Section 3: Overview and Exam Framework
TX PACT: Journalism: Grades 7–12 (756)

Exam Overview

Table outlining the test format, number of questions, time, and passing score.
Exam Name TX PACT: Journalism: Grades 7–12
Exam Code 756
Time 2 hours and 30 minutes total appointment time
  • 15 minutes for CAT tutorial and compliance agreement
  • 2 hours and 15 minutes testing time
Number of Questions 90 selected-response questions
Format Computer-administered test (CAT)

The TX PACT: Journalism: Grades 7–12 (756) exam is designed to assess whether a test taker has demonstrated the requisite knowledge and skills for admission to an educator preparation program. The 90 selected-response questions are based on the Journalism: Grades 7–12 exam framework. Questions on this exam range from grades 7–12. Your final scaled score will be based only on scored questions.

Domains and Competencies

Table outlining test content and subject weighting by sub area and objective.
Domain Domain Title Approx. Percentage of Exam
I Foundations of Journalism 23%
II Journalism Principles and Processes 28%
III Writing and Editing 23%
IV Media Design and Media Literacy 26%

Pie chart of approximate test weighting outlined in the table above.

The content covered by this exam is organized into broad areas of content called domains. Each domain covers one or more of the standards for this field. Within each domain, the content is further defined by a set of competencies. Each competency is composed of two major parts:

Domain I—Foundations of Journalism

Competency 001—Demonstrate a broad and comprehensive understanding of the history and development of print and nonprint media and of the functions, limitations, and influence of print and nonprint media in society, including:
Competency 002—Demonstrate a broad and comprehensive understanding of laws, judicial decisions, and ethical principles related to print and nonprint media, including:

 

Domain II—Journalism Principles and Processes

Competency 003—Demonstrate a broad and comprehensive understanding of the role of mass media in society and of skills and criteria for analyzing and evaluating mass media, including:
Competency 004—Demonstrate broad and comprehensive understanding of types of information sources and of skills, techniques, and methods for gathering and evaluating information, including:

 

Domain III—Writing and Editing

Competency 005—Demonstrate a broad and comprehensive understanding of the principles, values, forms, and functions of journalism, including:

 

Domain IV—Media Design and Media Literacy

Competency 006—Demonstrate a broad and comprehensive understanding of the processes and conventions of writing and editing for a variety of print and nonprint media, including:
Competency 007—Demonstrate a broad and comprehensive understanding of the principles, elements, tools, and techniques of multimedia design and production, including:

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