The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) is a mandatory standardized test that must be completed by prospective educators seeking their first teaching and education credentials in California and Oregon. Developed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and administered by National Evaluation Systems, Inc. (NES), teachers, administration officials, and other school staff are tested on basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills at the elementary, middle school, high school, and higher education levels. The CBEST does not measure an individual's teaching capabilities in the classroom.
To register to take the CBEST, prospective teachers must fill out the online registration form and pay the CBEST registration fee. Additional fees may be applied for requested copies of test scores and a constructed-response score verification for each section. The CBEST exam is now deliverable as three different sections and may be taken online or in-person at a designated testing center. Test questions typically include multiple-choice or essay responses and each test has its own set session length for which exams must be completed.
Prospective California- and Oregon-based educators taking the CBEST will be tested on their basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills in order to teach at the elementary and secondary grade levels. There are three ways to take the CBEST: a paper-based test administered at a testing center, a computer-based test administered at a testing center and an online-proctored test taken at your home. Test takers who are registered to take the paper version of the CBEST exam at a testing center have four hours to complete one, two, or all three sections in one sitting. However, it's important to note that the paper-based test is being retired and all CBEST test dates scheduled for it are tentative.
The computer-based and online versions of the CBEST sections are broken down as follows:
| CBEST Section | Session Length | Types of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 2 hours | 50 multiple-choice questions |
| Reading | 1.5 hours | 50 multiple-choice questions |
| Writing | 1.5 hours | 2 essays |
Individuals must meet a score of 123 for all three CBEST sections in order to pass and receive their teaching credentials, meaning each section has a scaled score of 41 points. Test takers can attain the CBEST passing score if they receive a 37 on one or two of the sections, but may not do so if they score lower than 37 points on any one section.
Prospective teachers taking the CBEST sections are encouraged to study and prepare for their exams in order to receive a passing score. We will discuss test preparation in a later section.
Individuals registered to take CBEST Math can expect a series of word problems that measure their ability to demonstrate the following types of math skills:
Test takers may not use a calculator to complete the CBEST mathematics section.
The CBEST Reading aims to measure an individual's ability to grasp the information found in written passages, tables, graphs, etc. While test takers are able to answer the questions based on the content in the provided passages, they can expect the reading test to draw from several different topics and fields.
The reading section focuses on two significant reading comprehension skillsets:
A majority of the test questions typically draw from reading comprehension and research skillsets.
The CBEST Writing includes two essays to demonstrate a prospective teacher's ability to write clearly and effectively.
Test takers can expect to complete the following two types of essays:
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The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) provides various preparation materials on its website for a variety of credentialing exams, including the CBEST. In addition to breaking down the testing specifications for the three sections, preparation materials also include CBEST practice tests in PDF format. An answer key can be found at the end of each CBEST practice test for prospective test takers to find out their scores and areas in need of improvement.
Additionally, online test takers should review the computer-based testing tutorial materials found on the California CTC website. The materials include an interactive online test that prospective test takers can launch in another tab. The interactive tutorial allows individuals to practice navigating the exam, select answers, learn how to use the on-screen calculators, reference materials, and access various features.
Other free CBEST practice questions and resources are available online, as well. Prospective CBEST test takers are encouraged to utilize these preparation materials in order to become acquainted with the exam content and effectively pass with a sufficient score.
Typically, CBEST mathematics preparation resources cover the main areas of mathematical skills assessed in the exam. Test takers should have an understanding of the following concepts:
It is advisable for individuals to take CBEST Math practice test to better prepare for their exams and be able to answer the questions in the time allotted to them. Once again, CTC CBEST practice tests can be found on the California CTC website or through third-party CBEST test prep websites.
Online CBEST reading practice exams offer sample multiple-choice questions that prepare test takers for the reading section. The following specifications are typically covered in the materials for CBEST Reading Test Prep and should be reviewed prior to taking the exam:
Similar to the mathematics preparation materials, practicing using sample CBEST reading sections will allow test takers to familiarize themselves with the content and effectively answer the questions in a timely manner.
In preparing for the CBEST Writing test, test takers should practice demonstrating their analytical skills in developing expository prose, as well as writing about a personal experience. In doing so, individuals should ensure that their writing is clear and comprehensive, guarantees the reader can easily follow along, provides well-developed and illustrative ideas, and steers clear of internal contradictions, unjustified inferences, and misperceptions of fact and personal view.
Individuals preparing for the writing section of the CBEST should review the practice materials available online, including the performance characteristics and score point descriptions that are used to score their writing. For example, reviewers will look for organization, supported information, word choice, structure, and style.
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Create AccountRegardless of the CBEST test format (computer-based testing, at-home online proctoring, or paper-based testing), individuals can expect to receive their exam information in an email, including their section selection(s), testing time, testing date, and the testing center, if applicable. Test takers must arrive at their testing centers at least 15 minutes prior to the exam and bring with them the proper photo identification and a printed copy of their appointment confirmation. If taking a paper-based exam, test takers are expected to bring No. 2 pencils with them, as the testing center often will not provide these materials; otherwise, individuals will not be allowed to bring writing utensils to a computer-based exam.
Those who have registered for CBEST online proctoring will be able to sign into their account and begin their exam according to their designated timeframe. Individuals must have access to a single-monitor laptop or desktop computer and be prepared to take their exam in a quiet, distraction-free environment. Additionally, test takers will still be required to provide their government-issued identification before beginning their exam session.
Although restroom breaks are allowed during the exam, those breaks will be counted towards the allotted testing time. For those who are registered to take all three sections, a break will be scheduled during the exam. Those taking the online-proctored exam are not allowed breaks.
Upon completion of the CBEST test, whether the finished test is submitted first or the session ends, test takers will be dismissed from the testing room or logged out of the exam.
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Bryan McMahon, M.A. is a high school biology and special education teacher in New Jersey with over 14 years of teaching experience. He has hundreds of hours of experience tutoring aspiring teachers to take the CSET/CBEST exam suite. He has successfully passed the science and special education Praxis exams. Bryan completed a B.S. in Education from Seton Hall University and an M.A. in Teaching from Mangrove College.
Individuals may access several CBEST exam preparation materials, including practice exams and computer-based interactive tutorials on the California CTC website. Test takers are also encouraged to review the provided tutorials in preparation for the computer-based exam. Additionally, there are several CBEST practice exams available through third-party websites; however, individuals should review the test content to ensure practice exams cover the necessary exam topics.
The CBEST mathematics section consists of multiple-choice questions that cover basic math skills, such as the units of measurement, estimation, simple arithmetic equations, and problem-solving of whole numbers. Fractions, decimals, percentages; and graphic relationships are also covered..
The CBEST is broken up into three separate sections: mathematics, reading, and writing, allowing individuals to register and take the different sections separately or in one testing session. Aside from the writing section which requires test takers to compose two essays, the CBEST exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions for the mathematics and reading sections. Each section allots 1.5 hours to complete.
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