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.
2023 CBEST Testing Costs*
Below is an overview of the 2023 CBEST testing fees.
|
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 |
2023 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 |
|
4/24/23 - 4/30/23 |
5/5/23 |
|
5/1/23 - 5/7/23 |
5/12/23 |
|
5/8/23 - 5/14/23 |
5/19/23 |
|
5/15/23 - 5/21/23 |
5/26/23 |
|
5/22/23 - 5/28/23 |
6/2/23 |
|
5/29/23 - 6/4/23 |
6/9/23 |
|
6/5/23 - 6/11/23 |
6/16/23 |
|
6/12/23 - 6/18/23 |
6/23/23 |
|
6/19/23 - 6/25/23 |
6/30/23 |
|
6/26/23 - 7/2/23 |
7/7/23 |
|
7/3/23 - 7/9/23 |
7/14/23 |
|
7/10/23 - 7/16/23 |
7/21/23 |
|
7/17/23 - 7/23/23 |
7/28/23 |
|
7/24/23 - 7/30/23 |
8/4/23 |
|
7/31/23 - 8/6/23 |
8/11/23 |
|
8/7/23 - 8/13/23 |
8/18/23 |
|
8/14/23 - 8/20/23 |
8/25/23 |
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 May 1, 2023 |
May 12, 2022 |
|
Week of May 29, 2023 |
June 9, 2023 |
|
Week of June 26, 2023 |
July 7, 2023 |
|
Week of July 24, 2023 |
August 4, 2023 |
*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.
