# Texas CBE Exam Breakdown: Subjects, TEKS, Questions & Pass Rates > A detailed breakdown of every Texas CBE subject — Geometry, Algebra 1, Biology, and U.S. History — including exam structure, TEKS standards, question counts, time limits, and tips to pass. **Source:** https://www.texascbe.com/blog/texas-cbe-exam-breakdown **Published:** 2026-03-15 Texas CBE™ — independently authored practice exams for Texas Credit by Examination, AP, SAT/PSAT and AMC. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the Texas Education Agency, any school district, the College Board, or the Mathematical Association of America. --- ## What Exactly Is on the Texas CBE Exam? If you're preparing for a Texas Credit by Examination (CBE) (CBE) through UTHS, knowing exactly what's on the test is half the battle. This guide breaks down each subject — **question by question, TEKS by TEKS** — so you know exactly what to study. All CBE exams are administered through the **University of Texas at Austin High School (UTHS)** and align with the **Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)** curriculum standards. **When is your district’s deadline?** Every district sets its own, and most close weeks before the test. The [Texas CBE district portal](https://www.texascbe.com/districts-news) counts down to the next one in each district, and the [2026–2027 schedule by district](https://www.texascbe.com/blog/texas-credit-by-exam-schedule-by-district) lists the full year. --- ## 📐 Geometry ### Exam Structure | **Semester A** | 57 questions · 180 minutes | | --- | --- | | **Semester B** | 40 questions · 180 minutes | | **Passing Score** | 80% | | **Calculator** | Required for most questions | ### TEKS Topics Covered - **Semester A:** Coordinate & Transformational Geometry (TEKS 1-3), Logical Reasoning (TEKS 4), Lines & Angles (TEKS 5-6), Triangles & Similarity (TEKS 7-8), Right Triangles & Trigonometry (TEKS 9) - **Semester B:** Quadrilaterals & Polygons (TEKS 5-6), Circles (TEKS 12), Area & Perimeter (TEKS 10-11), 3D Figures & Volume (TEKS 10-11), Probability (TEKS 13) ### What to Expect Geometry CBE is **heavily visual** — expect diagrams, coordinate planes, and figures in most questions. You'll need to know formulas for area, volume, surface area, and trigonometric ratios. About 80% of questions require calculations. --- ## √ Algebra 1 ### Exam Structure | **Semester A** | 52 questions · 180 minutes | | --- | --- | | **Semester B** | 50 questions · 180 minutes | | **Passing Score** | 80% | | **Calculator** | Required for most questions | ### TEKS Topics Covered - **Semester A:** Number Systems & Operations (TEKS 1A-1G), Linear Equations (TEKS 2A-4C), Inequalities (TEKS 5A-5C), Relations & Functions (TEKS 6-7), Linear Functions & Slope (TEKS 3A-3F) - **Semester B:** Systems of Equations (TEKS 3), Exponents & Polynomials (TEKS 10-11), Quadratic Functions (TEKS 6-8), Data Analysis & Statistics (TEKS 4, 12), Exponential Functions (TEKS 9) ### What to Expect Algebra 1 CBE focuses on **solving equations, graphing functions, and interpreting data**. Word problems make up about 50% of the exam. You'll need strong skills in linear equations, slope calculations, and systems of equations. --- ## 🧬 Biology ### Exam Structure | **Semester A** | 50 questions · 180 minutes | | --- | --- | | **Semester B** | 50 questions · 180 minutes | | **Passing Score** | 80% | | **Calculator** | Not typically needed | ### TEKS Topics Covered - **Semester A:** Nature of Biological Sciences (TEKS 1A-4B), Cellular Biology (TEKS 5A-11B), Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics (TEKS 7A-8A), Organism Structure & Function / Body Systems (TEKS 12A-12B) - **Semester B:** Genetics & Bioengineering (TEKS 1B-8B), Evolution & Natural Selection (TEKS 9A-10D), Biological Systems (TEKS 12A-12B), Ecology (TEKS 13A-13D) ### What to Expect Biology CBE is **concept-heavy** — there are no calculations, but you need to understand processes like photosynthesis, cellular respiration, DNA replication, and evolution. Diagrams of cells, pedigree charts, and food webs are common. --- ## 🏛️ U.S. History ### Exam Structure | **Semester A** | 100 questions · 180 minutes | | --- | --- | | **Semester B** | 100 questions · 180 minutes | | **Passing Score** | 80% | | **Calculator** | Not needed | ### TEKS Topics Covered - **Semester A (Colonization to Civil War):** Exploration & Colonization (TEKS 1A-6B), Geography & Regions (TEKS 12A-14C), Economics & Trade (TEKS 15A-16E), Government & Constitution (TEKS 17A-19E), Citizenship (TEKS 20A-22E) - **Semester B (Reconstruction to Modern Era):** Reconstruction & Industrialization, World Wars, Cold War, Civil Rights Movement, Modern America, Science & Technology (TEKS 26A-28B), Social Study Skills (TEKS 29A-32B) ### What to Expect U.S. History CBE has the **most questions (100 per semester)** and covers a massive timeline. Expect questions about key events, historical figures, constitutional principles, and cause-and-effect relationships. Primary source analysis skills are important. --- ## 📊 Quick Comparison: All Subjects | Subject | Questions | Time | Pass | Difficulty | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Geometry A | 57 | 3 hrs | 80% | ⭐⭐⭐ | | Geometry B | 40 | 3 hrs | 80% | ⭐⭐⭐ | | Algebra 1 A | 52 | 3 hrs | 80% | ⭐⭐ | | Algebra 1 B | 50 | 3 hrs | 80% | ⭐⭐ | | Biology A | 50 | 3 hrs | 80% | ⭐⭐ | | Biology B | 50 | 3 hrs | 80% | ⭐⭐ | | U.S. History A | 100 | 3 hrs | 80% | ⭐⭐⭐ | | U.S. History B | 100 | 3 hrs | 80% | ⭐⭐⭐ | --- ## 🎯 How to Pass: Top 5 Tips 1. **Start with Free Practice** — Every subject has free sample questions. Take them first to identify your weak areas. 2. **Focus on TEKS, Not Textbooks** — The exam tests specific TEKS standards. Study the standards, not random topics. 3. **Use Mock Exams** — Our mock exams simulate the real test: same question count, same time limit, same 80% passing score. 4. **Review Explanations** — After each practice question, read the explanation carefully. Understanding *why* an answer is correct is more valuable than memorizing it. 5. **Manage Your Time** — With 3 hours per exam, you have roughly 2-3 minutes per question. Don't spend more than 5 minutes on any single question. **Worried about hitting 70% (UTHS) or 80% (district)?** Pulling a free sample is the fastest way to know where you stand. Try [Algebra 1](https://www.texascbe.com/subjects/algebra-1), [Geometry](https://www.texascbe.com/subjects/geometry), [Biology](https://www.texascbe.com/subjects/biology), [Algebra 2](https://www.texascbe.com/subjects/algebra-2), [Chemistry](https://www.texascbe.com/subjects/chemistry), or [U.S. History](https://www.texascbe.com/subjects/us-history) — no signup. Scoring 85%+ cold on the sample is a good sign you're tracking well. --- ## Ready to Start? Texas CBE™ offers **free practice questions for every subject** — no credit card required. Try our TEKS-aligned questions, get instant feedback with explanations, and build confidence before test day. [Start Free Practice →](https://www.texascbe.com/subjects)