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CBEST FORMAT AND TEST DATES

WHAT IS THE CBEST?

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

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