CBEST & CSET

The CBEST is the California Basic Educational Skills Test. Candidates interested in becoming a California teacher take this exam to fulfill the basic skills requirement for the teacher certification process.

There are three sections to the CBEST: math, reading, and writing. Math and reading each feature 50 multiple choice questions while the writing section has two essay topics. These sections are intended to test a person’s basic knowledge of the general skills needed to be a teacher at any level.

You can choose to take one, two, or three sections in a testing session, but ultimately all sections must be taken to complete the exam.

The CBEST consists of 3 sections:

• Reading

• Mathematics

• Writing

You must pass all three sections to pass the CBEST.

Click here for more information on the CBEST.

The CSET stands for the California Subject Examinations for Teachers. There are many CSET exams that cover a variety of subjects. Subjects include English, Math, Social Science, and many foreign languages from American Sign Language to Turkish. Check out the full list of subject exams here.

Passing a subject examination proves an individual’s competence in the subject manner and is part of the teacher credentialing requirements in California. If you take one CSET, it can be part of the requirements for a Single Subject Teaching Credential. If you take CSET: Multiple Subjects, it can be part of the requirements for a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.

It’s important to note that you can take CSET: Multiple Subjects and CSET: Writing Skills to fulfill your basic skills requirement. This means you do not have to take the CBEST. If you do not take these four CSET tests, you do have to take the CBEST.

Click here for more information on the CSET.