Are you planning to take the CBEST exam? Well, you’ve come to the right place! This article will summarize the exam structure and provide valuable tips and resources to help you ace the test.
The CBEST exam gauges your readiness to teach in California schools by assessing whether you have basic skills in reading, math, and writing. Passing it is one way to fulfill the Basic Skills Requirement, which you must meet to gain certification.
Understanding the structure of this exam – and knowing how to prepare effectively – should heighten your chances of success.
Whether you’re new to this test or gearing up for a retake, let’s dive into the details of the CBEST exam and explore some strategies for preparation and test-taking. By the end of this article, you’ll be armed with the knowledge and tools you need to tackle the exam with confidence. Let’s get started!
Overview of the CBEST Exam
Understanding what to expect on test day is important. This exam assesses your knowledge of current best practices in education. Let’s look at the CBEST overview to help you better prepare.
The CBEST exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions as well as two written essays. This exam is divided into three subtests:
- CBEST: Reading
- CBEST: Mathematics
- CBEST: Writing
For more detail on the content domains covered on the CBEST exam, check out the official CBEST preparation materials. By understanding the breakdown of each section, you can assign priority to areas where you may need additional practice and review. Overall, a balanced approach to studying all sections should lead you to success on the CBEST exam.
Time Limit
The Reading and Writing sections of the CBEST exam must each be completed within 1 hour and 30 minutes each. The Math section must be completed within 2 hours. This adds up to a total testing time of 5 hours.
| Subtest |
Time Limit |
| CBEST: Reading |
1 Hour 30 Minutes |
| CBEST: Mathematics |
2 Hours |
| CBEST: Writing |
1 Hour 30 Minutes |
Passing Score
To pass the CBEST exam, you must achieve a minimum score of 123. Typically, this means you have passed all three subtests, each of which has a minimum passing score of 41. However, if you receive a score of 37-40 on one or two subtests but perform extremely well elsewhere, it’s still mathematically possible to pass the CBEST as a whole.
Number of Questions
The CBEST exam has a total of 100 multiple-choice questions as well as two written essays, which are spread across three subtests.
| Subtest |
Number Of Questions |
| CBEST: Reading |
50 Multiple-Choice Questions |
| CBEST: Mathematics |
50 Multiple-Choice Questions |
| CBEST: Writing |
2 Essay Questions |
Cost
Each subtest costs $30, for a total exam cost of $90. You must register and pay for each subtest separately.
Refer to the CTC website to learn more about how to pay for your exam, including information on fee waivers.
Registration Information
You can register to take the CBEST all year round. When you’re ready to register, start the process by creating an account and then choose a convenient time and place to test.
If you are willing to abide by the strict rules of online proctoring, you can even elect to take this exam at home.
You should review CBEST test day requirements well in advance, especially the guidelines around what ID you’ll need to provide. While a driver’s license or passport is usually a good bet, replacing a photo ID takes time, so you’ll want to be sure yours meets requirements.
For more information on individual subject exams, check out our Exam Overviews for CBEST Reading and CBEST Mathematics:
CBEST: Reading Exam Overview
CBEST: Mathematics Exam Overview
Scoring and Results
If you test at a testing center (as opposed to testing at home), you will receive preliminary scores for the Reading and Math subtests immediately after completion.
Your official scores for all three subtests should be available within two weeks of testing. Visit the CTC website to find the day your CBEST scores will be released. (Scroll down to “Test Results.”) Your results will also be sent to the CTC and to each institution you indicated during registration.
You can dig deeper into scores using our CBEST scoring guide.
Test Preparation Tips
Given its broad scope, the CBEST exam may feel intimidating. However, the right strategies and mindset will give you the boost you need to succeed. Here are some preparation tips to make the most of your study time:
Reviewing Key Concepts and Skills
- Start familiarizing yourself with the CBEST exam outline and content areas. This will help you prioritize study topics and focus on areas that need attention.
- Create a study schedule and allocate dedicated time to both subtests and all content areas. It’s important that you be prepared for all topics you may encounter on this exam.
- Before you get started, be aware that you cannot use a calculator on the Mathematics subtest. You’ll want to be sure your computation skills are up to the job. Run drills and practice doing math by hand every day.
Practicing Sample Questions and Practice Tests
- Make regular use of practice tests to ensure you’re comfortable with the exam’s format and timing. Review your performance afterward, identifying subjects and content areas where you may need improvement. Be sure that you understand the reasoning behind correct answers before moving on.
- If you’re unable to finish the overall exam within 5 hours, avoid attempting a drastic time cut. Try gradually accelerating your pace instead.
- Use official CBEST exam preparation materials. Studying content that aligns with the real CBEST exam will help prevent surprises on test day.
Developing Effective Study Strategies
- Break down your study materials into smaller, manageable chunks. Focus on understanding the main ideas, key details, and concept connections. It’s better to dedicate 20 minutes to studying every night than to burn out after 10 hours of nonstop prep.
- In the weeks leading up to the test, practice your writing and typing skills. The Writing subtest requires two essay responses, so you’ll want to feel comfortable with quickly drafting arguments.
- Use diagrams, charts, and flashcards to organize concepts. Visualizing complex ideas can make them easier to remember.
- Engage in active learning techniques, such as summarizing content in your own words, teaching concepts to someone else, or participating in study groups. These strategies can deepen your understanding and retention of the material.
Managing Test Anxiety and Stress
- Test anxiety is a common challenge, but there are ways to calm your nerves. Before and during the exam, practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, and positive self-talk.
- Be sure you get enough sleep the night before the exam. A lack of sleep can seriously affect your focus and cognitive performance.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle leading up to the exam. Eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and stay hydrated. Physical well-being can positively influence your mental state.
Remember, everyone’s study journey is unique. Find the best methods for you and adapt them to your learning style. Stay organized, stay consistent, and stay positive. Be confident that you have the power to succeed on the CBEST exam.
Important Exam Day Instructions
Before your CBEST exam, review all pre-test instructions carefully. Allow ample time for travel—and verify that you’re headed to the right location! Take care not to arrive late, or you risk having your exam canceled.
Checking Required Documents
On the day of the exam, double-check that you have all you need before leaving home. Essential items can include:
- Valid identification: You must present a current, government-issued photo ID that bears your legal name and signature. Examples of valid ID could include your driver’s license or passport.
- Sensible clothing: To combat cold exam rooms, the CTC website recommends bringing clothing you can layer. You should also be sure to wear soft-soled shoes to keep the testing space quiet.
- Equipment and workspace: If you’re taking this exam at home, you must have access to a desktop or laptop computer. You also need a quiet, private, and well lit workspace that is free of prohibited items.
- Remember: You should NOT bring a calculator to this exam, even though it includes math content. Calculators are not allowed on the CBEST.
Review the official instructions to learn more about testing policies and what to bring to the exam site. If you are taking a subtest at home, make sure that you’re viewing the tab that reads “Online Proctoring” when you browse this link. Test takers who plan to use online proctoring should pay special attention to these requirements, as the rules for remote testing are very strict.
Understanding Exam Format and Instructions
To prevent confusion on test day, familiarize yourself with the format and basic instructions of the CBEST exam well in advance. Key things to remember include:
- Time limits: Be aware of the time limit for each subtest and plan accordingly. Pace yourself to ensure you have enough time for each question.
- Marking scheme: Make sure you understand how to mark selections properly on your screen. CSET exams take place exclusively via computer.
- Special instructions: Pay attention to any special instructions provided by the exam proctors, such as rules around breaks.
Managing Time Effectively
Time management is crucial during the exam to ensure enough time to answer all the questions. Here are some tips for managing your time effectively:
- Read and understand the instructions: Take a moment at the beginning to go over all instructions thoroughly. This will help prevent errors and wasted time.
- Pace yourself: Try to work efficiently. Answer easier questions quickly to shore up time for more challenging ones. If a question is taking excessive time to answer, consider coming back to it before the end of the subtest.
- Know when to move on: There is no guessing penalty on the CBEST exam, so if you’re stuck on a question, it’s in your best interest to guess.
On test day, you can use these tips to streamline your test-taking process and maximize your chances of success. Working efficiently, staying calm, and maintaining focus are all essential to doing well on the CBEST exam.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the CBEST exam assesses your readiness to teach about topics such as human development, nutrition, fitness, healthy relationships, and substance use. If you familiarize yourself with the exam structure, review all content areas, and follow our prep tips, you can approach the CBEST exam with confidence, increasing your chances of success.
More CBEST Resources
