TExES PPR (160) vs Core Subjects EC-6 (391) Compared
October 12, 2026 · Alex S. · reviewed by Hana N., Quality Reviewer · how we write
Preparing for the TExES PPR EC-12 (160)? Take a free readiness test and see which topics to study first.
Future elementary teachers in Texas meet two TExES exams that are often discussed together: the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12 (160), usually called the PPR, and Core Subjects EC-6 (391). They measure different things and are scored differently. This comparison uses the official TExES test pages.
| PPR (160) | Core Subjects EC-6 (391) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it tests | How to design instruction and assessment, manage the classroom, teach and fulfill professional responsibilities (EC-12) | Content knowledge in five subjects for grades EC-6 |
| Structure | One exam, 100 selected-response questions | Five subject exams: ELA and Reading (45 questions), Mathematics (40), Social Studies (40), Science (45), Fine Arts, Health and PE (40) |
| Time | 5 hours total appointment (4 hours 45 minutes of testing plus a 15-minute tutorial) | 5 hours total appointment, including a 15-minute tutorial |
| Fee | $116 | $116 for the full exam; $58 for a subject exam taken separately |
| Passing standard | 240 on the 100-300 TExES scale | 240 on EACH subject exam (no total passing score) |
The scoring difference that matters
The PPR has one total scaled score: 240 or higher passes. The 391 has no total score at all. It is passed only when every one of its five subject exams reaches 240, so a strong mathematics score cannot carry a weak science score. You can retake a single subject exam you did not pass (at $58) instead of the whole exam.
The content difference
The PPR is about teaching: its four domains are Designing Instruction and Assessment (34%), Implementing Effective, Responsive Instruction and Assessment (33%), Fulfilling Professional Roles and Responsibilities (20%) and Creating a Positive, Productive Classroom Environment (13%). The 391 is about the subjects: reading and language arts, math, social studies, science, and fine arts with health and PE. The TExES page for the 391 adds that candidates for this certification also take the Science of Teaching Reading (293) exam, and that no other TExES exam substitutes for any of the 391 subject exams.
Retakes
Texas allows five attempts per certification exam (the first plus four retakes), with at least 30 days between attempts. Which exams your certificate requires is set by the Texas Education Agency, so confirm the list for your certificate before you register.
Practice for it: the TExES PPR EC-12 (160) study guide and the free TExES PPR EC-12 (160) practice test (no account).
Official sources
- TExES: Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12 (160)
- TExES: Core Subjects EC-6 (391)
- TEA: test limit waiver information
Checked against the sources above on October 12, 2026. Exam bodies change fees and rules: confirm on the official page before you register.