If you need help studying for the STAAR Biology test or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place.
Click below to take a free STAAR Biology practice test!
What’s on the Test?
The STAAR Biology test contains 45 questions and is timed at 4 hours. Some of the questions on the test are multiple-choice, but many of the questions fall under one of the following question types:
- Multiselect
- Multipart
- Hot text
- Hot spot
- Inline choice
- Drag and drop
- Text entry
- Constructed response
Let’s take a closer look at the five sections of the test:
1. CELL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
8-10 questions
- Cell theory
- Cell components
- Cell membrane
- Cellular processes
2. MECHANISMS OF GENETICS
8-10 questions
- DNA structure
- Genetic variation
- Mendelian genetics
- Modern genetics
3. BIOLOGICAL EVOLUTION AND CLASSIFICATION
8-10 questions
- Theories of evolution
- Evidence of evolution
- Classification systems
- Diversity of life
4. BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES AND SYSTEMS
8-10 questions
- Homeostasis
- Body systems
- Plant systems
- Energy flow
5. INTERDEPENDENCE WITHIN ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS
8-10 questions
- Ecosystem dynamics
- Biotic and abiotic factors
- Human impact on the environment
- Ecological succession and biodiversity
STAAR Test Scores
The STAAR Biology test is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
For every question you answer correctly, you get one point added to your raw score, which can reach a maximum of 78 points. At the end of the test, your final raw score will be converted to a scaled score. This scaled score will range somewhere between 1420 and 6750.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone that takes the test is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
Your final score will fall into one of four performance levels:
AI Grading for the STAAR Test
In an effort to save time and money, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) implemented a “hybrid-scoring” model in 2024, which involves using a computer system to help grade STAAR tests. Specifically, the computer will grade about 75% of the test, then hand it over to a human to grade the last 25%.
Retaking the Test
If you didn’t get the score you wanted on your first try, that’s okay! You can take the test again during any testing administration window.
STAAR Biology Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
FAQs
How many questions are on the STAAR Biology test?
The test contains 45 questions in total.
What is the time limit for the STAAR Biology test?
The test is timed at 4 hours. However, TEA no longer enforces a strict maximum time for STAAR tests, which means you are allowed to continue taking the test up to end of the school day if you need to.
What is a good STAAR Biology test score?
To fall under a performance level that meets or exceeds your grade level, you should aim for a scaled score of at least 4000.