The number of new teachers in California was at a 12-year low in 2016, even as teacher hiring is starting to increase. According to The Washington Post, to reduce the student-teacher ratio to national averages, California districts need to hire a total of 135,000 teachers. Due to the lack of qualified teachers, schools are filling the void by hiring teachers with poor credentials. It’s time for you to combat this shortage by passing your California teacher certification exam. This article contains; step by step outline of how to prepare for the online CBEST and other necessary details you need to know about the exam. See the table of contents below.
What is the CBEST?
The CBEST exam, otherwise known as the California Basic Educational Skills Test, is a test that is given to those in California and Oregon who wish to become a teacher in a public school. This exam for aspiring teachers was fully approved on February 1, 1983, by the Californian legislators. The goal of the test is to assess your abilities in three basic subjects: writing, mathematics, and reading, not necessarily an individual’s ability to teach those skills. The reading and math sections consist of 50 multiple choice questions each, while the writing subtest is composed of two essays. This test is meant to be completed in 4 hours. The CBEST is also compulsory for you if you want to enroll in a CCTC-sponsored program that will grant you either service credentials or your teachers’ certificate. So, if the time lapse between your newest teaching job and your previous job has been at least 39 months, or if you are signing up for your very first serving or teaching education courses.
How Do I Apply for the CBEST Exam?
You can apply to take the CBEST test either through a telephone call, the mail, or online. To sign up over the telephone, you need to call either 916-928-4001 or 800-262-5080. The California Basic Educational Skills Test telephone center is only open from the hours of 9:00 AM through 5:00 PM EST, and only on weekdays. You have until the registration deadline to call the center. Registering through the mail has different requirements. Due to the speed of snail mail, the CTC requires your registration envelope to reach its postmark by the designated sign-up deadline. Anything that comes later incurs a late registration fee. Online sign-ups for the exam are much more flexible; you have the option to do it at any time of day. You can use the Internet to apply to take the exam under all circumstances.
How Can I Take CBEST Test Online?
To register for the CBEST Test online, there is a step by step process to be followed.
Go to http://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/Home.aspxClick on “Assessments”Click on “California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)”Click on “Reading, Mathematics, and Writing”Click on “Register for CBEST”You will be asked to create an account if you haven’t already.You can register for either a computer-based test or a paper-based test.
Additionally, you will also have the option of choosing whether you want to take the test in person at a physical location or online. If you choose the computerized version of the CBEST known as CBEST CBT, you will have up to six days to complete the test, with a range of dates to pick from at your convenience. Oregon and California normally provide six different testing windows each year. It normally comes up on either one of the first two Saturdays of every month. Additionally, there will always be several places for you to choose from in your state.
What To Expect In The Online CBEST Test
Unlike other standardized tests you will find today, the CBEST’s format is simple. It does not assess how well you are able to teach, but how well you comprehend writing, math, and reading—the three basic skills any teacher will encounter. Generally, the test splits into three portions for each subject it covers. The writing portion of the exam has two essay prompts, while mathematics and reading are roughly 50 questions each. Going into the exam center, you have about 4 hours to finish the exam. So, you have to utilize the time well and watch your pace.
Writing
In the writing section, you will find two questions that must be answered in the essay form. Furthermore, you will get the prompts for each question in your exam booklet, to which you must provide clear answers in the strongest writing you can create. While the actual subjects of the essay questions may be different, there will be two varieties. One question will ask you to present an anecdotal account, while the other requests for you to critically consider a specific assertion or current issue and formulate an informed response. Considering the time, you might only have half an hour to give in your best.
Mathematics
The mathematics section will be a mixture of elementary and high school math with a little number of university math. Therefore, you need to have a moderate handle on computation, as the math test will require this skill throughout. Only 20 percent of this exam portion deal with diverse concepts, while 40 percent features pure arithmetic.
Reading
Just like the mathematics section, expect to get 50 questions from the reading section. Here, you will be provided with reading passages up to 200 words long, with corresponding questions that seek to assess your reading and comprehension ability. You will be required to do the same on pictorial evidence, such as graphs. These questions are intended to test your ability to carry out research, evaluate data, and analyze information on a critical level. Note that 60 percent of the reading section measures your research and comprehension ability, while 40 percent evaluates your analytic capabilities.
How Much Does It Cost To Apply For The CBEST Exam?
Registering for the CBEST is not free, you have to pay $41 for the test. You can pay either through postal mail or credit card. The digital version of the exam is $61. Furthermore, if you have to register later than the sign-up dates, that might cost you an additional $18. You also have the option to register for emergency testing, which creates an additional $35 charge.
How Long Does It Take To Get The CBEST Scores?
Ideally, you will receive your CBEST scores within two weeks if you took the computer-based exam and within three weeks if you took the written exam. You will also find your unofficial version of your score on the official exam website. The exam score is normally divided by the sections you took and will include a scorecard of your strengths and weaknesses. That is to say, your score per section will be highlighted alongside the average score. Every part of the test has a maximum score of 80, though you only need to obtain 41 points to pass each section. Your total score must be at least 123 points to be on the safe side.
How Long Is The CBEST Score Valid?
The CBEST score is valid for life. By this, we mean that once it is taken and the aim achieved there’ll be no need to retake the exam since it indefinitely meets the basic skills requirement necessary for certification and program enrollment. You can only choose to retake the test when the target score isn’t met.
Can I Retake The CBEST Test?
Of course, you can. If you fail to hit that target score on the first attempt, you can afford to retake the test after 45 days. The 45 days gap enables you to prepare better for the exam with a core focus on your areas of weakness. To reduce the chances of having a need to retake the exam it will be in your best interest if you practice well for the exam by keenly adhering to our tips on how to pass the CBEST test.
How Can I Prepare For The CBEST Test?
One of the best ways to prepare for the CBEST is by taking free practice tests. The online CBEST test preparation kit exposes you to real exam samples of the question pattern and structure. The guide covers every section of the test and includes engaging review materials like video lessons and interactive quizzes. You’ll also benefit from studying each individual subtest on the CBEST. The following study guides concentrate specifically on each respective portion of the exam:
CBEST ReadingCBEST WritingCBEST Mathematics
How Do I Choose My CBEST Test Date?
During the online registration for the test, you need to pick a date from Monday through Saturday (excluding some holidays). Therefore, it’s best you choose a date that will enable you to go through the online CBEST test preparation guide consecutively. Test appointments are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and seating is limited.
Tips On How To Pass CBEST Test
With proper planning, review, and strategy, you can tackle the CBEST test on the first trial. For this reason, we’ve put together professional tips to guide you and make you realize that goal.
Tip 1 – Review the current CBEST outline
This helps you access the comprehensive study guide that enables you to gain complete knowledge of the structure, question type, and pattern of the exam. It will further show you how to tackle every CBEST exam. You can find the CBEST content outline preparation kit on the official California state certification website. Once you get access to it, make sure you carefully go through it and take notes.
TIP 2 – Find a prep resource
With the basic knowledge gotten from the CBEST content outline, it won’t hurt to find a test prep resource that thoroughly covers the content of the test. The test resource serves as an online course practical guide. Furthermore, the prep resource should cover all three sections of the exam.
Tip 3 – Get a reading plan
With a reading plan, you’ll find it easy to navigate your way through the process of taking on a particular topic one after the other. More so, you’ll figure out your strengths and work on your area of weaknesses.
TIP 4 – Plan towards your exam date
What this means is that you have to plan towards the date of the online CBEST test. Being an online test, you have to make sure you’re at the exam center at the right time. Lastly, when it’s time to show time, don’t fret, take a deep breath, and carefully go through all the questions before choosing an answer. Of course, you can. If you fail to hit that target score on the first attempt, you can afford to retake the test after 45 days. The CBEST score is valid for life. By this, we mean that once it is taken and the aim achieved there’ll be no need to retake the exam since it indefinitely meets the basic skills requirement necessary for certification and program enrollment. Ideally, you will receive your CBEST scores within two weeks if you took the computer-based exam and within three weeks if you took the written exam. Registering for the CBEST is not free, you have to pay $41 for the test. This payment can be made either through postal mail or credit card. The digital version of the exam is $61.
Conclusion
The CBEST test being a criterion for teaching in a public school in California or Oregon is a standard requirement that needs to be met. So, ensure you make the best out of our online CBEST preparation tips and other details in this article. Cheers!
