TExES Special Education Specialist EC-12 (186) Pass Rate, Format & Study Guide

The TExES Special Education Specialist EC-12 (186) exam has 90 selected-response questions and 1 constructed-response question, in a 5-hour appointment that includes 15 minutes for the tutorial and 4 hours 45 minutes of testing time (TExES test page). The passing scaled score is 240, and the scaled score is based only on scored questions; some questions are unscored and evaluated for future use. This portal's practice set has 90 selected-response questions; the written response is not scored here.

Passing the 186 exam is the content-knowledge requirement for certification as a Special Education Specialist EC-12 in Texas.

Texas special education teacher candidates enrolled in an educator preparation program, and candidates retaking the exam.

The certifying body does not publicly publish an official pass rate for this exam. Be wary of third-party sites citing a specific number here — treat any pass-rate claim you see elsewhere for this exam as unverified.

The test page does not state attempt limits; check the Texas Education Agency's educator testing pages for the current retake and attempt rules before you register.

The passing scaled score is 240. Scores are based only on scored questions, and some questions are unscored items under evaluation for future administrations. Format: 90 selected-response questions and 1 constructed-response question in about five hours. No official pass rate is available for this exam, so none is quoted here.

The TExES Special Education Specialist EC-12 (186) exam has 90 selected-response questions and 1 constructed-response question, in a 5-hour appointment that includes 15 minutes for the tutorial and 4 hours 45 minutes of testing time (TExES test page). The passing scaled score is 240, and the scaled score is based only on scored questions; some questions are unscored and evaluated for future use. This portal's practice set has 90 selected-response questions; the written response is not scored here. 90 selected-response questions and 1 constructed-response question · 5 hours appointment (4 hours 45 minutes testing) · passing scaled score 240. The passing scaled score is 240. Scores are based only on scored questions, and some questions are unscored items under evaluation for future administrations.

• Legal and Ethical Guidelines and Knowledge of Learners17.8%
• Assessment and Program Planning17.8%
• Curricular Knowledge and Instructional Practices26.7%
• Professional Collaboration, Learning, and Responsibilities17.8%
• Analysis and Response19.8%

The content outline spreads questions across 5 areas: Legal and Ethical Guidelines and Knowledge of Learners (17.8%); Assessment and Program Planning (17.8%); Curricular Knowledge and Instructional Practices (26.7%); Professional Collaboration, Learning, and Responsibilities (17.8%); Analysis and Response (19.8%).

According to the TEA one-pager, candidates seeking an intern, probationary or standard certification in Special Education EC-12 should take the 186 exam, and any candidate enrolling from September 2025 takes it. The last day to take the older 161 and 163 exams was August 31, 2025, and the last day to apply and recommend candidates using them is September 1, 2026.

$136 per attempt according to the TExES test page; additional fees may apply and were not reviewed.

This guide does not cover certificate renewal or score validity; check the Texas Education Agency.

Start with the heaviest areas of the content outline: Curricular Knowledge and Instructional Practices (26.7%); Analysis and Response (19.8%); Legal and Ethical Guidelines and Knowledge of Learners (17.8%). Then work through the remaining areas, and finish with timed full-length practice runs of 90 questions in one sitting.

Content outlines, fees and passing standards change; this guide follows the materials listed under Verification as of October 2026. Check the Texas Education Agency and Pearson before you register.