About the CBEST Exam
The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) was developed to meet requirements of laws relating to credentialing and employment. This test requirement in no way replaces any of the other requirements of subject matter knowledge, professional preparation and practice teaching or field experience used in the issuance of credentials. The CBEST is designed to test basic reading, mathematics, and writing skills found to be important for the job of an educator; the test is not designed to measure the ability to teach those skills. You must take the CBEST if any one of the following conditions applied to you:
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You are applying for a first teaching credential or services credential
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You are applying to be a day-to-day substitute
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You are applying for a Pre-Internship Certificate
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You are applying for the issuance or renewal of an Emergency Permit, unless you already hold a valid California teaching credential for which a baccalaureate degree is required
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If you have not taught in a school district during the 39 months prior to new employment, the CBEST may also be required under Education Code Section 44830 as a condition of employment. If you are uncertain about whether the CBEST is required for employment, you should contact the school district where you are considering employment
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You are applying for admission to a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) accredited teacher preparation program, unless you already hold a valid California teaching credential for which a baccalaureate degree is required.
- You are applying for admission to a CCTC accredited services credential program.
The Tests
To pass the CBEST, you have to pass all three sections (Reading, Mathematics, and Writing). You may take one, two, or all three sections at any given test location during any given test administration. If you are taking the CBEST Writing section, you must complete both essays in the section.
You are allowed to retake the CBEST as many times as you need to in order to pass all of the sections. You must reregister each time you take the test and the entire test fee will be required regardless of how many tests you plan to retake.
Test Schedule
Test Date
|
Regular Registration Deadline |
Late Registration Deadline |
Emergency Reg. Deadline |
Score Report Mailing Date |
8/11/2007
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7/13/2007
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7/31/2007
|
8/7/2007
|
8/31/2007
|
10/6/2007
|
9/7/2007
|
9/25/2007
|
10/2/2007
|
10/26/2007
|
12/1/2007 |
11/2/2007 |
11/20/2007 |
11/27/2007 |
12/21/2007 |
2/9/2008 |
1/11/2008 |
1/29/2008 |
2/5/2008 |
2/29/2008 |
4/12/2008 |
3/14/2008 |
4/1/2008 |
4/8/2008 |
5/2/2008 |
6/14/2008
|
5/16/2008
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6/3/2008
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6/10/2008
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7/3/2008
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Fees
$41.00 regular registration fee
$20.00 late registration fee (in addition to regular fee)
$40.00 emergency registration fee (in addition to regular fee)
For more detailed information and to register for the exam, please visit the CBEST Website.
About the CSET: Multiple Subjects Exam
The California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET): Multiple Subjects test is required to demonstrate subject matter competence. Take the test late in you junior year. CSET website: www.cset.nesinc.com