TExES Bilingual Ed 164

It is a computer-administered test (CAT) made up entirely of 80 selected-response questions. There are no constructed-response items. The appointment includes a 15-minute CAT tutorial and compliance agreement plus 4 hours and 45 minutes of testing time, for 5 hours total.

The passing score for this exam is 240. Your score report is released at 10:00 p.m. Central time on the published score report date rather than immediately at the end of your testing session, so plan around that reporting schedule.

The exam fee is $116, and additional fees may apply depending on your circumstances. Appointments are available by appointment year round, and testing is offered on a first-come, first-served basis at CAT sites located in Texas and nationwide, so book early if you need a specific date.

Yes. An exam can be retaken after 30 days, and you cannot register again until your prior results have posted to ECOS. If you are affiliated with an educator preparation program, you must request your program's approval to retest. You are limited to five attempts to take a certification exam.

You have 4 hours and 45 minutes for 80 questions, which works out to roughly three and a half minutes per item. Pace yourself accordingly, answer every question since there is no penalty for guessing, and reserve the final portion of your session to review flagged items.

No. The 164 exam is a supplemental certificate exam, so it is taken alongside the requirements for your base classroom certificate and any other required exams, such as the Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test (BTLPT) Spanish where applicable. Confirm your full requirement set with your educator preparation program.

Start with the official preparation manual for this exam field, since it defines the domains and the knowledge and skills assessed. Then work through practice questions under timed conditions, and spend extra time on the domain where your practice accuracy is weakest rather than reviewing everything equally.

Two frequent problems are underestimating the breadth of bilingual-specific content and running out of time on later questions. Others include registering late for a preferred appointment date and failing to check program policies before test day. Read the preparation materials thoroughly and rehearse full-length timed sets.

Not necessarily. Exams may include questions that are evaluated for future administrations and do not affect a candidate's score. Treat every question as if it counts, since you cannot identify which items are being field-tested.

A separate Bilingual Education Spanish Supplemental (165) exam lists a first administration of 9/1/2026, with registration opened 6/17/26 for testing beginning that date. The official source does not state that 164 is being retired, so check the program website for current requirements before registering.