TExES Life Science 7-12 (238): Format and Passing Score 2026
November 2, 2026 · Alex S. · reviewed by Hana N., Quality Reviewer · how we write
TExES Life Science 7-12 (238) has 100 selected-response questions and 4 hours 45 minutes of testing time, with a passing score of 240 on a 100 to 300 scale. About 60% of the exam comes from cell, heredity and evolution, and diversity of life domains.
The TExES Life Science 7-12 (238) exam has 100 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. About 60% of the exam comes from three biology domains of 20% each: cell structure, heredity and evolution, and diversity of life.
Preparing for the TExES Life Science 7-12 (238)? Take a free readiness test and see which topics to study first. Or see the TExES Life Science 7-12 (238) study guide.
Three 20 percent domains carry the exam
| Domain | Approximate weight | Competencies |
|---|---|---|
| I. Scientific Inquiry and Processes | 15% | 3 |
| II. Cell Structure and Processes | 20% | 4 |
| III. Heredity and Evolution of Life | 20% | 4 |
| IV. Diversity of Life | 20% | 4 |
| V. Interdependence of Life and Environmental Systems | 15% | 3 |
| VI. Science Learning, Instruction and Assessment | 10% | 2 |
Domain II covers biomolecules, cell structure and function, how cells carry out life processes, and how specialized cells, tissues, organs and organisms grow and develop. Domain III covers nucleic acids and genetics, inheritance and variation, the theory of evolution, and evidence for evolutionary change. Domain IV covers taxonomy, levels of organization in living systems, homeostasis, and the relationship between biology and behavior. Ecology (Domain V) is smaller at 15%.
Lab safety is a named competency
The first competency on the exam, 001, is about selecting and managing learning activities so that all students stay safe, and about the correct use and care of organisms, natural resources, materials, equipment and technologies. It sits inside Domain I, which also covers the nature of science, scientific inquiry, and the history of science and its effect on daily life and personal and societal decisions. Domain I is 15% of the exam, so safety and inquiry deserve study time of their own, apart from the biology content.
Only one tenth is about teaching
Domain VI is 10% and has two competencies: research-based knowledge about teaching science and how students learn it, and how to monitor and assess science learning in lab, field and classroom settings. The other 90% is science content and inquiry. TEA's required-test chart (May 2024 edition) lists the 238 as the content test for the Life Science 7-12 certificate, with the 160 PPR EC-12 or an edTPA as the pedagogy requirement, so teaching practice is tested separately.
238 and PACT 738 are different exams
Pearson lists "TX PACT: Life Science: Grades 7-12 (738)" separately from "Life Science 7-12 (238)". TEA says Pre-Admission Content Tests are for people who have never been admitted to an educator preparation program and hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and that PACT exams are not certification exams and are not subject to the five-attempt limit. Check which exam your program or situation calls for before you register.
Time and how the score is reported
The appointment is 5 hours: a 15-minute tutorial and compliance agreement, then 4 hours 45 minutes of testing, about 2 minutes 51 seconds per question on average (simple division).
Your score is one total on the 100 to 300 scale, built from scored questions only, since the exam may include questions that do not count. A weak spot in one domain does not fail you by itself: no domain has its own passing score. The official pages do not say how many questions equal 240.
You can retake an exam after 30 days, and you have five attempts in total. Scores are available at 10:00 p.m. Central time on the score report date.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the TExES Life Science 7-12 exam?
There are 100 selected-response questions.
What are the biggest domains on the 238?
Cell Structure and Processes, Heredity and Evolution of Life, and Diversity of Life, at about 20% each.
Is there a separate passing score for each domain?
No. Only the total scaled score decides pass or fail.
How much does the exam cost?
$116. Additional fees may apply.
Official sources
- TExES Life Science 7-12 (238): official exam page
- TExES 238 preparation manual: overview and exam framework
- Pearson Texas: understanding your exam results
- Pearson Texas: retake policy and attempt limit
- Pearson Texas: scores and score report dates (lists TExES 238 and TX PACT 738)
- Texas Education Agency: educator certification exams (PACT)
- Texas Education Agency: Required Test Chart for Texas Certification (May 2024)
Checked against the sources above on November 2, 2026. Exam bodies change fees and rules: confirm on the official page before you register.