CBEST
Encyclopedia
The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) 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 test is designed to provide information about basic proficiency in reading, mathematics, and writing. The test is divided into three sections; the reading and math sections each contain 50 multiple-choice questions, while the writing section consists of two essay questions. The test must be completed in four hours, but test-takers may use that time to work on any or all of the three sections. Also, there is no limit to the number of times someone may take the test in order to pass, and test-takers do not have to pass all three sections at one sitting, but a $41 registration fee for paper-based testing ($105 for computer-based testing) must be paid each time the test is taken.
The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) is a standardized test required by the states of California
and Oregon
for individuals seeking their first teaching or services credential. It was developed by the Commission of Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to meet the California Education Code (Section 44254), which was amended by the legislature of California on February 1, 1983. This amendment “requires teachers, administrators, and other school practitioners, [to] demonstrate adequate proficiency, in English, of three basic skills: reading, mathematics, and writing.” The CBEST is administered by the National Evaluation Systems, Inc. (NES), under the direction of the CBEST Program. It does not test an individual’s teaching skills or abilities; it only test reading skills (critical analysis, evaluation, comprehension, and research skills), mathematics skills (estimation, measurement, computation, and problem solving, etc.), and writing skills that are considered important for a job in the education field, either at the elementary, secondary, or higher education levels.
The CBEST gives a separate score for each section tested, but a passing score must be obtained in every section, in order to satisfy the California Education Code requirement and obtain the proper credential for employment as educator in the state of California or Oregon.
The CBEST format was implemented by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) in July 1984 to assess the basic skills of individuals entering the education field. Six months after, it became a requirement for obtaining a license in Oregon as an educator. The CBEST is an additional requirement for obtaining a license or credential, and it does not replace the other requirements established for the issuance of teaching credentials.
The critical analysis and evaluation portion is approximately 40 percent of the questions from this section, and the comprehension and research skills portion is approximately 60 percent of the questions from this section.
About 40% of the questions on the mathematics section of the CBEST are related to arithmetic. About 20% of the questions are related to elementary geometry, and the remaining items are related to other mathematical concepts and skills.
Essay writing demonstrates the ability to think critically and to use language logically and clearly. The 30-minute time limit for each essay allows little time to rewrite or to reflect on the writing. Therefore, the performance on this portion of the test will demonstrate the ability to organize and support ideas quickly.
CBEST Writing Score Scale
1- Rhetorical Force
2- Organization
3- Support and Development
4- Usage
5- Structure and conventions
6- Appropriateness
. If you go to Test Dates site, it shows a list of the testing windows that are open for registration. Test Sites shows information about available test centers in California and other centers in the United States
.
2- After registration is over, you must wait
3- You may take the test only once per testing window
4- After you took a test, you must wait 120 days to retake another test
5- Register as fast as you can before your desired testing window. Appointments are a first-come, first-served system because seating is limited.
Unofficial test results of all sections will be posted to the CBEST Web site and official test results of all sections will be mailed 10 business days after each testing window.
1- Passage of a basic skills examination from another state
2- Passage of all three subtests of CSET
3- Passage of the CBEST
4- Passage of both of the English
and Mathematics
sections of the California State University
(CSU) Early Assessment Program (EAP), and it must have “College Ready” or “Exempt” status.
5- Passage of both of the English Placement Test (EPT) and the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM). The EPT passing score is 151 or higher. The current passing ELM score is 50 or higher. However if you took ELM before March 2003, score must be 550 or higher.
1- You are applying for a teaching or service credential for the first time.
2- You have not taught during the 39 months prior to a new job.
3- You are applying for admission to either a teacher-preparation or service-credential program approved by the CCTC.
1- An instructor of adults in an apprenticeship program.
2- A teacher in a children's center.
3- A teacher in a subject that does not require a bachelor's degree
4- A provider of health services
5- A student teacher status
6- An educational specialist in deaf and hearing impaired
1- Review your registration options.
2- Prepare your payment.
3- Gather the personal information you need to register.
4- Review the background questions.
5- Review the Rules of Test Participation.
When you register for the computer-based CBEST, you may register to take one, two, or all three sections. The test fee is the same regardless of your selection. Once you have registered, you may not change your section selection unless you withdraw and register again.
A test area choice should be indicated when registering for the CBEST. A specific test site will be given based on the facilities available and appropriate for test administration. Test sites are subject to change due to scheduling conflicts. Although “every attempt will be made to ensure that the new site is located in the same general are as the one originally requested,” it is recommended to carefully review the test area selections as changes are made.
Refer to the Pearson VUE Web site at www.pearsonvue.com/cbest for up-to-date information about all available test centers and emergency registration test areas.
Standardized test
A standardized test is a test that is administered and scored in a consistent, or "standard", manner. Standardized tests are designed in such a way that the questions, conditions for administering, scoring procedures, and interpretations are consistent and are administered and scored in a...
administered throughout the state of California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
and Oregon
Oregon
Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is located on the Pacific coast, with Washington to the north, California to the south, Nevada on the southeast and Idaho to the east. The Columbia and Snake rivers delineate much of Oregon's northern and eastern...
for individuals who want to teach at public schools and gain a credential. The test is designed to provide information about basic proficiency in reading, mathematics, and writing. The test is divided into three sections; the reading and math sections each contain 50 multiple-choice questions, while the writing section consists of two essay questions. The test must be completed in four hours, but test-takers may use that time to work on any or all of the three sections. Also, there is no limit to the number of times someone may take the test in order to pass, and test-takers do not have to pass all three sections at one sitting, but a $41 registration fee for paper-based testing ($105 for computer-based testing) must be paid each time the test is taken.
Test/Program Overview
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
and Oregon
Oregon
Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is located on the Pacific coast, with Washington to the north, California to the south, Nevada on the southeast and Idaho to the east. The Columbia and Snake rivers delineate much of Oregon's northern and eastern...
for individuals seeking their first teaching or services credential. It was developed by the Commission of Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to meet the California Education Code (Section 44254), which was amended by the legislature of California on February 1, 1983. This amendment “requires teachers, administrators, and other school practitioners, [to] demonstrate adequate proficiency, in English, of three basic skills: reading, mathematics, and writing.” The CBEST is administered by the National Evaluation Systems, Inc. (NES), under the direction of the CBEST Program. It does not test an individual’s teaching skills or abilities; it only test reading skills (critical analysis, evaluation, comprehension, and research skills), mathematics skills (estimation, measurement, computation, and problem solving, etc.), and writing skills that are considered important for a job in the education field, either at the elementary, secondary, or higher education levels.
The CBEST gives a separate score for each section tested, but a passing score must be obtained in every section, in order to satisfy the California Education Code requirement and obtain the proper credential for employment as educator in the state of California or Oregon.
The CBEST format was implemented by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) in July 1984 to assess the basic skills of individuals entering the education field. Six months after, it became a requirement for obtaining a license in Oregon as an educator. The CBEST is an additional requirement for obtaining a license or credential, and it does not replace the other requirements established for the issuance of teaching credentials.
CBEST Test Design/Sections
The CBEST consists of three sections. It contains multiple-choice questions and two essay questions. Each multiple-choice question presents five choices (A through E) and examinees are given four hours to take the test. The time given can be divided among the three sections in any way desired.Reading Section
This section contains 50 multiple-choice questions based on original passages of between 100 and 200 words. But in some cases, these passages may be short statements of not more than one or two sentences. These questions measure the ability to understand information given through the written word, or in charts and graphs. They emphasize on critical analysis, evaluation, comprehension, and research skills.The critical analysis and evaluation portion is approximately 40 percent of the questions from this section, and the comprehension and research skills portion is approximately 60 percent of the questions from this section.
Mathematics Sections
This section contains 50 multiple-choice questions that assess cumulative knowledge of the mathematics traditionally taught in elementary and high school and, sometimes, in college. These questions come from three broad categories: arithmetic, algebra, and measurement and geometry. None of the questions strictly tests computation, but computational skills are required throughout the test.About 40% of the questions on the mathematics section of the CBEST are related to arithmetic. About 20% of the questions are related to elementary geometry, and the remaining items are related to other mathematical concepts and skills.
Writing Sections
This section contains two essay questions. This portion of the CBEST assesses the ability to compose two effective essays within a one-hour time limit. The essays must answer the two topics printed in the test booklet. One topic requires an analysis of a given situation or a particular statement, and the other asks for a narrative about a personal experience. These essays test the ability to compose effective prose and to communicate ideas to an intended audience.Essay writing demonstrates the ability to think critically and to use language logically and clearly. The 30-minute time limit for each essay allows little time to rewrite or to reflect on the writing. Therefore, the performance on this portion of the test will demonstrate the ability to organize and support ideas quickly.
Scoring the Exam
You have to get a total of 123 points to get a passing status across all three sections, but you can get away with a score as low as 37 in one or two sections. However, you must make up the rest of remain points of 123 points elsewhere.CBEST Writing Scores
Essays are scored by California and Oregon educators, and they score according to standardized procedures during scoring sessions held immediately after each CBEST administration. Writing scores are determined by scoring each of the two essays holistically according to the criteria described in the CBEST Writing Score Scale.CBEST Writing Score Scale
1- Rhetorical Force
2- Organization
3- Support and Development
4- Usage
5- Structure and conventions
6- Appropriateness
Computer-Based Testing Now Available
CBEST computer-based testing (CBEST CBT) is available to choose five or six-day testing windows at Pearson Professional Centers operated by Pearson VUEPearson VUE
Pearson VUE is an electronic testing company owned by British media company Pearson PLC. Founded in 1994 by E. Clarke Porter as Virtual University Enterprises, the company now operates in 165 countries with more than 5,000 authorized test centres ....
. If you go to Test Dates site, it shows a list of the testing windows that are open for registration. Test Sites shows information about available test centers in California and other centers in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
Guidelines of CBEST Registration
1- You may register to take one, two, or all three sections of the CBEST.2- After registration is over, you must wait
3- You may take the test only once per testing window
4- After you took a test, you must wait 120 days to retake another test
5- Register as fast as you can before your desired testing window. Appointments are a first-come, first-served system because seating is limited.
Unofficial test results of all sections will be posted to the CBEST Web site and official test results of all sections will be mailed 10 business days after each testing window.
New 2009 Basic Skills Testing Options
You must complete one of the following options to satisfy the California basic skills requirements.1- Passage of a basic skills examination from another state
2- Passage of all three subtests of CSET
3- Passage of the CBEST
4- Passage of both of the English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
and Mathematics
Mathematics
Mathematics is the study of quantity, space, structure, and change. Mathematicians seek out patterns and formulate new conjectures. Mathematicians resolve the truth or falsity of conjectures by mathematical proofs, which are arguments sufficient to convince other mathematicians of their validity...
sections of the California State University
California State University
The California State University is a public university system in the state of California. It is one of three public higher education systems in the state, the other two being the University of California system and the California Community College system. It is incorporated as The Trustees of the...
(CSU) Early Assessment Program (EAP), and it must have “College Ready” or “Exempt” status.
5- Passage of both of the English Placement Test (EPT) and the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM). The EPT passing score is 151 or higher. The current passing ELM score is 50 or higher. However if you took ELM before March 2003, score must be 550 or higher.
Who Must Take the CBEST?
You are required to take the CBEST if:1- You are applying for a teaching or service credential for the first time.
2- You have not taught during the 39 months prior to a new job.
3- You are applying for admission to either a teacher-preparation or service-credential program approved by the CCTC.
Who Is Exempt from the CBEST?
You are exempt from taking the CBEST if you are:1- An instructor of adults in an apprenticeship program.
2- A teacher in a children's center.
3- A teacher in a subject that does not require a bachelor's degree
4- A provider of health services
5- A student teacher status
6- An educational specialist in deaf and hearing impaired
CBEST Passing Score
All three sections of test must be passed, in order to pass the CBEST. Raw scores can range from 1-50, which are then converted to scaled scores ranging from 20-80. The passing scaled score on each section of the test is 41, and a minimum total score of 123 for all three sections must be achieved to pass.Registration Checklist
Use this checklist to review the information that you need to register for the CBEST.1- Review your registration options.
2- Prepare your payment.
3- Gather the personal information you need to register.
4- Review the background questions.
5- Review the Rules of Test Participation.
Test Selection
When you register for the paper-based CBEST, you will automatically be registered for all three sections. However, you may take one, two, or all three sections at a given paper-based test administration.When you register for the computer-based CBEST, you may register to take one, two, or all three sections. The test fee is the same regardless of your selection. Once you have registered, you may not change your section selection unless you withdraw and register again.
Test Dates & Sites
The CBEST is offered six times a year, once every two months at different locations throughout California and Oregon. It is usually given on the first or second Saturday of the months of February, April, June, August, October, and December.| Test Date | Regular Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Official Score Report Mailing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 13, 2009 | May 15, 2009 | June 2, 2009 | July 2, 2009 |
| August 8, 2009 | TBA | TBA | August 27, 2009 |
| October 3, 2009 | TBA | TBA | October 22, 2009 |
| December 5, 2009 | TBA | TBA | December 24, 2009 |
| February 6, 2010 | TBA | TBA | February 25, 2010 |
| April 10, 2010 | TBA | TBA | April 29, 2010 |
| June 12, 2010 | TBA | TBA | July 1, 2010 |
A test area choice should be indicated when registering for the CBEST. A specific test site will be given based on the facilities available and appropriate for test administration. Test sites are subject to change due to scheduling conflicts. Although “every attempt will be made to ensure that the new site is located in the same general are as the one originally requested,” it is recommended to carefully review the test area selections as changes are made.
Refer to the Pearson VUE Web site at www.pearsonvue.com/cbest for up-to-date information about all available test centers and emergency registration test areas.
Test Fees
Fees for Internet and telephone registration must be paid using a credit card or a debit or check card. The fees for registration by U.S. mail and for other services requested by mail must be paid by check or money order.| Test Registration Fees | |
|---|---|
| Test fee | $41 |
| Computer-based testing service fee (in addition to the regular test fee) | $64 |
| Late registration (for paper-based testing only, in addition to the regular test fee | $18 |
| Emergency registration (for paper-based testing only, in addition to the regular test fee) | $35 |
| Additional Services Fees | |
| Score verification (multiple-choice section of paper-based test) | $20 per test date |
| Score verification (essay section) | $50 per test date |
| Additional copy of test results (per copy) | $10 |