The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) assesses mathematics, basic reading and writing skills, which are vital for an educator. The exam measures these skills in those individuals who wish to become educators in California. This is the first step to acquire a teaching credential in this state. It does not test the educator’s ability to teach these skills but rather determines your proficiency in core areas of education. CBEST is ideal for those who wish to begin substitute teaching in California, USA, join a state-accredited teacher preparation program, or seek an administrative services credential. These are the circumstances through which this test is required.

The CBEST exam is made up of three sections, which are Mathematics, Reading, and Writing. Both the Reading and Math sections contain 50 questions of a multiple-choice format. Meanwhile, the Writing section contains two essays. All sections of the exam may be combined and taken in single or separate days. You will have 4 hours to complete all the parts of CBEST. For you to pass the test, you need to attain a total score of 123 in all three sections. The scores are measured on a scale of 20 to 80 and the passing score for each part is 41. However, you can score as low as 37 on any section provided your total score is 123 and above.

You can register for the exam online on the CTC website. The web page also has free preparation materials for the test. These materials include practice test questions and test specifications. Get the CBEST Study Guide so that you can get access to all the topics covered in the exam. Once you take the test, you will have the opportunity to retake a section of the exam in order for you to increase your overall score. Thereafter, the highest score you attain for each section will be submitted. You can retake it as many times as you wish. However, you need to wait 45 days from your last exam date before you can take the computer-based test.

Results for the computer-based test are usually made available within two weeks while for the written-based testing –within three weeks. You can log into your CTC tests account to ascertain your exam date. Remember to carry your government issued identification card that has your registered name at the test centre. The identification must include your signature and photo.