The California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST) was developed to ensure that all teachers have a basic level of skills and knowledge in English. Passage of the CBEST or an equivalent is required for anyone seeking a California teaching credential of any type (including subsititutes).
The CBEST has three sections: 1) reading comprehension, 2) mathematics, and 3) writing. Each section has a minimum score required for passage of that section and a minimum total score is required for passage of the entire test. Once a section is passed, it is not necessary to take that section again, unless a higher score is desired to increase the total score. CBEST scores are valid indefinitely.
New basic skills equivalent options
The following options are available to satisfy the California basic skills requirement needed for the issuance of most Commission documents:
1) passage of the CBEST®
2) passage of a basic skills examination from another state
3) passage of all three subtests of CSET: Multiple Subjects plus the CSET: Writing Skills
4) ** passage of both of the English and Mathematics sections of the California State University (CSU) Early Assessment Program (EAP), showing status as "College Ready" or "Exempt" in each section
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 ELM passing score is 50 or higher, while the passing score for the ELM taken prior to March 2003 is 550 or higher.
** These additional options are new as of January 1, 2009 per SB 1186.
Candidates must pass one option in its entirety; sections from different options may not be combined. If candidates have already satisfied the California basic skills requirement, they do not need to satisfy any of the other options. Regardless of the option used, once a basic skills examination is passed, the score is valid indefinitely.
One option must be completed in its entirety to be valid; sections from different options may not be combined. Once the basic skills requirement is meet, regardless of the option, the score is valid indefinitely.
Please go to http://www.cbest.nesinc.com/ for further details and registration information for the CBEST.
Note: The Career Ladder reimburses members (at Ladder Level 2 and above) $40 for the CBEST test fees. CL members may request this reimbursement up to two times by submitting the appropriate forms and scores. Passage of the CBEST is not required for reimbursement. Click here for more information for this and other test reimbursement.
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