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Your FREE TExES Science of Teaching Reading (STR 293) Practice Test 2026 – 260+ Q&A

Realistic TExES Science of Teaching Reading (293) practice questions across all four exam domains, with instant scoring and answer explanations.

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Click Start Test above to launch a full-length TExES STR (293) practice test weighted exactly like the real exam, or drill a single domain — Reading Pedagogy, Foundational Skills, Comprehension, or Analysis and Response. Every question includes a clear explanation so you learn the instructional reasoning, not just the answer.

The TExES Science of Teaching Reading (STR) (293) is a Texas teacher-certification exam developed for the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and administered by Pearson.

[1] It is required for many initial certifications covering early grades, where prospective teachers must demonstrate command of evidence-based, research-aligned reading instruction.

[2] Note: the word “Science” here refers to the science of teaching reading — this is a reading-instruction exam, not a science-subject test. These free practice questions mirror the official STR framework. To round out your prep, pair them with our free study guide, flashcards.

TExES STR at a Glance

TExES STR (293) at a glance
DetailTExES STR (293)
Certifying bodyTexas Education Agency (TEA), administered by Pearson
Total questions90 selected-response + 1 constructed-response
Time limit5 hours
FormatComputer-delivered
Passing score240 (on a 100–300 scaled-score range)
Exam feeAbout $136 (subject to change)
AudienceProspective early-grades (PreK–6) Texas teachers
FocusScience of teaching reading (reading instruction, not a science subject)

What Is on the STR (293) Exam?

The TExES STR (293) covers four reading-instruction domains: Reading Development: Foundational Skills (43%), Reading Development: Comprehension (24%), Analysis and Response (20%, the constructed response), and Reading Pedagogy (13%).[2]

Reading Development: Foundational Skills — the largest domain — covers oral language, print awareness, alphabet knowledge, phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics and word identification, syllabication, morphemic analysis, and fluency.

Comprehension covers vocabulary and analyzing literary and informational texts. Analysis and Response is the single constructed-response domain. Reading Pedagogy covers research-based principles of effective reading instruction.

Our full practice test is weighted to match the official TEA percentages:

TExES STR (293) weighting by domain
Reading Development: Foundational Skills43% · ≈39 Qs
Reading Development: Comprehension24% · ≈22 Qs
Analysis and Response20% · ≈18 Qs
Reading Pedagogy13% · ≈12 Qs

Analysis and Response is delivered as the single constructed-response (written) task, scored by trained raters against an official rubric, and contributes roughly 20% of your total score.[3]

TExES STR (293) practice test — practice questions by reading-instruction domain with explanations

Practice Questions by Domain

Use Start Test for a full weighted STR simulation, or open the hub and pick a single domain to drill your weak area. After each full exam, your results show a per-domain breakdown so you know exactly where to focus — most candidates need the most reps on Foundational Skills (phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency) and on interpreting student data for the constructed response.

What Are the Requirements to Take the STR (293)?

To take the STR (293), you must be enrolled in and approved by an approved Texas educator preparation program (EPP) or an alternative certification program, which issues your authorization to test.[1]

Candidates generally must be admitted to and approved by their EPP before they can register.

The STR is required for many initial Texas certificates serving early grades — such as Core Subjects EC–6 and related elementary certifications. Confirm with your program and the TEA that the 293 is required for your specific certificate and effective date.

How Do You Register for the STR (293) Exam?

You register for the STR (293) at tx.nesinc.com: create a Texas Education Agency (TEA) account for your TEA ID, then a Pearson testing account, select the Science of Teaching Reading (293) test, and pick a date, time, and test center.[1]

An at-home option is available where offered.

You typically need approval from your educator preparation program to register. Pay the exam fee — about $136 (subject to change) — by credit or debit card, and review the official Preparation Manual for ID requirements, accommodations, and deadlines.

What Is the Passing Score for the STR (293)?

The passing score for the TExES STR (293) is a scaled score of 240 on a 100 to 300 range.[3] Your score combines performance on the 90 selected-response questions and the single constructed-response question.

The constructed response (under the Analysis and Response domain) is scored by trained raters against an official rubric and contributes roughly 20% of the total. Because the standard is a fixed scaled score — not a simple percentage — focus on the highest-weighted domains, especially Foundational Skills, to reach 240.

How Hard Is the STR?

The STR (293) is challenging because of its heavy emphasis on the science of reading — particularly the large Foundational Skills domain — and because it includes a constructed response scored against a rubric.[1] Pass rates vary by educator preparation program and reporting period, and the TEA publishes program-level results rather than a single national figure. Candidates who struggle often do so on Foundational Skills or on the written task.

240
Passing scaled score
of 100–300
43%
Foundational Skills
largest domain
~20%
Constructed response
rater-scored

The takeaway: master foundational reading concepts, practice interpreting student data, and rehearse the constructed-response format under timed conditions before you book your exam date.

What to Expect on Exam Day

Arrive at your Pearson test center (or set up your at-home session) at least 15 minutes early to check in — bring a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID whose name matches your registration.[1] The STR is closed-book; you store personal items and work from the on-screen interface.

You have 5 hours to complete 90 selected-response questions plus the single constructed-response (written) task, so budget time to plan and write a developed response rather than rushing it at the end. Manage the clock: answer the multiple-choice items efficiently to protect time for the essay.

Having simulated the full timing with practice tests — and rehearsed the written task — makes that long appointment feel routine. TEA posts official results to your account on a published score-report date.

How to Use This TExES STR Practice Test

  • Recreate exam conditions. Take the full test timed, with no notes.
  • Diagnose, then drill. Use a full STR simulation to find weak domains, then drill them.
  • Prioritize Foundational Skills. At 43%, it’s the biggest score-mover.
  • Rehearse the written task. Practice interpreting data and writing a developed response.
  • Learn the why. Read every explanation — instructional reasoning beats memorizing.

Why the STR Matters

The STR (293) is a gatekeeper for many initial Texas certificates serving early grades, so passing it is required to begin teaching reading in those roles.[1]Beyond the credential, the evidence-based reading instruction it measures is exactly what you’ll use in the classroom. These free practice tests are the most efficient way to get there.

Conclusion

Passing the STR (293) comes down to knowing the science of reading cold — phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, comprehension — and writing a strong, data-driven constructed response. Use this free TExES STR practice test to find your weak domains, drill them to mastery, and reinforce them with our study guide, flashcards so you walk in confident on test day.

TExES STR Practice Test FAQ

The TExES Science of Teaching Reading (STR) (293) is a Texas teacher-certification exam for the Texas Education Agency (TEA), administered by Pearson. It assesses a prospective early-grades teacher's command of evidence-based, research-aligned reading instruction — the 'science of teaching reading.'

References

  1. 1.Texas Educator Certification (Pearson). “Science of Teaching Reading (293) Test Details.” tx.nesinc.com, 2026. ↑
  2. 2.Texas Educator Certification. “STR (293) Preparation Manual / Framework.” tx.nesinc.com. ↑
  3. 3.Texas Educator Certification. “STR (293) Preparation Manual (PDF).” Pearson. ↑
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