CBEST

This page provides access to all the key info you need as a CBEST test-taker, including 2024 exam dates, testing center locations, fees, registration info and prep resources.

You can view our free CBEST Study Guides for a concise, bullet-pointed listing of exactly which topics appear on your exam. You can also take our free CBEST Practice Tests to see your current likelihood of passing and a breakdown of your individual strengths and weaknesses.

Need help preparing? We offer live CBEST Prep Courses, one-on-one Tutoring, and self-paced Online Prep.

  • Reading, Mathematics and Writing (3 separate subtests)
  • 50 multiple-choice for Reading, 50 multiple-choice for Mathematics, 2 essays for Writing
  • Computer-based and online-proctored test: 1 hour and 30 minutes each for Reading and Writing subtests; 2 hours for Mathematics subtest.
  • Total score of 123 for all three subtests (scaled scores); minimum score of 37 for each subtest.

CBEST Overview

The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) is designed to assess basic mathematics, reading and writing skills for candidates planning a career in teaching. The exam is comprised of three subtests.

CBEST Mathematics includes 50 multiple-choice questions which require candidates to solve problems from three major areas: Estimation, Measurement, and Statistical Principles; Computation and Problem Solving; and Numerical and Graphic Relationships. The use of calculators is prohibited.

CBEST Reading is also comprised of 50 multiple-choice questions, and demands application of reading abilities from two major skill areas: Critical Analysis and Evaluation, and Comprehension and Research skills.

CBEST Writing requires candidates to write two short essays, one that analyzes a given situation or statement and another which asks them to write about a specific personal experience.

The CBEST exam is currently available in computer-based and online-proctored format. The computer-based exam must be taken in a testing center. The online-proctored exam can be taken remotely.

CBEST Testing Costs

2024 CBEST Testing Costs*

Below is an overview of the 2024 CBEST testing fees. Registration fees for California educator examinations are currently being waived for eligible California residents. Visit the official testing service website to learn more.

Service Fees
Computer-based test (CBT) registration $30 registration fee per subtest
Online-proctored test registration $30 registration fee per subtest
Change of registration No fee
Additional copy of test results  $10 per copy
Score verification $50 for constructed response section of one subtest
Fee to clear an account $20

 

CBEST Test Dates

2024 CBEST Test Dates*

Computer-based testing for the CBEST is available at testing centers year-round by appointment, Monday through Saturday (excluding some holidays), on a first-come, first-served basis during the testing windows listed below.

CBEST Test Dates - Computer-Based Results Release Date
10/28/24 - 11/3/24 11/8/24
11/4/24 - 11/10/24 11/15/24
11/11/24 - 11/17/24 11/22/24
11/18/24 - 11/24/24 12/2/24
11/25/24 - 12/1/24 12/6/24
12/2/24 - 12/8/24 12/13/24
12/9/24 - 12/15/24 12/20/24
12/16/24 - 12/22/24 12/30/24
12/23/24 - 12/29/24 1/3/25
12/30/24 - 1/5/25 1/10/25
1/6/25 - 1/12/25 1/17/25
1/13/25 - 1/19/25 1/24/25
1/20/25 - 1/26/25 1/31/25
1/27/25 - 2/2/25 2/7/25
2/3/25 - 2/9/25 2/14/25
2/10/25 - 2/16/25 2/21/25
2/17/25 - 2/23/25 2/28/25
2/24/25 - 3/2/25 3/7/25
3/3/25 - 3/9/25 3/14/25
3/10/25 - 3/16/25 3/21/25
3/17/25 - 3/23/25 3/28/25
3/24/25 - 3/30/25 4/4/25
3/31/25 - 4/6/25 4/11/25
4/7/25 - 4/13/25 4/18/25
4/14/25 - 4/20/25 4/25/25
4/21/25 - 4/27/25 5/2/25
4/28/25 - 5/4/25 5/9/25
5/5/25 - 5/11/25 5/16/25
5/12/25 - 5/18/25 5/23/25
5/19/25 - 5/25/25 5/30/25
5/26/25 - 6/1/25 6/6/25
6/2/25 - 6/8/25 6/13/25
6/9/25 - 6/15/25 6/20/25
6/16/25 - 6/22/25 6/27/25
6/23/25 - 6/29/25 7/7/25
6/30/25 - 7/6/25 7/11/25
7/7/25 - 7/13/25 7/18/25
7/14/25 - 7/20/25 7/25/25
7/21/25 - 7/27/25 8/1/25
7/28/25 - 8/3/25 8/8/25
8/4/25 - 8/10/25 8/15/25
8/11/25 - 8/17/25 8/22/25
8/18/25 - 8/24/25 8/29/25
8/25/25 - 8/31/25 9/5/25
9/1/25 - 9/7/25 9/12/25

 

Online-proctored testing is available by appointment during one-week testing windows each month. Testing windows are listed below.

CBEST Test Dates - Online-Proctored Results Release Date
Week of November 11, 2024 November 22, 2024
Week of December 9, 2024 December 20, 2024
Week of January 6, 2025 January 17, 2025
Week of February 3, 2025 February 14, 2025
Week of March 3, 2025 March 14, 2025
Week of March 31, 2025 April 11, 2025
Week of April 28, 2025 May 9, 2025
Week of May 26, 2025 June 6, 2025
Week of June 23, 2025 July 7, 2025
Week of July 21, 2025 August 1, 2025

 

*This information is subject to change. All test-takers should visit the official CBEST website at https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com to confirm fees, registration, and testing requirements before enrolling.

Not sure how you’ll perform on the exam? Start by viewing our free CBEST Study Guide to get a concise overview of exactly what subject matter will appear on your exam. Then take our free, full-length CBEST Practice Test with diagnostics to see your overall likelihood of passing and identify any areas in which you may need to improve.

Our Core Plus Online Prep Programs feature: 

  • instructional videos that teach you the exact content you need to pass
  • interactive practice tests that replicate the real exam
  • virtual tutoring videos that guide you through every practice question
  • advanced diagnostics that offer in-depth insights into your strengths and weaknesses
Learn more about CBEST Online Prep
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