Tests

What is the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)?

The purpose of the CBEST is to assess and verify acceptable proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics skills for Future Teachers. The test is not a measure of teaching skills. It measures basic educational skills. The CBEST is necessary for all levels of teaching, including elementary, secondary.

Who Must Take the Test?
In California, you must take the CBEST if any one of the following conditions applies to you:

You are applying for a first teaching credential or service credential
You are applying to a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) accredited teacher preparation program
You are applying for an Emergency Teaching Permit (example: Substitute Teaching). A baccalaureate degree and the CBEST are required in some districts to substitute teach

Passing the CBEST

No limit to the number of times you may take any or all sections of the CBEST
Candidates who do not pass one or more sections may retake that section again
You do not have to pass all three sections at the same time
Individuals only need to pass the CBEST once

Cost: $41.00 (no matter if you take all three sections or only 1 section)

Register: You may register for the CBEST on-line at www.cbest.nesinc.com, or you can pick up the booklet in the Teacher Prep Office.

CBEST Preparation Resources

COMMUNITY COLLEGE COURSES

Cypress College CBEST Math Preparation Course

Math 55 – CBEST Math Preparation
1 unit   Eligibility for Liberal Arts Mathematics is recommended. Offered only Spring Semester.
For registration information, contact Cypress College at (714) 484-7000 or www.cypresscollege.edu.

El Camino College

Education 10 – CBEST Preparation in Reading
1 unit   Prerequisite: Freshman Composition with a min. grade of “C”.

Education 20 – CBEST Preparation in Writing
1 unit   Prerequisite: Freshman Composition with a min. grade of “C”.

Education 30 – CBEST Preparation in Math
1 unit   Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra or qualification by testing & assessment.

For registration and cost information, contact El Camino Community College at (866) 352-2646 or www.elcamino.edu.

WORKSHOPS

CSU Long Beach, CBEST Workshops
The Elementary & Special Education Center and Impact Teach Program sponsor three-hour workshops for each of the areas on the CBEST prior to the administration of an upcoming CBEST exam. The workshops are designed to complement your own self-study for the exam.
Cost:      Free, but you must pre-register and pay for parking.
Contact: Impact Teach Program, CSULB, (562) 985-9259 or www.csulb.edu/cedinfo

CBEST Preparation Series
Sponsored by the Rancho Santiago Community College District Community Services, this preparation series covers math, reading comprehension, and essay writing in preparation for the CBEST. Students may register for the entire series ($165), or for an individual subject area ($55 each). A Barron’s CBEST Prep Manual is provided for participants enrolled in the entire series.

UNIVERSITY EXTENDED EDUCATION

            CSU Fullerton CBEST Preparation
                        Course Fee: $235
Contact: CSU Fullerton University Extended Education @ (714) 278-2611, or visit
the office at 800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, Building T-14.

            CSU Long Beach CBEST Preparation
                        Course Fee: $235
Contact: CSU Long Beach University College & Extension Services Office at
   (800) 963-2250, or visit the office at 6300 State University Drive,
    Long Beach.

            UC Riverside CBEST Preparation
                        Course Fee: $195 – 5 meetings
Contact: UCR Extended Education Office at (909) 787-4105, or visit the
    office at 1200 University Avenue, Riverside.

PREPARATION REVIEW BOOKS

Cracking the CBEST (2nd Edition)
Author: Rick Sliter
Publisher: Princeton Review Publishing (2002)

Barron’s: How to Prepare for the CBEST, California Basic Educational Skills Test
Author: Fred Obrecht
Publisher: Barron Educational Series Publishing

Cliffs Test Prep CBEST, 6th Edition
Author: Jerry Bobrow
Publisher: Hungry Minds, Inc. Publishing

What is the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET)?

All applicants for a teaching credential must prove they are knowledgeable and competent in the subject area(s) they will be licensed to teach. For the middle or high school teacher, subject matter competence focuses on a particular subject such as, English or Math. For the elementary teacher, subject matter competence must be demonstrated for all subjects relevant to the elementary classroom. The exam is divided into subtests (most exams have three subtests) and the examinee has five hours to complete it. This is now a requirement for both the Single Subject Credential, and the Multiple Subject Credential to pass the CSET. It is now recommended that students attempt the CSET for Multiple Subject Credential before they leave Cypress College. For further information, visit the CSET website at www.cset.nesinc.com.

The CSET offers examinations that cover the following credential areas:

MULTIPLE SUBJECT
All Areas

SINGLE SUBJECT

Agriculture
Art
Business
English
French
German
Health Science
Home Economics
Industrial & Technology Ed
Japanese
Korean
Mandarin
Mathematics
Music
Physical Education
Preliminary Educational Technology
Punjabi
Russian
Science
Biological Sciences
Chemistry
Geosciences
Physics
Social Science
Spanish
Vietnamese

Overview of the CSET

Examinations and subtests. Typically, the CSET examinations are administered six times each year and test sessions provide examinees with five uninterrupted hours of testing time. The exams are divided into subtests (most exams have 3 subtests), and the examinee may register for and take one subtest to all subtests of an exam within the five-hour test session. The subtests are not individually timed; examinees may spend as much of the five hours as they need on each subtest they are registered for.

Cost: Approximately $72 per section, and all three sections for $216.

Retaking Subtests: Examinees that pass any subtest do not have to take that subtest again as long as they use the score toward certification within five years of the test date. Examinees that do not pass one or more subtests may retake that subtest again. There is no limit to the number of times you may take any or all of the subtests of the CSET, as long as you use it toward certification within five years of the test date.

CSET Questions: Examinations in the CSET program include both multiple-choice and constructed-response questions that are designed to assess subject matter knowledge as described in the subject matter requirements. They are intended to be straightforward questions and assignments, not tricky attempts to elicit a wrong answer. There is no penalty for guessing.

Preparation: Student are still advised to follow the coursework from state-approved subject matter preparation programs, as these college courses are the best choices for preparing for the CSET Exam. Generally, the most appropriate resources for studying the content areas may well be your college textbooks and class notes. In addition, the test guide section for each examination contains an annotated list of resources recommended for that examination. You are also encouraged to use the sample multiple-choice and constructed-response questions which are available on the CSET web site at http://www.cset.nesinc.com

CSET Preparation Resources

UNIVERSITY EXTENDED EDUCATION

CSU Fullerton CSET Preparation
                        Course Fee: $295
Contact: CSU Fullerton University Extended Education at (714) 278-2611, or visit
   the office at 800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, Building T-14.

            CSU Long Beach CSET Preparation
                        Course Fee: $295
Contact: CSU Long Beach University College & Extension Services Office at
   (800) 963-2250, or visit the office at 6300 State University Drive,
    Long Beach.

For More Information:
For Academic Advising contact Velia Lawson, the Teacher Preparation Counselor, at (714) 484-7178 to schedule an appointment. She can help you choose the best classes for your particular transfer needs. For information about the CBEST (exam), CSET (exam), and Character Reference Forms (if you have a criminal record) please see Dennis Davino, the Teacher Preparation Coordinator, in H-259.

See the Cypress College Teacher Preparation website. Also see the blog of the Future Educators Club at Cypress College.

Teacher Preparation Program, Cypress Community College, 9200 Valley View St., CA 90630

Teacher Preparation Office, 2nd floor Humanities Building, Soc. Sci. Div. Office H-259



	Tests What is the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)? The purpose of the CBEST is to assess and verify acceptable proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics skills for Future Teachers. The test is not a measure of teaching skills. It measures basic educational skills. The CBEST is necessary for all levels of teaching, including elementary, secondary. Who Must Take the Test? In California, you must take the CBEST if any one of the following conditions applies to you: You are applying for a first teaching credential or service credential You are applying to a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) accredited teacher preparation program You are applying for an Emergency Teaching Permit (example: Substitute Teaching). A baccalaureate degree and the CBEST are required in some districts to substitute teach Passing the CBEST No limit to the number of times you may take any or all sections of the CBEST Candidates who do not pass one or more sections may retake that section again You do not have to pass all three sections at the same time Individuals only need to pass the CBEST once Cost: $41.00 (no matter if you take all three sections or only 1 section) Register: You may register for the CBEST on-line at www.cbest.nesinc.com, or you can pick up the booklet in the Teacher Prep Office. CBEST Preparation Resources COMMUNITY COLLEGE COURSES Cypress College CBEST Math Preparation Course *Math 55 – CBEST Math Preparation* 1 unit Eligibility for Liberal Arts Mathematics is recommended. Offered only Spring Semester. For registration information, contact Cypress College at (714) 484-7000 or www.cypresscollege.edu. El Camino College Education 10 – CBEST Preparation in Reading 1 unit Prerequisite: Freshman Composition with a min. grade of “C”. Education 20 – CBEST Preparation in Writing 1 unit Prerequisite: Freshman Composition with a min. grade of “C”. Education 30 – CBEST Preparation in Math 1 unit Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra or qualification by testing & assessment. For registration and cost information, contact El Camino Community College at (866) 352-2646 or www.elcamino.edu. WORKSHOPS CSU Long Beach, CBEST Workshops The Elementary & Special Education Center and Impact Teach Program sponsor three-hour workshops for each of the areas on the CBEST prior to the administration of an upcoming CBEST exam. The workshops are designed to complement your own self-study for the exam. Cost: Free, but you must pre-register and pay for parking. Contact: Impact Teach Program, CSULB, (562) 985-9259 or www.csulb.edu/cedinfo CBEST Preparation Series Sponsored by the Rancho Santiago Community College District Community Services, this preparation series covers math, reading comprehension, and essay writing in preparation for the CBEST. Students may register for the entire series ($165), or for an individual subject area ($55 each). A Barron’s CBEST Prep Manual is provided for participants enrolled in the entire series. UNIVERSITY EXTENDED EDUCATION CSU Fullerton CBEST Preparation Course Fee: $235 Contact: CSU Fullerton University Extended Education @ (714) 278-2611, or visit the office at 800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, Building T-14. CSU Long Beach CBEST Preparation Course Fee: $235 Contact: CSU Long Beach University College & Extension Services Office at (800) 963-2250, or visit the office at 6300 State University Drive, Long Beach. UC Riverside CBEST Preparation Course Fee: $195 – 5 meetings Contact: UCR Extended Education Office at (909) 787-4105, or visit the office at 1200 University Avenue, Riverside. PREPARATION REVIEW BOOKS Cracking the CBEST (2nd Edition) Author: Rick Sliter Publisher: Princeton Review Publishing (2002) Barron’s: How to Prepare for the CBEST, California Basic Educational Skills Test Author: Fred Obrecht Publisher: Barron Educational Series Publishing Cliffs Test Prep CBEST, 6th Edition Author: Jerry Bobrow Publisher: Hungry Minds, Inc. Publishing What is the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET)? All applicants for a teaching credential must prove they are knowledgeable and competent in the subject area(s) they will be licensed to teach. For the middle or high school teacher, subject matter competence focuses on a particular subject such as, English or Math. For the elementary teacher, subject matter competence must be demonstrated for all subjects relevant to the elementary classroom. The exam is divided into subtests (most exams have three subtests) and the examinee has five hours to complete it. This is now a requirement for both the Single Subject Credential, and the Multiple Subject Credential to pass the CSET. It is now recommended that students attempt the CSET for Multiple Subject Credential before they leave Cypress College. For further information, visit the CSET website at www.cset.nesinc.com. The CSET offers examinations that cover the following credential areas: MULTIPLE SUBJECT All Areas SINGLE SUBJECT Agriculture Art Business English French German Health Science Home Economics Industrial & Technology Ed Japanese Korean Mandarin Mathematics Music Physical Education Preliminary Educational Technology Punjabi Russian Science Biological Sciences Chemistry Geosciences Physics Social Science Spanish Vietnamese Overview of the CSET Examinations and subtests. Typically, the CSET examinations are administered six times each year and test sessions provide examinees with five uninterrupted hours of testing time. The exams are divided into subtests (most exams have 3 subtests), and the examinee may register for and take one subtest to all subtests of an exam within the five-hour test session. The subtests are not individually timed; examinees may spend as much of the five hours as they need on each subtest they are registered for. Cost: Approximately $72 per section, and all three sections for $216. Retaking Subtests: Examinees that pass any subtest do not have to take that subtest again as long as they use the score toward certification within five years of the test date. Examinees that do not pass one or more subtests may retake that subtest again. There is no limit to the number of times you may take any or all of the subtests of the CSET, as long as you use it toward certification within five years of the test date. CSET Questions: Examinations in the CSET program include both multiple-choice and constructed-response questions that are designed to assess subject matter knowledge as described in the subject matter requirements. They are intended to be straightforward questions and assignments, not tricky attempts to elicit a wrong answer. There is no penalty for guessing. Preparation: Student are still advised to follow the coursework from state-approved subject matter preparation programs, as these college courses are the best choices for preparing for the CSET Exam. Generally, the most appropriate resources for studying the content areas may well be your college textbooks and class notes. In addition, the test guide section for each examination contains an annotated list of resources recommended for that examination. You are also encouraged to use the sample multiple-choice and constructed-response questions which are available on the CSET web site at http://www.cset.nesinc.com CSET Preparation Resources UNIVERSITY EXTENDED EDUCATION CSU Fullerton CSET Preparation Course Fee: $295 Contact: CSU Fullerton University Extended Education at (714) 278-2611, or visit the office at 800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, Building T-14. CSU Long Beach CSET Preparation Course Fee: $295 Contact: CSU Long Beach University College & Extension Services Office at (800) 963-2250, or visit the office at 6300 State University Drive, Long Beach. For More Information: For Academic Advising contact Velia Lawson, the Teacher Preparation Counselor, at (714) 484-7178 to schedule an appointment. She can help you choose the best classes for your particular transfer needs. For information about the CBEST (exam), CSET (exam), and Character Reference Forms (if you have a criminal record) please see Dennis Davino, the Teacher Preparation Coordinator, in H-259. See the Cypress College Teacher Preparation website. Also see the blog of the Future Educators Club at Cypress College. Teacher Preparation Program, Cypress Community College, 9200 Valley View St., CA 90630 Teacher Preparation Office, 2nd floor Humanities Building, Soc. Sci. Div. Office H-259