CBEST Practice Test 2025
What is the CBEST?
The CBEST 2025 or the California Basic Educational Skills Test fundamentally measures proficiencies in three general areas: 1.) Mathematics, 2.) Reading, and 3.) Writing. The test was developed and produced in order to meet the requirements related to the competency, credentialing and employment of prospective California teachers. The exam is based on the proposition that educators should be able to apply the same skills taught to students — both in the classroom and outside.
The CBEST is administered by the National Evaluations Systems with guidelines from the California Superintendent of Public Instruction. The test is also supported by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and an advisory board. The CBEST is conducted statewide 6 times each year. You can check the dates and the test locations by contacting CBEST Program, National Evaluation Systems, Inc.
Free CBEST Practice Test Online
CBEST Exam Format
Please refer to the table below for the CBEST structure and format:
CBEST Format | ||
Test Section | Number of Questions | Time Allotment |
Reading | 50 Questions in Multiple-choice | 75 minutes |
Mathematics | 50 Questions in Multiple-choice | 75 minutes |
Writing | 2 Topics | 60 minutes |
Review | 30 minutes | |
Total Testing Time | 4 hours | |
Note: The exam format is subject to change
CBEST Scoring Guide
All questions are multiple-choice with five answer options for each question. Each of the three sections holds a score extending from 20 to 80. The passing score for each section is 41; the passing CBEST score is 123. If you get a score below the passing range on one section or more, but you managed to get a total score of 123 or above, you will still pass the test but ONLY if your score in each section is 37 or higher.
Please refer to the score range table below for additional information:
CBEST Score Board | |
Percentage (%) | Score Level |
90-100 | Superior |
80-90 | Above Average |
70-80 | Average |
60-70 | Marginal |
Below 60 | Needs Improvement |
CBEST Study Guide PDF
To pass the CBEST test, here is a link to practice test material and other useful study tools. If you’re looking for CBEST sample test PDF, CBEST book PDF, or CBEST practice test PDF, you’ve come to the right place. Take our CBEST practice test, which we suggest.
If you’re seeking for CBEST practice test reading PDF and CBEST reading practice test PDF, you’ve come to the right place. Take the CBEST reading practice test if you want to improve your reading skills. For the subject of mathematics. If you’re looking for CBEST math practice test PDF and CBEST math study guide PDF format, you’ve come to the right place. To test your knowledge, take the CBEST math practice test.
CBEST Questions and Answers
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing designed the California Basic Educational Basic Skills Test, or CBEST (CTC).
CBEST good for five years
The standard CBEST registration fee for the paper-based CBEST exam is $41 (if you choose to take the computer-based test, an extra fee of $61 will apply).
Prior to the exam, you should write at least two or three full practice essays. Choose a topic that is similar to the types of themes you might be offered on the CBEST rather than writing on anything.
If you’re planning to take the CBEST, there are two options that you can choose — Paper-Based and Computer-Based. Below are the details for each registration procedure:
Paper-Based Registration For the paper-based registration, please follow these steps:
Step 1: Log into your California Commission on Teacher Credentialing account. If it’s your first time taking the exam, you need to create an account.
Step 2: Once you have successfully logged in, go to the “My Account” homepage. Click on the “Register to Test” option.
Step 3: Review your personal information and make sure that every detail is accurate.
Step 4: Review and agree to follow all the testing procedures and policies. If you have any special requests due to a disability, this is the best time to ask for it.
Step 5: Select your testing date and the testing center where you want to take the exam. CBEST’s paper-based version is usually offered 5 times a year. After you have selected a test date, proceed to choose the tests or subtests that you want to take.
Step 6: Specify which institutions you would like to receive your scores or whether you would like to have your scores delivered in your email.
Step 7: Once all the test information has been provided, you need to pay the testing registration fee of $41. The fee is payable through a credit card, debit card, or a check card.
Computer-Based Registration The steps for the computer-based registration are pretty much the same as the paper-based except for the test fee.
Step 1: Log into your California Commission on Teacher Credentialing account. If it’s your first time taking the exam, you need to create an account.
Step 2: Once you have successfully logged in, go to the “My Account” homepage. Click on the “Register to Test” option.
Step 3: Review your personal information and make sure that every detail is accurate.
Step 4: Review and agree to follow all the testing procedures and policies. If you have any special requests due to a disability, this is the best time to ask for it.
Step 5: Select your testing date and the testing center where you want to take the exam. After you have selected a test date, proceed to choose the tests or subtests that you want to take.
Step 6: Specify which institutions you would like to receive your scores or whether you would like to have your scores delivered in your email.
Step 7: Once all the test information has been provided, you need to pay the test registration fee of $41 and the computer-based testing service fee worth $61. The fee is payable through a credit card, debit card, or a check card.
The CBEST has its own unique level of difficulty. Each section of the test provides an individual standard that test-takers need to meet in order to pass. Some may find Mathematics hard or Writing very challenging.
You’ll be well on your way to acquiring your substitute teaching permit once you pass the CBEST.
If you are applying for a teaching or service credential for the first time, you must take the CBEST. You haven’t taught in the 39 months leading up to your new employment. You are submitting an application for admission to a CCTC-approved teacher-preparation or service-credential program.
The CBEST is a four-hour test with three sections: reading, writing, and math. The CBEST exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.
Except for CBEST scores, all passing competency scores must be used for credentialing purposes within ten years of the test date. CBEST results do not have a ten-year validity period.
It may vary on your schedule but we do recommend that you study for 1-2 hours every day in a span of a few weeks before the exam. That way, you will be able to familiarize yourself with the test on a daily basis.
To pass the Mathematics subtest, you must get a score of at least 41.
You can only take the CBEST if you have a high school diploma, a GED, or the equivalent, or if you are, or have been, a student pursuing a profession in education and completing courses for college credit. If you’re not sure if you’re eligible to test, please contact the CTC for approval.
Yes, You are only eligible to take the CBEST if you have a high school diploma, a GED, or the equivalent, or if you are, or have been, a student pursuing a profession in education while completing courses for college credit.
You must either take the CSET or complete a subject-matter program at an institution of higher education that is approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to get a teaching credential in California, whether you’re pursuing a single-subject, multiple-subject, or specialized certification (CTC).
The CBEST’s passing standard is another factor that contributes to the test’s potential difficulty. Each one receives a score ranging from 20 to 80 points, with a 41 as a passing score on the CBEST. Candidates who fail one or more sections can still pass the exam if they score at least a 37.
The results of computer-based testing are usually available within two weeks. The results of written-based testing are usually available within three weeks.
A minimum score of 41 on the Writing subtest is required to pass. Creating a detailed study strategy will ensure that you are able to meet (and even exceed) this score on test day.
There are various CBEST practice test materials that you can find on the internet or even access when you enroll in a prep course. In general, starting early is one of the most effective ways to prepare for the CBEST.
It’s not an easy test to pass since it’s designed to ensure that aspiring teachers in California and Oregon have the abilities they need to become licensed teachers.
Yes, Online proctoring is available for all three sections of the CBEST exam. A laptop or desktop computer with a stable internet connection is required to take an online proctored CBEST exam.
You have the option of taking the CBEST on paper or on a computer. If you prefer to take the test on a computer, you’ll be able to choose from a number of centers in your area – computer-based testing is available in many areas across California.
CBEST results are not subject to the ten-year validity term. After passing the CBEST exam, there is no need to retake it because it meets the fundamental skills need for certification and program enrollment indefinitely.
You must either take the CSET or complete a subject-matter program at an institution of higher education that has been approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to receive a teaching credential in California, whether you’re pursuing a single-subject, multiple-subject, or specialist credential (CTC).
Your overall CBEST score was calculated by summing your scaled reading, math, and writing scores. If you retook sections of the CBEST, your total score was calculated using the highest score you received on any section at any CBEST administration.
If you require a copy of an official test score report, visit the CBEST, CSET, or RICA websites to place an order.
One of the best ways to prepare for the CBEST is by taking CBEST practice tests.
One of the most utilized CBEST prep books by test-takers is the “Cracking the CBEST” prep book. However, there are numerous good prep books that are made available online. Using more prep books is more beneficial than sticking with one. As we’ve said, you need to get all the help and resources you need if you want to pass the CBEST.
In California, it is used to evaluate the mathematics, writing, and reading skills of potential teachers.
A combined score of 123 is required to pass the CBEST test.
The particular requirements, such as what to bring on test day, differ depending on the type of test you’ll take. If you’re taking the computer-based CBEST test, you’ll just need to bring one thing with you: proper identification. The government has to have issued the ID.
Yes, Test that is proctored online and can be taken from anywhere (e.g., from home, workplace).
Substitute Teacher Certification in California You’ll need to pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test to apply for one of the substitute teacher permits (CBEST).
Each subtest of the CSET contains two types of questions: multiple-choice questions and constructed-response questions. You will not be penalized for erroneous responses on the multiple-choice questions, which are evaluated electronically based on the number of correct responses.
The writing portion is usually graded on a four-point scale by at least two different people. As a result, each essay’s score is a composite of two different values. The total score for the writing section is made up of both essay scores, which are eventually added together and converted to the score scale.
You will get your best writing results in three weeks.
The test is divided into three sections: reading, math, and writing. Each portion of the reading and math subtests has 50 multiple choice questions, while the writing subtest has two essays.
To receive a credential, teacher candidates no longer need to take the California Basic Skills Test, or CBEST, or the California Subject Matter Exams for Teachers, or CSET. The CBEST is a test that assesses a student’s reading, math, and writing abilities and is normally administered before they are admitted into a teacher education program.
Use CBEST practice tests with questions and answers that are similar to those on the actual exam. A study conducted by A. Students who used practice exams scored higher on the test, according to J. Kulik. The better your CBEST practice test is at simulating the actual exam.
The CBEST is a four-hour test.
The CBEST is a lot less difficult than the CSET.
The CBEST is given six times a year, every two months, at various places throughout California and Oregon. In the months of February, April, June, August, October, and December, it is usually presented on the first or second Saturday of the month. CBEST test dates are available on the CBEST website.
Passing the CBEST is often required to begin substitute teaching within the state and/or to be accepted into a state-accredited teacher training or credentialing program.