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.
2025 CBEST Testing Costs*
Below is an overview of the 2025 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 |
2025 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 |
|
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 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.
