Create your account, risk-free
What best describes you?
Access thousands of practice questions so that there are no surprises on the exam
The correct answers are highlighted with green below. Create an account to keep studying for the CBEST Writing.
Easy-to-follow study guides, practice tests and resources.
Create AccountThe CBEST Assessment, or California Basic Educational Skills Test CBEST, is a three-part assessment for those who wish to become certified as educators in the State of California. The test is proctored and may be taken at a testing center or remotely. The test can currently be taken in online format, as the paper-based test was discontinued in April 2021.
The three parts of the test consist of the following:
The CBEST fulfills the basic skills requirement for candidates applying to a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing-approved program, substitute teachers, and candidates for initial licensure.
Easy-to-follow study guides, practice tests and resources.
Create AccountThe CBEST Writing Test consists of two essays. Overall, a one-hour and 20-minute block is allotted for both CBEST writing prompts, so all of the necessary work must be done inside of this block. To avoid going over the allotted time period, a good idea is to look at the CBEST writing examples beforehand to get a general sense of what to expect and get a feel for the format of the test ahead of time.
| Test Name | CBEST Writing |
| Test Cost | $30 |
| Number of Questions | 2 essays |
| Time Allotted | 90 min |
| Test Sections | 1. One of the essay questions asks examinees to write about a remembered experience 2. The other question is designed to elicit expository prose that will permit writers to demonstrate their analytic skills |
There are two CBEST writing prompts on the essay portion of the test: a referential essay and an expressive essay on a personal experience. The referential portion gives a theoretical situation and requires the test-taker to apply insight, whereas the expressive portion requires recall of one's life experience. Both essays are graded on a rubric that measures the following aspects:
Master concepts quickly with clips from expert instructors. You get both video lessons and test transcripts.
Save time by quickly reviewing video transcripts for essential lesson information.
Create Account
This CBEST writing prompt will ask the test-taker to provide an analysis of a topic after providing specific examples. This essay should be structured using a five-paragraph essay format: introduction paragraph, three supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph.
The test scorers will be looking for content that is relevant to the topic and specific supporting examples in the body of the essay. The citation of sources/references is not necessary. Some strong CBEST writing examples to this prompt include an introductory paragraph that restates the prompt and provides a clear position, transitionary topic sentences within each body paragraph, and a conclusion paragraph that restates the prompt and summarizes the main ideas from each supporting paragraph. Candidates should keep in mind the elements that are assessed on the rubric.
The CBEST writing prompt will ask the test-taker to recall a personal experience in an expressive essay that should be written from the first-person point-of-view (using "I"). This essay would also best be approached by using a five-paragraph essay format: introduction paragraph, three supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph.
The test scorers will be looking for content that is engaging and entertaining. Strong story-telling should be the focus of this essay. Some strong CBEST writing examples to this prompt include a topic paragraph that addresses the prompt right away and draws the reader in, supporting paragraphs that makes the reader want to know more, and a conclusion paragraph that provides a resolution. As with the analytical prompt, it's important to keep in mind the elements that are assessed on the rubric.
CBEST passing score for Writing Test is calculated using a rubric. Generally, a passing score is 41 or higher, although a test-taker can receive as low as 37 in any one section and pass, as long as they have a score of 123 overall. The score for the essays is guided using a rubric with a maximum score of 4 and a minimum of 1. The rubric criteria are as follows:
4 - The highest score, indicates a strong piece that gets the point across effectively to the intended readers
3 - An acceptable piece that gets the point across to the intended readers
2 - The piece is somewhat formed and tries to get the point across to the intended readers
1 - The piece is not well-formed at all and does not get the point across to the intended readers
Each essay is reviewed by two scorers who will assign a score on the rubric and translate it to the score scale, which ranges from 20 to 80. Scores are available two to three weeks after the date of the test and are automatically reported to the CTC and any institutions of choice (this selection must be made when registering for the test). Score reports can be emailed to the test-taker, but the option must be selected when registering.
Here are some strategies to prepare for success with the CBEST writing prompts:
The best way to know what to expect on the CBEST test (and to practice the writing skills to be successful) is to take advantage of CBEST Writing practice tests. CBEST practice test writing examples give a glimpse of the material to expect for each prompt, as the two prompts are different. Practice tests help the candidate to get used to the timing as well, helping them to practice pacing themselves.
A list of dates for the CBEST Writing Test, along with test locations and fees, can be found on the CTC website 24 hours per day. CBEST Registration for an account can be done on the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website. Test-takers can schedule their test, pay fees, and receive score reports all in one place.
If a test-taker wishes to request accommodations for a disability or any other condition that may warrant one, they may do so by filing an Alternative Testing Arrangements Request Form, along with supporting documentation, on the CTC website.
Registration Policies:
When the big day arrives, knowing what is expected ahead of time helps to avoid any possible delays or worse, rescheduling of one's appointment.
A comprehensive list of rules can be found on the CTC website.
 |
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.
The CBEST Writing Test consists of two essay prompts. One prompt is an analytical essay, which asks the test-taker to answer a hypothetical question. The other prompt is a personal experience essay, which asks the test-taker to recall an event that they have encountered.
A minimum score of 37 is required to pass the CBEST Writing Test. There are three subsections to the CBEST - Reading, Math, and Writing. An overall score of 123 is required to pass all 3 subsections.
