Texas CBE Guide

What Is the Texas CBE Exam?

The Texas Credit by Exam (CBE) is a single high-stakes test that lets students earn full course credit — Algebra 1, Geometry, Biology, US History, and more — without sitting through the class. One exam, 70% to pass, full credit on your transcript.

CBE Exam Quick Facts

Length
~3 hours · 50–60 questions per semester exam
Passing Score
70% earns full course credit
District Cost
$50–$150 per attempt (varies by ISD)
Format
Multiple-choice + grid-in (math), TEKS-aligned

Who Takes the Texas CBE?

Three main groups in Texas use the CBE pathway:

  • Acceleration students — middle and high schoolers skipping a course (e.g., an 8th-grader who wants Geometry credit before 9th grade).
  • Homeschool students — earning transcript credit without enrolling in a school course (Texas homeschool enrollment has tripled since 2020).
  • Recovery students — earning credit for a class previously failed, instead of retaking the full course.

The legal basis is Texas Education Code §28.023, which explicitly authorizes credit by exam for acceleration. UT High School (UTHS) is the most common provider, with district CBE programs in Frisco, Plano, Prosper, Round Rock, Lubbock, and elsewhere.

CBE Exam Subjects (Texas CBE™ Coverage)

Each subject has separate Semester A and Semester B mock exams, both TEKS-aligned to the official CBE blueprint.

Algebra 1 CBE
Free practice + full mock exams
Geometry CBE
Free practice + full mock exams
Algebra 2 CBE
Free practice + full mock exams
Biology CBE
Free practice + full mock exams
U.S. History CBE
Free practice + full mock exams

How to Prepare for the Texas CBE

The CBE rewards format-specific practice over textbook study. Knowing the material isn't enough — students who pass on the first attempt have rehearsed the multiple-choice format, the 3-hour pacing, and the specific TEKS standards the exam samples.

  1. Diagnose with free samples. Take a free TEKS-aligned mini-practice in your subject — see where you score before paying for a full course or signing up for the official exam.
  2. Drill weak TEKS categories. The CBE doesn't sample TEKS evenly — some categories are heavily tested. Practice questions tagged by category surface what to focus on. What is TEKS? →
  3. Take full-length mock exams. Same length, same format, same scoring threshold. Hit 80%+ before booking the real CBE.
💡 Cost-saving math
A single CBE retake at most Texas ISDs costs $50–$150. Texas CBE™ launch price is $19.99 per subject for 6 months — usually less than the retake fee itself. Pass the first time and you save money outright.
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Go Deeper

Long-form guides for the registration process, district fees, and subject breakdown.

Deep Dive
Complete Guide to Texas CBE
Registration through UTHS, exam format, costs, and prep strategies in one long-form post.
Deep Dive
CBE Exam Breakdown by Subject
Question counts, time limits, pass rates, and TEKS standards for each subject.
Deep Dive
How to Sign Up for the CBE
School counselor process, deadlines, and what to ask before registering.
District Schedule
2025–2026 District CBE Calendar
Frisco, Prosper, Plano, Round Rock, Lubbock test dates and registration deadlines.

Texas CBE Exam FAQ

What is the Texas CBE exam?
The Texas Credit by Exam (CBE) is a single test administered through UT High School and partner Texas school districts that lets a student earn full course credit by passing the exam — without enrolling in the class. Texas Education Code §28.023 explicitly authorizes credit by exam for acceleration.
What is the passing score for a Texas CBE?
70%. Every subject — Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Biology, US History — uses the same 70% threshold to earn full course credit. We recommend hitting 80%+ on full-length practice mocks before sitting the official exam to allow for test-day variance.
How much does the Texas CBE exam cost?
District-administered CBEs typically cost $50–$150 per attempt depending on your school district (Frisco, Plano, Prosper, Round Rock, Lubbock, etc.). UT High School direct-administered exams have their own fee schedule. Practice prep on Texas CBE™ is $19.99 (launch price) per subject for 6 months — usually less than a single retake.
Which subjects offer Credit by Exam in Texas?
Common Texas CBE subjects include Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Biology, US History, English 1/2, World History, and Spanish. Texas CBE™ currently provides full TEKS-aligned mock exams for Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Biology, and US History.
How long is the Texas CBE exam?
Most CBE subjects run about 3 hours with 50–60 questions. Each subject has separate Semester A and Semester B exams; both must be passed to earn full course credit.
Is the Texas CBE the same as STAAR or EOC?
No. STAAR/EOC are state-mandated assessment exams that all Texas students take to verify learning. CBE is an optional credit-earning pathway — pass once and you get full course credit on your transcript. Different purpose, different format, different rules.

Ready to start preparing?

Free TEKS-aligned sample questions in every subject. No credit card.

Browse CBE Subjects