The New TExES BESS 165 Exam Is Launching in September 2026: Here's What You Need to Know

If you're planning to earn your Bilingual Education Spanish Supplemental certification in Texas, there's an important update you need to know.

Beginning September 1, 2026, Texas is officially launching the new TExES 165 Bilingual Education Spanish Supplemental exam. This updated certification exam includes several changes designed to better evaluate the knowledge and skills bilingual educators need in today's classrooms.

If you're preparing to take the exam this fall, here's what to expect—and how TutoringEZ is preparing to help you succeed.

What Is the TExES 165 Exam?

The TExES 165 Bilingual Education Spanish Supplemental (BESS 165) exam is required for educators seeking certification to teach bilingual education in Texas.

The new version replaces the previous exam format and has been redesigned to better reflect current instructional practices, bilingual education standards, and classroom expectations. Registration opens for testing beginning September 1, 2026, and Pearson has released a new preparation manual and practice materials ahead of the launch.

What's Changing?

While the core purpose of the exam remains the same, candidates should be aware of several important updates:

1. New Exam Blueprint

The exam competencies have been reorganized to better align with current bilingual education standards and teacher expectations.

2. Constructed-Response Questions

One of the biggest changes is the addition of constructed-response (written response) questions. Instead of answering only multiple-choice questions, candidates will now demonstrate their ability to analyze instructional scenarios and communicate effective teaching strategies in writing.

3. Updated Preparation Materials

Pearson has released an entirely new preparation manual, updated practice materials, and an official practice exam bundle specifically for the new exam version. Candidates using older study guides should verify that they're preparing with resources designed for the September 2026 exam.

Should You Wait to Take the New Exam?

If you're eligible to take the previous version before the transition, discuss your options with your Educator Preparation Program (EPP).

However, if you'll be testing on or after September 1, 2026, you'll need to prepare specifically for the new TExES 165 exam format.

Using outdated study materials may leave you unprepared for the revised competencies and written-response section.

TutoringEZ Will Be Ready

At TutoringEZ, we understand how stressful exam changes can be.

That's why our curriculum team has already begun developing brand-new study materials specifically for the updated TExES 165 exam.

Our new resources will include:

• Comprehensive video lessons

• Updated study guides

• Practice quizzes

• Full-length practice exams

• Written-response practice with explanations

• Study plans designed specifically for the new exam

Our goal is to have our complete TExES 165 course available by the end of September 2026, giving candidates a reliable, up-to-date resource built around the new exam—not outdated content.

Stay Updated

If you're planning to take the new TExES 165 exam, be sure to check back with TutoringEZ throughout September as we continue releasing new resources.

We'll also share study tips, practice questions, and exam updates to help you prepare with confidence.

When the new course launches, you'll have everything you need in one place to prepare for the updated exam and move one step closer to earning your Texas teaching certification.

Final Thoughts

Exam updates can feel overwhelming, but they also present an opportunity to prepare smarter with resources built specifically for the newest standards.

At TutoringEZ, we're committed to staying ahead of every certification change so you don't have to.

If you're taking the new TExES 165 Bilingual Education Spanish Supplemental exam this fall, we'll be ready to help you succeed with updated materials available by the end of September 2026.