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Credit by Exam

Credit by Exam information

Credit by Exam (CBE) allows students to earn grade-level or course credit by passing an exam. All exams are based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

  • Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in and attending a EMS ISD school (if school is in session) to participate.
  • Grades K–8: Students may test to advance one full grade level.
  • High School Courses: Students may earn credit for courses they have not yet taken, or in some cases, for courses they previously attempted but did not pass.
Credit by Exam may be used for:

  • Grade-level acceleration (skipping a grade, grades K-8 only)

  • Course or subject acceleration (testing out of a class, grades 3-12)

  • Credit recovery with prior instruction (failed course grades 6-12)

Types of Credit by Exam

 

Credit Recovery 
(Secondary Grades Only)
This option is for students who have already received instruction but did not earn credit.
 
Eligibility and Requirements
  • Available for students in grades 6–12
  • Used for credit recovery or validating coursework
  • Cost: $25 cash-only per exam (non-refundable)
  • Passing score: 70% or higher
  • High school courses require Part A and Part B to earn full credit
    • Each part costs $25 -Example: English II A ($25) + English II B ($25) = $50
  • Exams are offered during all four testing windows
  • Earned credit and exam scores are recorded on the student’s transcript
  • GPA impact applies per Board Policy
Course or Subject Acceleration
(Testing Out of a Course)
This option is for students who want to earn credit without taking the course.
 
Eligibility and Requirements
  • Available for students in grades 1–12 without prior instruction
  • Used for course or subject acceleration
  • Deposit: $25 cash-only per exam
  • Passing score: 80% or higher on each exam
  • Deposits are refunded after all testing is completed
  • Exams are offered during all four testing windows
 
Single-Subject Acceleration 
Single-subject acceleration allows a student to advance in one subject area only.
Grades 3–5 (Mathematics Only)
  • Math acceleration may be requested
  • Student must score 80% or higher
  • Campus recommendation and parent approval are required
Grades 6–8
  • Select courses are available; please contact the school counselor for a list of approved courses.
  • Student must score 80% or higher
  • Subject placement is determined by the campus
Grades 9–12
  • Used for course acceleration or testing out of a course
  • Student must score 80% or higher to earn credit
  • Earned credit is recorded on the student’s transcript
  • GPA impact applies per Board Policy
Grade-Level Acceleration (Skipping a Grade)
Grade-level acceleration allows a student to skip an entire grade.
 
Eligibility and Requirements
  • Available for students in Kindergarten–8th grade
  • Testing is offered during summer sessions only
  • Students must score 80% or higher in all required subjects:
    • Language Arts
    • Mathematics
    • Science
    • Social Studies
  • Deposit: $25 cash-only per subject exam
    • Total deposit per grade level: $100
    • Deposits are refunded after all exams are completed
Grade-Level Details
Kindergarten to Grade 1
  • Students must be enrolled in a EMS ISD school to participate.
  • Student must be 5 years old by September 1
  • Must score 80% or higher in all four (4) required subjects
  • Parent/guardian must request testing for placement
Grades 1–5
  • Students may request full grade-level acceleration
  • Must score 80% or higher in all four (4) required subjects
Grades 6–8
  • Used for full grade-level acceleration
  • Must score 80% or higher in all four (4) required subjects

Application Information

 

Testing Dates and Application Deadlines

Testing Window Application Deadline Test Date(s)
Fall

September 4, 2026

 October 13, 2026

Spring

January 15, 2027

 February 16, 2027

Summer

April 16, 2027

 June 2-3, 2027

Summer

May 14, 2027

 July 13-14, 2027

 

Study Guides

Core Subjects (English, Math, Science, Social Studies)
UT High School Study Guide:   https://highschool.utexas.edu/cbe_study_guides
 
World Languages
 
 

 

Application Process

  • The Credit by Exam application must be submitted to the student’s home campus by the posted deadline
  • Applications must include:
    • School counselor signature
    • Principal signature
    • Required deposit or exam fees
  • Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted
  • Testing is offered only on scheduled district dates
  • For questions, please contact your campus counselor or administrator
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Application