Texas Credit by Examination (CBE): passing scores, grade acceleration, testing windows and cost
Texas lets students earn credit or skip a grade by exam: Credit by Examination (CBE). It is set by state law (Texas Education Code §28.023) and state rule (19 TAC §74.24), so every public school district follows it. Students who already learned the material in Korea can show it on an exam instead of retaking the course.
Based on the Texas Education Agency's page and the text of 19 TAC §74.24 (checked 2026-10-22). The June 2026 State Board of Education item was the annual audit report of the exam providers — no rule change.
Two uses — credit and acceleration
| Case | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Credit for a high school course never taken | 80% or higher, or AP 3+, or CLEP scaled score 50+ | 19 TAC §74.24(c)(8) · TEA |
| Credit for a course already taken | 70% or higher, subject to local policy | 19 TAC §74.24(c)(12) · TEA |
| Skip a grade in grades 1–5 | 80% in each of language arts, math, science and social studies for the grade to skip, plus a district recommendation and written parent approval | 19 TAC §74.24(b)(2) |
| Kindergarten acceleration | No score in the rule; the district sets board-approved procedures | 19 TAC §74.24(b)(1) |
- The rule text says credit with no prior instruction applies to grades 6–12; TEA's page says grades 9–12. Middle schoolers seeking high school credit should ask the district first.
- For each high school course, the local board approves at least four exams where available — from UT Austin, Texas Tech, the district, or another qualified provider.
Testing windows — at least four a year
Districts must offer at least one window each quarter: Jan 1–Mar 31, Apr 1–Jun 30, Jul 1–Sep 30, Oct 1–Dec 31. A student may take a specific exam once per window, and attempt a high school course at most twice. TEA does not schedule exams — ask your district's testing office or school counselor for dates and deadlines.
Cost
- Free through the district — the rule bars districts from charging for acceleration or credit exams.
- Bought individually, the providers list:
- UT Austin High School: online remote exam $80; yearlong world language exams $125
- Texas Tech K-12: $65 exam + $15 online proctoring = $80 (non-refundable)
- Schools may differ on accepting individually purchased scores — ask the school counselor before you buy. Texas Tech also tells students to talk to an adviser or counselor first.
For students arriving from Korea
- See the counselor first — bring English transcripts and ask which courses CBE can cover; it helps most where a student is ahead, such as math.
- Exams are in English — ask about English learner (ESL) support too.
- Korean language — we did not find Korean exams on the UT Austin or Texas Tech CBE pages; ask the district.
- Two attempts per course — prepare before testing.
District dates and online practice — Texas CBE™ (a JOBnaru™ partner site)
Dates and deadlines differ by district, so one place that collects them and lets students practice helps. Texas CBE™ is a partner site run alongside JOBnaru™; the details below are as stated on its pages (checked 2026-10-22).
1. CBE dates by district — See Texas CBE dates by district
- One table for 28 Texas districts: testing windows and dates, the parent "apply by" deadline, and grade or course limits.
- Dates are copied from each district's published calendar, with the date each district was last checked.
- The district's own page is the authority — confirm with your campus counselor before you file.
2. Online practice quizzes by subject — See subjects
- Subjects: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and U.S. History — 8 subjects aligned to the TEKS.
- Free sample quizzes with no sign-up (Quiz A and Quiz B for each subject); the free plan includes 10 sample questions per exam with an answer key.
- Every question has a worked solution and explains why the tempting wrong choice is wrong; timed mock exams simulate the real test.
- The paid option is $29.99 per subject for 3 months, unlocking the full question bank and unlimited mocks — not a subscription.
- U.S. History covers the multiple-choice portion only.
- There is also prep for AP (Calculus AB and BC, Physics 1, Precalculus), AMC 8, 10 and 12, and SAT and PSAT math.
Texas CBE™ describes itself as an independent practice platform, not affiliated with the Texas Education Agency, UT High School or school districts. The actual CBE is taken through the district (or UT Austin or Texas Tech).
Related
- Schools & youth sports in Austin & Taylor
- Schools & youth sports in Dallas & Plano
- Texas car insurance & driver license guide
- Jobs in Texas
Rules and provider details can change — confirm with your district before testing. Checked 2026-10-22.
Cite this article as: JOBnaru™ — https://jobnaru.com/en/news/texas-credit-by-examination-cbe-guide
Questions
What is Texas Credit by Examination (CBE)?
A program set by Texas law (TEC §28.023) and state rule (19 TAC §74.24) that lets students earn course credit or skip a grade by exam. A district may not charge students for these exams when they test through the district.
What score is needed?
For a high school course with no prior instruction, 80% or higher (or an AP score of 3+, or a CLEP scaled score of 50+). For a course already taken, 70% or higher under local policy. To skip a grade in grades 1–5, 80% in each of language arts, math, science and social studies, plus a district recommendation and written parent approval.
When can students test?
Districts must offer at least one testing window each quarter (Jan–Mar, Apr–Jun, Jul–Sep, Oct–Dec). A student may take a specific exam once per window and attempt a high school course at most twice. Ask your district's testing office for exact dates.
Does it cost anything?
Free through the school district. Bought individually, both UT Austin High School and Texas Tech K-12 list an online exam at $80. Ask your school first whether it will accept an individually purchased score.
Can students earn Korean language credit by exam?
We did not find Korean-language exams on the UT Austin or Texas Tech CBE pages. Ask your district counselor how Korean language credit can be earned.
Sources
- Credit by Examination — Texas Education Agency (TEA)
- 19 Tex. Admin. Code § 74.24 - Credit by Examination — 19 Texas Administrative Code §74.24 (text via Cornell LII)
- Credit by Exam — The University of Texas at Austin High School
- Credit by Exam — Texas Tech University K-12
- June 2026 Committee on Instruction Item 1 (annual CBE audit report — no rule change) — Texas State Board of Education (SBOE)
General information as of Oct 23, 2026, not legal or immigration advice. Confirm with the employer, an immigration attorney or official sources before you act.
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