The (CBEST) California Basic Educational Skills Test is a standardized test administered throughout the state of California and Oregon for individuals who want to teach at public schools and gain a credential. 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.
CBEST FORMAT AND TEST DATES
WHAT IS THE CBEST?
CBEST FORMAT
| CBEST Test Section | # of Questions | Content |
|---|---|---|
| READING | 50 multiple-choice questions | Critical analysis and evaluation Comprehension and research skills |
| MATHEMATICS | 50 multiple-choice questions | Estimation, measurement, and statistical principles Computation and problem solving Numerical and graphic relationships |
| WRITING | 2 essay topics | One topic to analyze a given situation or statement One topic to write about a specified personal experience |
CBEST TEST DATES
Computer-Based Testing: Offered Year-Round
The CBEST is available for computer-based testing year-round by appointment, Monday through Saturday (excluding some holidays), on a first-come, first-served basis. Computer-based testing is offered at over 30 test centers in California and over 250 test centers nationwide. Scores will be reported within 2 weeks of testing. For more information visit the Pearson Education, Inc website: http://www.pearsonvue.com/cbest/.
Note that there are ongoing test date postponements and cancellations due to COVID-19 related closures. See https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/ for up-to-date information.
Paper-Based Testing
| 2020-2021 Test Dates | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Emergency Registration Deadline | Online Score Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CANCELLED: Sept. 26, 2020 | Aug. 21, 2020 | Sept. 11, 2020 | Sept. 18, 2020 | Oct. 12, 2020 |
| CANCELLED: Dec. 5, 2020 | Oct. 30, 2020 | Nov. 20, 2020 | Nov. 27, 2020 | Dec. 21, 2020 |
| CANCELLED: Feb. 20, 2021 | Jan. 15, 2021 | Feb. 5, 2021 | Feb. 12, 2021 | March 8, 2021 |
| CANCELLED: May 1, 2021 | March 26, 2021 | April 16, 2021 | April 23, 2021 | May 17, 2021 |
| July 10, 2021 | June 4, 2021 | June 25, 2021 | July 2, 2021 | July 26, 2021 |
