The CBEST stands for the California Basic Education Skills Test; it's used to assess basic knowledge in the areas of reading, mathematics, and writing that are deemed necessary in order to teach in the state of California. The test only covers knowledge in these topics, not teaching skills. For example, an aspiring educator would take this test to demonstrate that they have enough knowledge in these subjects to teach in schools, but they may take other tests to measure their ability to actually teach. The three sections of the test can be taken together or separately.
There are three different ways you can take the test: computer-based, online-proctored, or on-paper. Computer-based and on-paper tests are done at an approved testing center, while online-proctored tests can be done from home with a proctor supervising. All three types of tests must be scheduled on available dates. As of April 2021, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) has decided to phase out the paper-based tests, so if you choose that option, test dates are tentative and may be subject to cancellation. Additionally, paper-based tests are limited, so choose your test type wisely.
CBEST registration must be done before taking the test, and there are various fees associated with it. CBEST costs are different for each candidate depending on the type of test they choose and their specific needs.
| Computer-Based Test | Paper-Based Test | Online-Proctored Test | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $30 per section | $41 per registration | $30 per section |
| Emergency Registration Fee | -- | $35 (in addition to test fee) | -- |
| Late Registration Fee | -- | $18 (in addition to test fee) | -- |
| Additional Copy of Test Results | $10 | $10 | $10 |
| Change of Registration | No fee | No fee | No fee |
| Score verification (for constructed-response section of one subtest) | $50 | $50 | $50 |
| Fee to clear an account | $20 | $20 | $20 |
A CBEST waiver is not available; the CTC does not provide any financial assistance towards examination costs. However, if you are part of a preparation program, you may be able to secure funding through the program.
There are three sections of the CBEST test with multiple-choice and constructed-response questions. They are:
Registering for a test type that works for you is essential to doing your best on test day. Whether you prefer computer-based, online-proctored, or paper-based, registering for the appropriate one is as important as taking the test. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of test.
Computer-based tests can be done at an approved testing center, which could help you focus since you are in an environment that is designed for testing. However, you may not live very close to any testing centers and may have to drive a significant distance, so you should plan accordingly. Computer-based tests are offered Monday-Saturday year-round, which is great for availability, but seating is limited and is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. You can take breaks during the computer-based test, but it counts toward your total test time.
All three subsections are taken separately for the computer-based test, so individual registration is required. Test takers who choose this option get one and a half hours for CBEST Reading, two hours for CBEST Math, and one and a half hours for CBEST Writing.
Online-proctored tests can be done from home, which can be beneficial for those who need the comfort of home to perform well on the test or who need special accommodations that may not be able to be met at a testing center. But while an online proctor will be supervising you for the test, being at home may provide some distraction that can impact your score. Breaks are not allowed and online-proctored tests are only available for one week each month. Additionally, there are some extra rules for the online-proctored test, such as:
Lastly, if your computer is having technical issues and the test does not work or cannot be administered, you will have to cancel.
Just like the computer-based tests, each section of the online-proctored test is registered for and taken separately. Test takers get one and a half hours for Reading, two hours for Mathematics, and one and a half hours for Writing.
Paper-based tests may be suitable for those who have any sensitivities to computer screens or who just prefer to take the test on paper. Keep in mind that the paper-based test has an odd scheduling system, which registers you for all three sections of the test at one time. However, it's up to you whether you choose to take all three subsections, two, or one in an allotted 4-hour testing session. If all 3 subsections are taken together, you will pay less than taking one or two at a time. Regardless of how many subsections you choose to take at a time, you will only get four hours per session. CBEST results take longer to receive for paper-based testing. Lastly, paper-based tests are being phased out as of April 2021, so testing availability is limited, tentative, and subject to cancellation; registration may be more difficult.
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Create AccountCBEST registration must be done on the computer regardless of the type of test you will take. CBEST test registration begins with visiting the CTC website. You'll then take these steps:
If this is your first time taking a test with the CTC, you will need to create an account to register for the test. If you already have an account, you will have to sign in.
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Create AccountYou may be wondering where to take the CBEST test; luckily, there are several CBEST test centers in different locations across the state. CBEST test registration must be done on the CTC website, but scheduling a test is done through Pearson. To schedule a test on the Pearson website, click 'take a test' from the homepage, and from there, scroll down and click 'Schedule your exam.' There will be an A-Z program list where you can find the CBEST page. The page will remind you to register for the exam, but underneath will be a link to register for the CBEST.
Paper-based testing centers are limited, so if that is the testing option you've chosen, then it is important you register and schedule as soon as possible so available seats don't fill up. There are approximately 20 paper-based testing locations across the state of California. CBEST test dates for the paper-based test vary by location.
During the process of CBEST test registration, several emails may be sent to you. Firstly, if you have created an account on the CTC's website, you may receive an email with your account information and an option to confirm or verify.
When you complete CBEST registration for the paper-based test, you will receive an email that acknowledges that you have submitted a registration, followed by another email one business day later with confirmation of your registration. You are not officially registered until you have received this confirmation email. During your registration for the paper-based test, you will be able to choose a test time and location. A third email with an admission ticket to this location will be sent after registration. Those who are taking the computer-based and online-proctored tests will only receive a confirmation email after scheduling their test appointment. During registration, no matter the type of test you choose, you may select to have your CBEST scores emailed to you.
Lindsey Seril, M.Ed. has worked as a teacher for 8 years. She passed the CSET and CBEST exams while obtaining her license. Lindsey also holds Montessori teacher certifications for early childhood and elementary school. She earned her M.Ed. from St. Catherine's University and her Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies from Sonoma State University.
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Yes, you can take the CBEST at home by choosing the online-proctored option. The CBEST cost for taking the test at home is no different than the computer-based option.
You may take the CBEST test as many times as you need to. You don't have to retake the whole test, just the sections you've failed. You may retake a section you've passed if you believe it will help your score, but keep in mind the CBEST cost for testing remains the same no matter how many times you retake it.
Yes, you have to pay to retake the CBEST test. The CBEST cost remains the same for retakes; so if you paid $30 per section for the initial test, you will still have to pay $30 per section for a retake.
The cost can depend on which section of the test you're taking and what type of test option you choose (online, computer, paper). CBEST registration is $30 per section for the computer and online-proctored tests and $41 for the paper-based test. This doesn't include late or emergency registration fees, which are extra.
Use the Pearson website to schedule your exam. The website will link you to the CTC exams' website that provides CBEST test dates and locations. Make sure you are signed in and select which date you want.
