The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) is
required of any person who wishes to become a substitute or regular classroom
teacher in the State of California. A few other states (such as Arizona) also use the CBEST test for teacher
qualification as well.
Three Sections
There are three sections to the CBEST test:
Mathematics
Reading Comprehension & Language Conventions
Writing
The test is 4 hours long. Each section can be taken separately
(giving the test-taker 4 full hours to complete the section) or they can be
taken together.
If an individual fails a portion of the test (scores below 37 or 41 – see
below), that section may be re-taken at a later date. The highest
scores attained on any one section will be the scores that are counted on the
test.
The Writing Segment
The writing segment of the CBEST test can be particularly difficult for second
language learners to pass. There are two essays required:
A "Personal" Essay
An Analytical Essay
The personal essay asks the writer to examine and discuss a famous or
influential person or to write about an assigned topic that is reflective in
nature. This is a first-person essay.
The analytical essay asks the writer to discuss a hot topic of major
educational importance. These essays demand an understanding of
California politics, educational trends, and public opinion.
These essays can be difficult to write, and many people fail the writing
portion of the test. If you have not passed the writing portion one
or more times, you need personal tutoring in order to pass. Do not expect to
"just keep studying" by yourself and expect to pass the test.
The makers of the test graciously spent extensive time speaking with our
company president and explained that the percentage of passing goes down with
each successive administration of a failed section.
Cost
Unlike other college entrance tests, the CBEST is not an expensive
test. It only costs $40. It can be taken unlimited
times, but one must pay the registration/administration fee each time the test
is taken.
Scoring
Each section of the test is scored separately. Each section ranges
in score from 20 – 80 points. A perfect score would be 240 points.
The minimum combined passing score is 123.
Therefore, if one were to score 41 points on each section, one would
pass. This is barely over 50%!!
A score as low as 37 on one section will be allowed so long as the other two
sections have high enough scores for the total score to equal 123.
