As a state-approved Educator Preparation Program, iteach must maintain high standards of candidate performance to remain in good standing with the Texas Education Agency (TEA). TEA holds EPPs accountable for the pass rates of candidates on certification exams, and underperformance in any exam area can jeopardize a program's ability to continue offering certification in that subject area.
This policy explains our approach to certification exam approval, including the rationale behind it and the conditions under which candidates may be permitted to test and retest.
Why Exam Approvals Are Regulated
While TEA allows up to five attempts per certification exam, this does not guarantee that a program can or will approve all five attempts.
iteach must be intentional and selective about test approvals to ensure:
- Candidate readiness
- Strong pass rates across all subjects
- Compliance with TEA accountability standards
- The ongoing ability to offer educator certifications
We are committed to supporting your success, and must balance that support with the needs of the broader program and its future candidates.
First-Time Test Approval Guidelines
Due to recent changes in state regulations, the date that you enrolled in the iteach program impacts your testing journey. Anyone who enrolled in the program on or after September 1, 2024, has updated testing requirements, which are set by TEA. Therefore, you should consider your program enrollment date before reading the information in this section.
For Educators Who Enrolled in iteach BEFORE 9/1/2024
Testing in Content Areas Identified for Admissions
If you are seeking a first-time test approval in a content area for which you were identified upon program admission, you will request test approval from your iteach homepage. Log in to your account and scroll down the page to the testing section. You will click on a blue rectangular box that says Test Info/Request Test Approval.
Note: Additional test attempts are not guaranteed. First-time test takers must score within 1 SEM of passing to be considered for additional test approvals in the same area.
Testing in Content Areas NOT Identified for Admissions
If you are seeking a first-time test approval in a content area that is outside of the areas for which you were identified upon program admission, you must complete a test preparation course & practice test and submit proof to be granted a one-time test approval. We highly recommend using our test prep partner, Passage Preparation. Once the review is complete, you will submit a test request via email along with a screenshot or score report showing a passing test preparation end-of-course practice test score of 85% or above.
Note: Additional test attempts cannot be granted in content areas outside of those identified for admission. Approvals in these areas are one-time only.
For Educators Who Enrolled ON OR AFTER 9/1/2024
Testing in Content Areas Identified for Admissions
If you are seeking a first-time test approval in a content area for which you were identified upon program admission, you will request test approval from your iteach homepage. Log in to your account and scroll down the page to the testing section. You will click on a blue rectangular box that says Test Info/Request Test Approval.
Note: Additional test attempts are not guaranteed. First-time test takers must score within 1 SEM of passing to be considered for additional test approvals in the same area.
Testing in Content Areas NOT Identified for Admissions
If you are seeking a first-time test approval in a content area that is outside of the areas for which you were identified upon program admission, you must pass the associated PACT exam and complete a test preparation course & practice test to be granted a one-time test approval. We highly recommend using our test prep partner, Passage Preparation, for the test preparation and practice test. After you have both (1) passed the PACT exam that corresponds with the area you wish to pursue, and (2) completed the test preparation practice test, you will submit a test request via email along with a copy of your PACT score report as well as a screenshot or score report showing a passing test preparation end-of-course practice test score of 85% or above.
Note: Additional test attempts cannot be granted in content areas outside of those identified for admission. Approvals in these areas are one-time only.
Test Approval Guidelines Beyond the First Attempt
For Tests in Content Areas Identified for Admissions
Candidates may qualify for additional attempts on tests within content areas identified for program admission, depending upon the performance on the initial exam attempt. If the score earned in the initial exam session falls within 1 Standard Error Measurement (SEM)* of a passing score, the candidate can be approved for an additional test attempt, but remediation will be required. Up to 5 total attempts may be granted. Contact the testing team to determine remediation requirements.
*You can review the SEM chart here to note the threshold scores.
For Tests in Content Areas NOT Identified for Admissions
The iteach testing policy does not allow for additional test approvals in areas outside of those identified for admissions. Please be sure that you prepare thoroughly for your exam(s) and understand that test approvals in content areas outside of those identified for program admissions are one-time only.
Prepare Thoroughly Before You Test
Your best chance at success is a well-prepared first attempt. We strongly encourage all candidates to:
Leverage Passage Preparation
- All candidates have access to Passage Preparation, a high-quality, targeted test preparation platform.
- Use it to take diagnostic tests, identify weak areas, and work through personalized study plans.
- Complete all modules before requesting test approval.
Use Your Study Time Strategically
- Create a study schedule and plan that breaks the material into manageable segments.
- Focus more study time on content areas you score lowest on in diagnostic assessments.
- Avoid cramming; consistency and repetition lead to better retention.
- Simulate real exam conditions by taking timed, full-length practice tests.
Join Study Groups or Attend Webinars
- Collaborate with peers preparing for the same exam.
- Attend Passage-hosted exam prep webinars or other relevant sessions.
- Teach concepts aloud and discuss them with others to reinforce learning.
Our Commitment
We recognize the effort and dedication that go into preparing for certification exams. Our policies are in place not to hinder your progress, but to:
- Promote smarter, more focused preparation
- Increase your chances of passing
- Ensure iteach remains a high-performing and TEA-compliant program
If you have questions about your eligibility for a test or how to best prepare, please reach out to the iteach Program Advisor or Certification Advisor support teams.