Welcome to TExES 118 Social Studies 4-8 Exam Prep
This course prepares you for the TExES Social Studies 4-8 (118) certification exam. The Pearson exam consists of 100 selected-response questions across 2 domains and 7 competencies, with a 5-hour appointment, 4 hours and 45 minutes of testing time, and a passing score of 240 on a 100-300 scale.
The course capstone is an 80-question timed practice exam in 5 hours. It is shorter than the Pearson exam so the course can support multiple low-overlap practice forms while preserving the official 71% / 29% domain weighting. Use the capstone for deep review, then tighten your pacing toward about 2 minutes and 50 seconds per question before test day.
Exam Blueprint
Domain I: Social Studies Content (71%)
- Competency 1: History (Texas, U.S., and world history; chronological thinking; cause and effect; historical inquiry)
- Competency 2: Geography (physical and human geography; geographic tools; human-environment interaction; movement)
- Competency 3: Economics (economic systems; supply and demand; trade; personal financial literacy; government’s role)
- Competency 4: Government and Citizenship (U.S. Constitution; democratic principles; branches of government; civic participation)
- Competency 5: Culture; Science, Technology, and Society (cultural contributions; cultural diffusion; technology’s impact)
Domain II: Social Studies Foundations, Skills, and Instruction (29%)
- Competency 6: Social Studies Foundations and Skills (primary and secondary sources; bias analysis; critical thinking; data interpretation)
- Competency 7: Social Studies Instruction and Assessment (TEKS alignment; instructional strategies; differentiation; assessment)
How This Course Works
- Study guides for each competency with key concepts and classroom examples
- AI Study Buddy on study guide topics, with Verónica support available on informational course pages
- Practice quizzes after each competency for immediate feedback
- Domain review quizzes to test cross-competency understanding
- Full timed practice exam (80 questions, 5 hours) as your capstone assessment, with pacing guidance for the 100-question Pearson exam
- Smart Study Dashboard tracking your progress across all competencies
Tips for Success
- Work through competencies in order; each builds on previous knowledge
- Use the AI Study Buddy to clarify concepts you find challenging
- Complete every practice quiz before attempting the capstone exam
- Review your Smart Study Dashboard to identify areas needing more practice
- A score of 240 or higher on the capstone exam earns your digital credential
