CBEST

The questions in the Reading section assess your ability to comprehend information presented in written passages, tables, and graphs. The materials used in the test will vary in level of difficulty and complexity and are drawn from a variety of fields. No questions require outside knowledge; all the questions are related to a particular passage and can be answered on the basis of information provided in the passage.

The Reading section questions are from two skill factors: (1) critical analysis and evaluation, and (2) comprehension and research skills. Approximately 40 percent of the questions from this section are drawn from the critical analysis and evaluation area, and approximately 60 percent are drawn from the comprehension and research skills area.

The questions in the Mathematics section require you to solve mathematical problems. Most of the questions are presented as word problems.

The Mathematics section questions are from three skill factors: (1) estimation, measurement, and statistical principles; (2) computation and problem solving; and (3) numerical and graphic relationships. Approximately 30 percent of the questions from this section are drawn from the estimation, measurement, and statistical principles area; approximately 35 percent are drawn from the computation and problem-solving area; and approximately 35 percent are drawn from the numerical and graphic relationships area.

Use of calculators is prohibited on this examination.

The Writing section includes two writing topics that assess your ability to write effectively. You must respond to both topics. One topic asks you to analyze a given situation or statement; the other asks you to write about a specified personal experience. You are not expected to demonstrate any specialized knowledge in your responses.

If you register for the paper-based CBEST, you will automatically be registered for all 3 sections of the test. However, you may take 1, 2, or all 3 sections during the 4-hour test session.

If you register for the computer-based CBEST, you must choose which section or sections you wish to take during the 4-hour test session. You may choose any combination of sections, but only the section(s) you select during registration will be available at the test center.

The following table lists the available California test areas.*

Emergency Registration Test Areas

Emergency registration is limited to the space available at the following test areas across California. Please note that the test areas available for emergency registration are subject to change based on available space. Some test centers may become full and therefore may be unavailable during emergency registration.

The scaled scores used for reporting CBEST results range from 20 to 80 for each of the three sections (Reading, Mathematics, and Writing) of the test. The passing score on each CBEST section is a scaled score of 41. A total score (the sum of Reading, Mathematics, and Writing scaled scores) of 123 is required for passing status. It is possible to pass the CBEST with a scaled score on one or two sections as low as 37, provided that the total score is 123 or higher. It is not possible, however, to pass the CBEST if any section score is below 37, regardless of how high the total score may be.