Complete Guide to Texas Credit by Exam (CBE): Everything You Need to Know
What is Credit by Exam (CBE)?
Credit by Exam (CBE) is a Texas state program that allows students to earn high school course credit by passing an exam β without having to sit through the entire course. This is officially recognized by all Texas public schools under Texas Education Code Β§28.023.
Whether you're a homeschool student needing official credits, a student who failed a class and needs credit recovery, or an ambitious learner wanting to graduate early β CBE is your fastest path to earning high school credit.
Who Administers the CBE Exams?
The University of Texas at Austin High School (UT High School / UTHS) is the primary provider of CBE exams in Texas. UTHS is an accredited online high school operated by the University of Texas at Austin, and it serves as the official testing center for CBE exams statewide.
UT High School (UTHS)
Website: highschool.utexas.edu
Part of the University of Texas at Austin
Accredited by the Texas Education Agency (TEA)
UTHS offers CBE exams for over 35 high school courses covering grades 9-12, including core subjects like Math, Science, English, and Social Studies.
Who Can Take CBE Exams?
CBE exams are available to:
- Homeschool students β Earn official high school credits recognized by all Texas schools
- Credit recovery students β Retake credits for failed courses without re-enrolling in the full class
- Acceleration students β Skip ahead and graduate early by testing out of courses
- Transfer students β Military families or students who moved and have gaps in their transcripts
- Any Texas student β With school counselor approval, any student can attempt CBE
Available Subjects
UTHS offers CBE exams for a wide range of high school subjects. Each full course is split into two semesters:
| Subject | Exams | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Algebra 1 | Semester A + B | 1.0 |
| Geometry | Semester A + B | 1.0 |
| Biology | Semester A + B | 1.0 |
| U.S. History | Semester A + B | 1.0 |
| Algebra 2 | Semester A + B | 1.0 |
| Chemistry | Semester A + B | 1.0 |
| English 1, 2, 3, 4 and more... | Semester A + B each | 1.0 each |
Each semester exam is worth 0.5 credits. Pass both Semester A and B to earn the full 1.0 credit for the course.
How to Register for CBE
Follow these steps to take a CBE exam:
- Check eligibility β Contact your school counselor (public school students) or verify your homeschool status
- Visit UT High School β Go to highschool.utexas.edu and navigate to the CBE section
- Create an account β Register as a new student on the UTHS platform
- Select your exam β Choose the subject and semester (A or B)
- Pay the exam fee β $70 per semester exam ($140 total for a full course)
- Download the Study Guide β UTHS provides a free PDF study guide for each exam
- Schedule your exam β Exams are taken online with a proctor
Exam Format and Rules
Here's what to expect on exam day:
- Format: Multiple choice questions
- Questions: Approximately 50 questions per semester exam
- Time limit: 2 hours (120 minutes)
- Passing score: 70% or higher
- Proctored: Online with a live proctor monitoring via webcam
- Maximum attempts: You can take each exam up to 2 times only
Important: Texas law limits CBE attempts to 2 per exam. If you fail twice, you cannot retake that specific exam and must complete the full course instead. This makes proper preparation essential.
Exam Content β TEKS Standards
All CBE exams are aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards. TEKS is the state curriculum framework that defines what students should know and be able to do in each subject and grade level.
When preparing for CBE, you should study specifically for the TEKS categories covered in your exam. Each question on the CBE maps to a specific TEKS standard.
Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| CBE Exam (per semester) | $70 |
| Full course (Semester A + B) | $140 |
| UTHS Study Guide | Free (PDF) |
| Texas CBEβ’ Exam Prep | $19.99 per subject (A+B included) |
With $140 at stake per course (and only 2 attempts allowed), investing $19.99 in proper preparation is a smart decision. Our platform gives you unlimited practice with the exact TEKS standards and exam format.
How to Prepare with Texas CBEβ’
Our platform is specifically designed to maximize your chances of passing on the first attempt:
- TEKS-Aligned Question Bank β Every practice question maps to the exact TEKS standards tested on the real CBE
- Unlimited Mock Exams β Take as many practice tests as you need with the same format, timing, and passing score
- Instant AI Tutoring β Get step-by-step explanations for every wrong answer, powered by AI
- Weak Point Targeting β Our smart engine identifies questions you missed and re-tests them until you master the material
- TEKS Category Analysis β See exactly which TEKS categories need improvement with visual progress tracking
- Smart Question Rotation β No repeated questions β every practice session is fresh and efficient
Tips for Success
- Start early β Give yourself at least 2-4 weeks of preparation time
- Use the UTHS Study Guide β It's free and gives you an overview of what's covered
- Practice with our mock exams β The more you practice under timed conditions, the more confident you'll be
- Focus on weak areas β Don't waste time on topics you already know. Use our TEKS analysis to target your weak spots
- Aim for 80%+ β The passing score is 70%, but aim higher to give yourself a comfortable margin
- Take it seriously β Remember, you only get 2 attempts. Treat each practice session like the real exam
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take CBE for any course?
UTHS offers CBE for most core high school courses (grades 9-12). Check the UTHS website for the complete list of available exams.
Do colleges accept CBE credits?
Yes. CBE credits appear on your official high school transcript just like regular course credits. Colleges see them as equivalent to completing the course.
Can I take Semester B without taking Semester A?
Generally, you should take both semesters to earn the full course credit. However, if you've already earned credit for one semester through other means, you may only need to take the remaining semester.
What if I fail?
You can retake the exam one more time (2 attempts total). If you fail both attempts, you'll need to complete the full course through traditional enrollment.
Is the exam proctored?
Yes. CBE exams are taken online with a live proctor who monitors you via webcam throughout the test.