What exams do I need to be a esl teacher in Texas?

Texas issues this role under the English as a Second Language Supplemental certificate, which requires 1 exam: TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154), passing score 240.

Requirements/Texas

ESL Teacher in Texas.

One added exam on top of a base certificate you already hold or are earning.

Exams: 1
Passing: 240
Certificate: English as a Second Language Supplemental

The exam you have to pass

In the order most candidates take them.

TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental154

Pass240

See what is scored →

What people get wrong

Each of these costs a candidate either money or a test date.

This is a supplemental certificate. On its own it does not qualify you to teach; it attaches to a base certificate.

Required, but not an exam

A base Texas classroom certificate, for example Core Subjects EC-6 or a secondary content area
Every exam that base certificate requires, including the PPR

Now go pass it.

Knowing the list is the easy part. Built To Pass teaches the strategy layer that works on any of these, aimed at the domains where you are actually losing points.

Start with your exam

Verified 2026-08-03 against Texas Educator Certification Examination Program (tx.nesinc.com). Certification rules change by state board vote. Confirm with the state before you register for a test.