CBEST Test Dates

The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) is designed to test basic reading, mathematics, and writing skills of prospective teachers in California public schools. Oregon also uses the test. The CBEST may be taken either on a computer or on paper, and either will fulfill the passing requirements of the exam.

Test	Regular Registration	Late Registration	Emergency Registration	Official Score Release*
January 12, 2013	December 14, 2012	January 1, 2013	January 8, 2013	January 28, 2013
March 9, 2013	February 8, 2013	February 26, 2013	March 5, 2013	March 25, 2013
May 4, 2013	April 5, 2013	April 23, 2013	April 30, 13	May 20, 2013
July 13, 2013	June 14, 2013	July 2, 2013	July 9, 2013	July 29, 2013

Math Practice Quizzes

Algebra 1
Algebra 2
Averages & Rounding
Basic Operations
Exponents
Fractions
Geometry
Interpreting Graphs
Measurements
Percents and Ratios
Quantity Comparison
Sequences
Word Problems

Which Should I Take, the Computer-based or Paper-based CBEST?

In order to pass the CBEST, examinees do not need to pass all three sections on the same date. That means that if you fail a section, you may retake that section on a later date, pass it, and fulfill the passing requirements.

When you register to take the paper-based exam, you are automatically registered to take all three sections of the test. On the other hand, when registering for the computer-based test, you may choose one, two, or all three sections of the exam. For this reason, many future educators in California choose to start with the paper-based test; if they fail a section, they simply retake that section on the computer. (Unfortunately, the fee for taking one section of the test is the same as for taking all three sections.)

Moreover, those who take the computer-based exam are not allowed to take another computer-based CBEST within 120 days of their exam – another reason to start with the paper-based test.

The Computer-based (CBT) CBEST

The CBT CBEST is available to be taken for one week out of every month of the year. For instance, testing is available from December 16-December 22, 2010, and from January 20-January 26, 2011. Scoring is released approximately two weeks after the last day of the test sessions.

Although registration for the CBT CBEST can be completed up to the start of the testing session, space at test centers is limited and registration more than a week in advance of the test is strongly recommended.

The Paper-based Test/Registration Schedule

*Unofficial scores are available online 3 days prior to the Official Score Release
More information can be found on the CBEST home page, and contact information may be found on the Contacts Page.

by Alanna Traylor
Last Updated: 05/30/2013

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