TExES ESL Supplemental (154): Passing Score, Format and Sunset 2026
November 2, 2026 · Alex S. · reviewed by Hana N., Quality Reviewer · how we write
The TExES ESL Supplemental (154) has 80 selected-response questions and 4 hours 45 minutes of testing time. The passing score is 240 on a scale of 100 to 300, and TEA says the 154 can be taken until August 31, 2028.
The TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) exam has 80 selected-response questions and 4 hours 45 minutes of testing time. The passing score is 240 on a scale of 100 to 300, and the fee is $116. TEA's schedule has the 154 available until August 31, 2028, with a new 254 exam starting September 1, 2028.
Preparing for the TExES ESL Supplemental (154)? Take a free readiness test and see which topics to study first. Or see the TExES ESL Supplemental (154) study guide.
Supplemental means it cannot stand alone
TEA states that the ESL Supplemental exam does not lead to a standalone certificate pathway. A passing score qualifies a candidate to add an ESL Supplemental certificate to an approved certificate area. In other words, the 154 score alone does not make you a certified teacher: it adds a certificate to a certificate area that is already approved.
154 now, 254 from September 2028
| Date | What TEA lists |
|---|---|
| August 31, 2028 | Last day to take the 154 |
| September 1, 2028 | The 254 launches; everyone seeking ESL certification takes the 254 |
| August 31, 2029 | Last day to apply and recommend candidates using 154 scores (all other requirements must be met) |
So a passing 154 score earned before the cutoff stays usable for certification until the 2029 date. The 254 is not a new certification area, and TEA says programs that offer the ESL Supplemental will not need to reapply. For the 254, TEA says the preparation manual comes in spring 2028 and practice exams in summer 2028. Standard-setting ends in summer 2027, and the passing standard will then appear in the Commissioner's rules. There will be no introductory period. No passing score for the 254 has been published yet.
Fewer questions, same clock
The 154 has 80 questions, but the appointment is the same 5 hours as longer TExES exams: 15 minutes for the tutorial and compliance agreement, then 4 hours 45 minutes of testing. Several 100-question exams, such as Mathematics 7-12 (235) and Life Science 7-12 (238), list the same time. Dividing 285 minutes by 80 questions gives about 3 minutes 34 seconds per question (simple division, not official advice), against about 2 minutes 51 seconds on a 100-question exam.
How the 80 questions are split
| Domain | Approximate weight | Competencies |
|---|---|---|
| I. Language Concepts and Language Acquisition | 25% | 2 |
| II. ESL Instruction and Assessment | 45% | 5 |
| III. Foundations of ESL Education, Cultural Awareness and Family and Community Involvement | 30% | 3 |
Nearly half the exam is Domain II. Its five competencies are ESL teaching methods, developing students' communicative language skills, developing literacy in English, content-area learning and academic language, and formal and informal assessment. Domain I covers language structure (phonology, morphology, syntax and similar systems) and how first and second languages are acquired. Domain III covers program types, factors affecting ESL students' learning, and advocacy with families and communities.
What the score means
Your report shows counts by domain, but Texas treats them as informational only, and says counts based on fewer than 10 questions are too few to read much into. With 80 questions in total, the smaller domains have few questions behind them. The result is one total scaled score from 100 to 300 based on scored questions only, since the exam may include questions that do not count. The official pages do not say how many questions equal 240.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the TExES ESL Supplemental (154)?
There are 80 selected-response questions.
Does passing the 154 give me a teaching certificate?
No. TEA says the exam does not lead to a standalone certificate pathway. A passing score lets you add the ESL Supplemental certificate to an approved certificate area.
When does the 154 end?
TEA lists August 31, 2028 as the last day to take it, and August 31, 2029 as the last day to apply and recommend candidates using 154 scores.
How long do I wait to retake it?
30 days, and you get five attempts in total, the first try plus four retakes.
Official sources
- TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154): official exam page
- TExES 154 preparation manual: overview and exam framework
- Texas Education Agency: 254 ESL Supplemental candidate requirements and transition dates
- Pearson Texas: understanding your exam results
- Pearson Texas: retake policy and attempt limit
Checked against the sources above on November 2, 2026. Exam bodies change fees and rules: confirm on the official page before you register.