Credit By Exam Assessment
What the assessment is
Credit By Exam (CBE) allows students to demonstrate mastery of grade-level or course content without prior instruction to:
- Accelerate to the next grade level (K–5)
- Accelerate in a specific subject (K–12)
- Earn high school course credit.
- Validate credit for students entering RISD from non-accredited schools or homeschool settings.
RISD administers CBEs quarterly, as required by Texas law.
Who takes it
Students may take a CBE if:
- They are enrolled in RISD
- A parent/guardian provides consent.
- The family has consulted with their campus counselor.
- The student has not received prior instruction at the grade level or course (for acceleration)
Additional guidelines:
- Students may test once per window (Jan–Mar, Apr–Jun, Jul–Sept, Oct–Dec)
- Students may attempt a CBE no more than twice.
- Second attempt must be from Texas Tech University (TTU)
For more information, please see RISD’s Acceleration page and read the Guide for RISD Parents Considering Acceleration.
When it’s offered
CBEs are offered quarterly. The 2025–2026 testing windows include:
December Test Administration
- Application deadline: November 14, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
- Test dates: December 9 & 10, 2025
Summer Test Administrations
- Application deadline: May 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
- Test dates:
- June 9 & 10, 2026
- July 7 & 8, 2026
Registration process
The family speaks with the homeroom teacher or counselor to determine if acceleration is appropriate. Parent/guardian completes and submits the online CBE application by the posted deadline.
Advanced Learning Programs & Services orders the required exams (UT is the primary vendor).
Families receive an email notification with the date, time, and location of testing.
If the student earns the qualifying score, a placement committee reviews results and makes a final decision.
Advanced Learning Programs & Services notifies families and campuses of the outcome.
How results are shared
- Students taking CBEs must score 80% or higher to earn credit or advance.
- After testing, results are reviewed and certified by:
- District Director of Advanced Learning
- District Advanced Learning Specialist
- Families are notified by Advanced Learning Programs & Services.
- Records appear as follows:
Kindergarten
- “Kindergarten Acceleration” is added if both tests are passed; otherwise, no entry is made.
Elementary (Grades 1–5)
- Must score 80+ on all four tests to accelerate
- Only successful examinations appear on the permanent record
Secondary (Grades 6–12)
- Scores of 80+ recorded on:
- Permanent record (6–8)
- AAR transcript (9–12)
- Credit is on-level, not Honors/AP.
- If 80 is not earned, no record is added.
Resources
Study Guides:
- University of Texas (UT) – Provided when families register through RISD
- Texas Tech University (TTU) – Required for second attempts; families download study guides independently
Additional Notes:
- UT allows read-aloud for Kindergarten only
- Students in grades 2–3 must read independently.
- CBEs for Prior Instruction/Verification of Credit receive study guides through the campus.
Contact Information
District Contact
Sara Mooney, Advanced Learning Specialist
Email: sara.mooney@risd.org
Phone: 469-593-4557
Parent FAQs
A student may attempt a CBE twice, and the second attempt must be from Texas Tech University.
RISD does not charge for the first attempt. If families request a TTU exam, they must purchase it.
Students must score 80% or higher on required exams. For grades 1–5, all four core tests must meet 80+.
No. All CBE credit is recorded as regular on-level credit.
Some high school courses still require EOC exams to meet state graduation requirements.
Families should begin by speaking with the homeroom teacher or counselor, who can review readiness indicators.
A placement committee reviews results and determines appropriate placement. The district notifies families and campuses.
Depending on grade level and campus, students may access:
- In-person instruction at feeder campuses
- Online zero-hour courses taught by RISD teachers
- On-campus advanced math offerings (ex, Algebra 2 for 8th grade)