## What you need to know about the CBEST

The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) measures basic reading, math, and writing skills. While it is required of most people entering the teaching profession in California, it does not test your ability to teach these subjects, just your performance skills in the disciplines. There are additional requirements for obtaining a license to teach in California.

Other CBEST facts:

• The CBEST may be taken in either computer-based or paper version. You may take one, two, or all three sections at any test session.

• The CBEST is only given in English, including the responses to the Writing essays.

• The total score possible for each section is between 20 and 80. You must score a total of 123 on all three sections to pass, with no individual section score of less than 37. For each section alone, the passing score is 41.

• You may retake any or all sections of the CBEST as many times as needed to obtain a passing score. You must wait 45 days to retest on any computer-based section, but paper versions may be retaken on any scheduled test date.

• If you do retest, you may want to retest on sections you passed, as well, to raise your total score to the passing level of 123. Only your highest scores will be used to compute your passing status.

### What are the costs?

The cost of taking the CBEST will be as follows:

• Computer version: $41.00 test fee plus$61.00 service fee

### When is it available?

Computer versions of the CBEST are given by appointment only on most Mondays through Saturdays. There are limited seats, which are assigned to those registering first. You must choose which sections you will take when scheduling your appointment.

For the paper version, you must register by the deadline posted, which is usually about one month before the test date. Registration for the paper version automatically signs you up for all three sections of the CBEST, but on the day of the test, you may choose which sections to take.

### Tips & Tricks

On the day of the CBEST exam, you will be required to sign a form saying that you have read all of the CBEST policies. The policies document is very lengthy and you will be given a very limited time to read it on the testing day, so it is best to review it ahead of time here.

A tutorial is available to help you become familiar with your upcoming computer testing experience. You can access it here on the official CBEST website.

### Time Allowed

You will have a total of 4 hours to complete the CBEST. This includes taking one, two, or all three sections of the test, 15 minutes for introductory procedures, and any breaks you may take.

Practice using our expertly crafted questions!