Back to CBE Guide
Texas STAAR Algebra I EOC: What's Required to Graduate — and How to Practice
CBE Guide

Texas STAAR Algebra I EOC: What's Required to Graduate — and How to Practice

Texas CBE Team· May 23, 2026· 6 min read· 808 views
ENKOESVNCN

If you're in Texas, the STAAR Algebra I EOC (End-of-Course exam) is the math test you need to pass to graduate. And this one's our home turf: Texas Credit by Examination (CBE)™ is a Texas-built, TEKS-aligned practice platform — preparing for the Algebra I EOC is exactly what we're made for.

Here's the honest, fact-based breakdown of what's required and how to practice for it.

What's required to graduate in Texas

  • Five EOCs: students must pass five STAAR end-of-course exams — Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology, and U.S. History. Algebra I is the math one.
  • What the Algebra I EOC covers: the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Algebra 1 — linear equations & inequalities, functions, slope and graphing, systems, quadratics, and exponential relationships.
  • Individual Graduation Committee (IGC): a student who has attempted all required EOCs and failed no more than two may be able to graduate through an IGC determination, convened at or after the end of grade 11.
  • Algebra I alternate: a student who fails the Algebra I EOC twice but scores at the college-ready (proficient) level on the TSI math assessment may be considered to have met the Algebra I requirement.

(Requirements change over time — Texas has approved a new state assessment to replace STAAR beginning in 2027–28, though Algebra 1 and the TEKS remain the foundation. Always confirm the current rules with your school counselor.)

What the Algebra I EOC really tests

Strip away the test name and the STAAR Algebra I EOC comes down to the core Algebra 1 skills every strong math student needs:

  • Linear equations & inequalities, and solving for unknowns.
  • Functions, function notation, and interpreting graphs.
  • Slope, rate of change, and writing linear equations.
  • Systems of equations and inequalities.
  • Quadratic and exponential relationships.

Master those and you're not just ready for the EOC — you're set up for Geometry, Algebra 2, and everything that follows.

How our practice helps you prepare

Texas CBE™ gives you an independently authored Algebra 1 question bank built to the TEKS, plus full-length, timed mock exams modeled after the official Texas exam format (multiple choice, full length). You get instant scoring and a worked explanation on every question, plus free lessons on topics like slope & linear graphs and quadratic functions. It's a strong fit for first-time EOC prep and especially for retake prep.

Going further? The same Algebra 1 mastery powers Texas Credit by Exam — testing out of a course to accelerate. See our guide on reaching Calculus early by accelerating the math ladder.

An honest note on alignment

We're proudly TEKS-aligned, but we won't pretend to be the official test. Our material is independently authored — we are not affiliated with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) or the STAAR program, and we don't reproduce any official test's questions. We also don't claim a precise percentage match to STAAR or promise a passing score — we focus on the TEKS Algebra 1 skills the EOC draws on. Before relying on it, confirm your exact requirements with your school.

Try it free

Start with free sample questions on every subject (no signup needed). Full-length mock-exam access is $19.99 for 6 months (currently 33% off the $29.99 list price) — less than a single tutoring hour, whether you're prepping in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, or anywhere in Texas.


Need to pass STAAR Algebra 1 EOC to graduate? The fastest way to know where your child stands is a free sample — before signing up or paying anything. Try Algebra 1, Geometry, Biology, Algebra 2, Chemistry, or U.S. History — no signup required. Scoring 85%+ cold on the sample is a good sign they're tracking well for the actual STAAR EOC.

Wondering how the EOC actually appears on the transcript and how Texas colleges read it? See our EOC Credit on the Transcript — How Texas Colleges Read It guide.

This article is for general information only and is not legal or educational advice. Texas graduation requirements, the STAAR Algebra I EOC, Individual Graduation Committee rules, and the transition to a new state assessment are set by the Texas Education Agency and change over time — always verify the current specifics with your school counselor or the TEA. Texas CBE™ is an independent practice platform; it is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) or the STAAR program, the Texas Education Agency (TEA), UT High School, Texas Tech University ISD, the College Board, or any school district, and it does not administer any exam or grant academic credit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What score do I need to pass STAAR Algebra 1 EOC for graduation?
Approaches Grade Level — the lowest of four reported performance tiers. The exact scale-score cut is set by the State Board of Education and published on TEA's assessment site.
What is the Individual Graduation Committee (IGC)?
Under Texas Education Code §28.0258, a student who fails no more than two STAAR EOCs may be eligible for an IGC review. The committee — principal, teacher of the failed subject, department head, counselor, and parent — can determine graduation eligibility based on the student's overall record.
How often can I retake the STAAR Algebra 1 EOC?
Unlimited. STAAR retakes are free, with three administration windows per year (December, spring, summer). Only the highest score counts toward graduation.
Is the STAAR Algebra 1 EOC the same as the Algebra 1 CBE?
No. STAAR is the state-mandated end-of-course exam at the end of an Algebra 1 class — it's a graduation requirement. CBE is an alternative path for earning Algebra 1 credit without taking the course. Same TEKS standards, different purpose, different format.
What if I fail three STAAR EOCs?
IGC eligibility caps at two EOC failures. With three or more, IGC is typically not available, and the student would need to retake the EOCs until they reach Approaches or pursue alternative paths like the GED for the TxCHSE.
Sources
  1. Texas Education Agency (TEA) — State agency that publishes TEKS and STAAR rules
  2. Texas Education Code §28.0258 — Individual Graduation Committee (IGC) eligibility and process
  3. Cambium Assessment — STAAR online delivery platform
  4. Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 101 (STAAR EOC)

Ready to start practicing?

Try free sample questions and see how prepared you are.

Browse Subjects