Texas CBE Exam Breakdown: Subjects, TEKS, Questions & Pass Rates
What Exactly Is on the Texas CBE Exam?
If you're preparing for a Texas Credit by Exam (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.
📐 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: Cell Structure & Function (TEKS 4A-4B), Cell Transport & Energy (TEKS 4C, 9A-9C), DNA & Protein Synthesis (TEKS 6A-6F), Cell Division & Mitosis (TEKS 5A-5D), Genetics & Heredity (TEKS 6G-6H)
- Semester B: Evolution & Natural Selection (TEKS 7A-7E), Classification & Taxonomy (TEKS 8A-8C), Ecology & Ecosystems (TEKS 11A-11D, 12A-12F), Body Systems (TEKS 10A-10C), Biochemistry (TEKS 9A-9D)
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
- Start with Free Practice — Every subject has free sample questions. Take them first to identify your weak areas.
- Focus on TEKS, Not Textbooks — The exam tests specific TEKS standards. Study the standards, not random topics.
- Use Mock Exams — Our mock exams simulate the real test: same question count, same time limit, same 80% passing score.
- Review Explanations — After each practice question, read the explanation carefully. Understanding why an answer is correct is more valuable than memorizing it.
- 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.
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.