Classes
California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)

Subject: Teaching

🧩 6 Practice Tests & Quizzes 📘 1 Study Guides

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Introduction

The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) is a standardized test administered throughout the state of California and Oregon for people who want to teach at public schools and gain a credential. CBEST is designed to provide information about basic proficiency in reading, mathematics, and writing.
 

The CBEST measures your proficiency in three general areas: reading, writing, and mathematics. The exam was developed to meet requirements related to credentialing and employment, and is based on the theory that teachers should be able to use the same basic skills taught to students in the classroom.

CBEST Exam Format
The CBEST is administered using a computer-based or paper-based format. It is composed of three sections: reading, writing, and mathematics. Because you do not have to take all three sections in one sitting, you have 4 hours to complete one section, two sections, or all three sections of the test. If you decide to take the entire exam on the same day, you may divide your time among the three sections in any way you want.

Format of the CBEST

Section	Description	Suggested Time	Question Types	Number of Questions	*Score Range (Average Passing Score)
Reading	The reading section evaluates your ability to read, comprehend, and analyze passages. Multiple-choice questions are based on the content of the passages.	80 minutes: 70 minutes (plus 5–10 minutes to check your work)	Critical Analysis and Evaluation Comprehension and Context Research and Reference Skills	50 multiple-choice questions	20–80 (Average Passing Score: 41)
Writing	The writing section requires that you develop, organize, and write two essays.	30 minutes: 25 minutes (plus 5 minutes to check your work)	Essay 1: Descriptive/Narrative	1 essay	20–80 (Average Passing Score: 41)
30 minutes: 25 minutes (plus 5 minutes to check your work)	Essay 2: Analytical/Expository	1 essay
Mathematics	The math section requires a cumulative understanding of basic math skills and general reasoning skills. Math questions are presented as word problems that are applied to everyday scenarios.	80 minutes: 70 minutes (plus 5–10 minutes to check your work)	Estimation, Measurement, and Basic Statistics Computation and Problem Solving Numerical and Graphic Relationships	50 multiple-choice questions	20–80 (Average Passing Score: 41)
Totals	4 hours (includes a 15-minute tutorial)		100 multiple-choice questions 2 essays	*The total passing score must be 123 or higher.

Note: Format and scoring are subject to change. Visit the CBEST website for updates: www.ctcexams.nesinc.com.

Exam Scoring
Your score on the CBEST is based on the number of questions you answer correctly and your written responses to two essay questions. All questions on both the computer-based and paper-based exams (except the essays in the writing section) are multiple-choice with five answer choices for each question. Each of the three sections receives a score ranging from 20 to 80. The passing score for each section is 41; the total passing score for the CBEST is 123. If you score below the passing mark on one section (or even on two sections) but your total score is 123 or higher, you can still pass the exam, but only if your score in each section is 37 or above.

The following chart can give you some indication of your performance level as you work through the practice tests in this book.

Scoring

 

Percent Right	Performance Level
90 to 100	Superior
80 to 90	Above Average
70 to 80	Average
60 to 70	Marginal
Below 60	Needs Improvement

 

 

Who needs to pass the CBEST?

1. The CBEST is (1) required by the state department of education before first-time teacher certification.
2. It is required for admission to a state-accredited teacher preparation or credential program.
3. It may also be required for issuance of a permit, certificate, authorization, administrative credential, or renewal of emergency credential.
4. It is required if you have not been employed as a teacher for more than 39 months.

It is important that you contact your university teacher preparation office, local school district, or the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to learn more about the updated required standards.

 

What is a passing score on a CBEST Exam?

The total passing score, as established by the Superintendent of Public Instruction, is a total of 123 on all three sections combined and a minimum of 37 on each section.

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