It is imperative to understand that the Commission on Teacher Credentials (CTC) is interconnected with the assessment network for the development, administration, and scoring of CBEST. California Basic Educational Skills Test is a combination of foundational reading, writing, and mathematics skills.

To make things easier, people have the freedom to attempt one or more sections at a time. Ultimately, the result sets the right course for an educator’s job. Remember, CBEST does not test your capacity to teach such skills.

The Objective of the Test

CBEST tests your skills to solve math equations, contextualize data in reading passages, graphs, multi-tables, and assesses your capacity to write. Furthermore, the objective of the Mathematics’ section is to solve word problems. Essentially, the section checks your calculation, estimation, and statistical understanding. Without a foundational grasp of the topics, you would not be able to solve computation, numerical equations, and graphic relationships.

Historical Relevance of CBEST

Over the years, the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) has been at the center of the teacher’s education program. Interestingly, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) has been around since 1983 for talented teachers. However, the exam received approval entirely on Feb. 1 of the same year by California’s legislators. The fundamental objective of the exam is to evaluate your skills in three principal subjects. (i.e. reading, writing, and mathematics).

CBEST, on the other hand, first came around in Oregon in 1984 through the rigorous insistence of Oregon’s Teachers Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC). As of now, Basic Educational Skills Test is a compulsory teaching education. Additionally, the National Evaluation Systems (NES) handles the administrative responsibilities of the CBEST.

Moreover, the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) is compulsory for people who intend to register in a CCTC-based program to acquire teachers’ certificate. However, this mandatory requirement is applicable when there are 39 months of gap between your current teaching job and last job.

The Rule of Exception

Individuals do not have to take the exam if their focus of interest lies in hard of hearing (HoH) or deaf. Similarly, you do not have to take the test if you work for an adult apprenticeship-based high school. The same rules apply if you undertake student-teacher responsibilities.

In addition, you do not have to take the exam if your chosen subject does not need higher education or the lesson is conducted in a childcare center. Lastly, CBEST also doesn’t apply to people who work in the health sector.

Learn to Schedule and Register CBEST

Contemporarily, the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) provides Paper-based Testing (PBT) and Computer-Based Testing (CBT). For instance, if you decide to take the test via CBT, you will be able to sign up in numerous areas in California on weekends.

The PBT-based method, on the other hand, is offered 7 or 8 times throughout the year and often requires registration months before the exam takes place. It is vital to finalize your registration and payment mode before attempting the exam.

After successful registration of the CBEST, you get the free hand to schedule your exam online. The availability of online scheduling is valid for seven (7) days of the week and 24 hours of the day. The quicker you are to schedule, the better chances you’ll have to get approved.

First, log-in to your account to schedule a CBEST exam. You’ll need to go to the registration page and click on the schedule to start the scheduling process. Once you’ve scheduled your exam, you’ll receive a confirmation email that would mention the data, time, address, phone number, center location, and directions concerning the test.

Other Modes of Registration

You can register to attempt the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) exam via phone, email, and online. However, to register via a telephone, you need the official number and mention the specifics of your registration, just like you would online. Subsequently, you’ll get a calendar date and time to attempt the test.

The California Educator Credentialing Assessment has an open-window to call on weekends between 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST. And that means you can register through a phone call before the deadline approaches closer. Remember, the telephone registration process is not standard, but its set up is strictly used for emergency sign-ups.

Also, if you want to register via an email – it has alternative requirements. Since the mail delivery is quick, the CTC wants you to register along with an envelope that should contain postmark before the due date. And sending the mail after the deadline means you’ll have to pay a late registration fee.

Ideally, online sign-ups for the text is as good as it gets. It allows you to do it any hour of the day without the added burden of other responsibilities. You should take advantage of the internet’s flexibility and register for the CBEST exam in any situation.

The Structure of the Test

You reading, writing, and mathematics section have different percentile of success.

Reading Section – 30%

Writing Section – 35%

Mathematics section – 35%

The reading section is quite diverse and evaluates your comprehension skills as a whole. You won’t have to face the complexity of questions as long as you have a thorough knowledge of the subject matter. The reading section is further divided into Critical Analysis and Evaluation, which contains 40% and Comprehension and Research, which includes 60%.

The writing section is composed of two essay compositions that assess your ability to write efficiently. You’ll have to break down or explain the situation in one topic. Similarly, you’ll to note down something personal in the second topic. You don’t necessarily need extensive knowledge to attempt the writing section.

Although the mathematical section might seem daunting at first, the topics included in the CBEST exam, at most, require basic practical understanding. Your focus of interest should be on the statistical principles, measurement techniques, and computations. Also, you’ll be expected to solve numerical equations and identify graphical relationships.

Total Questions for Each Section

The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) comprises three (3) different sections with a different set of questions. The Reading Section consists of 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), which you’ll have to answer within 85 minutes. The Writing Section, on the other hand, has a set of two essay questions. And Mathematics Section includes 50 multiple-choice questions, which you’ll need to answer in 85 minutes.

Options to Attempt CBEST

Ordinarily, people are dilemmatic when it comes to choosing the best option to attempt the CBEST exam. It is entirely up to you to take the test in person or online. That said, computer-based testing is arguably the best option as it allows you to get more than six days to finish the exam. Also, you get to pick appropriate dates as per your convenience.

Whether you live in Oregon or California, you’ll get six testing opportunities in a single year. Typically, it’s the first two Saturdays of each month. Your test, however, can change because of the unforeseen problems that may present at your physical location. Besides, changing physical location may also have the same effect. Nonetheless, you should take comfort in knowing that you can, in fact, select physical locations in your state.

If you register to take the exam at a physical location, you will get a list of areas based on your current location (i.e., Oregon and California). Applicants often want to change the location after the registration process is finalized. Therefore, don’t forget that you will get one chance to decide your area and selective data of your exam at the time of registration. The trick is to take some time and then select your location and time of the test.

That said, if you need to change the location and date, you will have to cancel your first sign-up and register again from scratch. Similarly, you will receive one window of opportunity to alter your registration information before permanently sending it to the respective board.

Total Number of Attempts

Currently, there are no limitations to attempt the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). Thus, don’t worry about how many attempts you’ll get to try. Instead, focus on passing the test with flying colors. You will, however, have to wait 45 days for each attempt.

Cost Structure of the Test

Registering for the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) is not free. You have the option to pay for the exam via postal mail and credit card. However, CBEST’s basic stands at $41. Conversely, the digital format of the test is approximately $61. Similarly, if you sign-up after the deadlines, that’ll cost you an additional $18. Simultaneously, emergency registration requires you to pay an extra $35.

Segmentation of the Test

When you sign-up to attempt the CBEST exam, you practically agree to take the test as a whole. You can, however, decide on the day of the exam to try a specific portion of the exam.

But if you choose to divide your sections for different dates, you will need to pay the added charges each time. In simple terms, you get one opportunity to attempt the CBEST exam in your single selective month.

It is advisable to complete the registration process before a month so that you can start preparing for the test. And that’s because a handful of seats are open in every area. Consequently, major testing slots are assigned to individuals who register early. Naturally, you want plenty of time to learn about the CBEST exam in detail to get high scores.

The Distribution of Scores

Whether you are attempting reading, writing, or mathematical section of the CBEST exam, the scores are graded from 20 to 80. It means the scale to pass each section is 41 or above. And to pass the exam in its entirety, you need a score of 123 or more. It is, however, probable to pass the test with a score of 37 on one or two sections. But this assumption is based on the fact that you get at least 123 or higher score.

Passing Score for CBEST

You’ll pass so long as you manage to attain a 123 score. You don’t necessarily have to get 41 for each section. For example, you can get 37 in the mathematical section and balance the scale by scoring 45 in the writing section.

Time Allocation for Each Section

You will receive a total of four hours to complete the CBEST exam. You can, of course, finish every multiple choice part of the test at your speed. The mathematics section of the test, for instance, comprises 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

Remember, the majority of the questions will have different scenarios and word problems. In hindsight, you will receive 4 hours to finish the test despite how many portions you choose to attempt. You should answer questions strictly on the data provided in the passages.

CBEST Passing Ratio

The passing ratio for first-timers to complete three sections is roughly 70%. It means 3 out of 10 applicants fail one part of the test when they take the test for the first time. You might even notice a trend of lower scores among minority groups. However, that’s because most of the applicants identify themselves as Caucasian.

Standard Test Requirements

Test-takers have to provide the original slash valid identification issued by the government. It should contain your photograph, complete name, and signature. Also, don’t forget to bring your ID during the day of the exam at the physical location. Typically, applicants bring their current driver’s license. Similarly, your American passport also qualifies as valid identification.

Current Eligibility Standard

You can only attempt the exam if you, at most, received a high school diploma or a GED. Similarly, applicants who have taken college courses can also take the test. If you are not sure about your eligibility criteria, reach out to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to get approval.

What about the Waiting Time?

Your original scores for the Reading and Mathematics section are released at the physical location. However, you’ll have to wait two (2) weeks to check official results if you attempt via Computer-Based Test. Furthermore, you’ll have to wait three (3) weeks if you choose to attempt via a Paper-Based Test.

Can You Bring a Calculator?

The usage of calculators is forbidden in the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). It means test-takers are not allowed to bring minimal or advanced calculators on the day of the exam.

Quick Tips to Ace CBEST

• Don’t forget to answer each question
• Don’t hesitate to answer the question based on your guess
• Keep an eye on the time every half an hour
• Utilize on-screen calculator for the math portion
• Repeatedly practice writing a Constructed Response Question
• Formulate realistic expectations and practice on sample questions 
• Prepare and learn from up-to-date quality material.
• Don’t study from unreliable sources.
• Make sure to cut out incoherent or false answers.