishing to enter EPPs:

• a minimum of 12 semester credit hours in the subject-specific content area for the certification sought (no test required)
• a passing score on a content certification examination offered by ETS
• a passing score on a content examination administered by a vendor on the Texas Education Agency (TEA)-approved vendor list (see the TEA website for more information on this option - available mid-February 2009)

IMPORTANT NOTE: Beginning January 5, 2009, if you hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and are not yet enrolled in an EPP, you are allowed to register to take a content test for purposes of admission into the following types of EPPs: alternative certification programs, university alternative certification programs, or university post baccalaureate programs (without content courses). To register for a content certification test for the purpose of entering an EPP, go to the ETS TExES online registration system. Prior to test day, be sure to familiarize yourself with test day procedures including test center ID requirements and test center procedures and policies.

Registration Now Open for Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test (BTLPT)
The first testing window for BTLPT-Spanish is March 28, March 30-April 2, 2009. Registration for this first testing window is now open and will remain open until February 28, 2009. Registration for BTLPT is different from registration for other CAT tests where test takers can register up to four days before the administration date. The test will be offered only at designated test centers with an STN prefix. Test centers offering BTLPT will not necessarily test on all days during the testing window. Educators who will be taking the BTLPT are encouraged to practice using the Alternate Character Toolbar by accessing the tutorial. The next testing window for BTLPT-Spanish is scheduled for June 6, June 8-June 11 and June 13. Test centers for this second administration will be added closer to the testing window dates.

Administration Windows for the Master Technology Teacher (MTT) Test
The MTT test is offered at specially equipped computer-administered test (CAT) centers during two-week administration windows at various times throughout the year. To secure registrations for their preferred test dates and test centers, candidates wishing to take the MTT test are encouraged to register well in advance. The next MTT administration window is: Monday, January 26 through Saturday, February 7

Dates for the upcoming administration window in April 2009 will be announced at a later time.

2008-09 Computer-Administered Testing (CAT) System Maintenance
System maintenance is being performed on the ETS Computer-Administered Testing (CAT) System on the following dates:

12/29/08 - 1/6/09
4/26/09 - 4/30/09

During this time, CAT exams will not be delivered. However, this will NOT affect your ability to register for paper-based and CAT exams.

Retaking a CAT Test
Test takers who want to retake a CAT test must wait 60 days before they can retake the same test via computer. If they reregister before 60 days, the registration system will only display test dates 60 days or more after the previous CAT test date.

ETS Computer-Administered Testing (CAT) System Maintenance
System maintenance is performed on the ETS Computer-Administered Testing (CAT) System each Sunday from approximately 10:00 a.m. until approximately 2:00 p.m. (Central time). During this time, you will NOT be able to register, reschedule or cancel any CAT exams. If you encounter any problems, please try again later.

SBEC/TEA Online Maintenance
System maintenance is performed on the SBEC/TEA online system each Sunday from 8:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m. central time. The SBEC/TEA system may be temporarily unavailable during this time. This may affect your ability to register for a test and/or view your profile. If you encounter any problems, please try again later.

Important Message About Creating Your ETS Testing Account
The information you provide when creating your ETS testing account MUST match the information in your SBEC Educator Profile. Your TEA ID number (or Testing ID number), first name, last name, and date of birth must match what is in your SBEC Educator Profile. If it does not, you will receive an error message. If you receive an error message when you create your ETS testing account, please recheck your entries or check the information in your SBEC Educator Profile.