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CBEST

The CBEST consists of 3 sections:

  • Reading
  • Mathematics
  • Writing

You may take 1, 2, or all 3 sections in a single test session; you do not have to pass all 3 sections at a single administration.

Content
Computer-based test (CBT) and paper-based test (PBT) options:
  • Reading section: 50 multiple-choice questions
  • Mathematics section: 50 multiple-choice questions
  • Writing section: 2 essays
The examination is delivered in English, and all responses must be in English. The use of calculators is prohibited on this examination.
Dates
Computer-Based Testing
By appointment, year-round, Monday through Saturday (excluding some holidays). Test appointments are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and seating is limited.
Check appointment availability opens in a new window.
Paper-Based Testing
Sep. 26, 2020—cancelled
Dec. 5, 2020—cancelled
Feb. 20, 2021—cancelled
May 1, 2021
Jul. 10, 2021
Review registration deadlines.
Session Length
Computer-Based Testing
4 hours for 1, 2, or all 3 sections, including 15 minutes to complete a nondisclosure agreement and tutorial. Any time taken for breaks is considered
part of your available testing time.
Paper-Based Testing
4 hours for 1, 2, or all 3 sections
Reporting time for all PBT centers is 7:30 a.m. Any time taken for breaks is considered part of your available testing time.
Locations
Computer-Based Testing
Locate a test center opens in a new window.
Paper-Based Testing
View test areas.
Fees
Computer-Based Testing
$41 test fee per registration
$61 CBT service fee (in addition
to test fee)
Paper-Based Testing
$41 test fee per registration
$18 late registration (in addition to test fee)
$35 emergency registration (in addition to
test fee)
Passing Score
A total score of 123 for all 3 sections
Read more about passing scores for individual sections .
Test Results
Computer-Based Testing
Preliminary test results for Reading and Mathematics sections are provided at conclusion of testing. Test results are available within 2 weeks of testing.
Review CBT test results release dates.
Paper-Based Testing
Test results are available within 3 weeks of testing.
Review PBT test results release dates.
Policies and Rules
When you register, you agree to abide by all testing policies and rules. Read them now.
Before you test, review the list of materials that are prohibited at the test center.
Preparation
View the preparation materials available for this test.



Tests may include questions that are evaluated for future administrations and do not affect a candidate's score.

CBEST Reading Section

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.

CBEST Mathematics Section

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.

CBEST Writing Section

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.

CBEST PBT Registration

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.

CBEST CBT Registration

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.

California Test Areas

The following table lists the available California test areas.*

Area Code Test Area Availability
Bakersfield area402All test dates
Canoga Park/Woodland Hills area409All test dates
Chico area403All test dates
Fresno area404All test dates
Humboldt County/Arcata area401December, February, May, and July test dates
Long Beach area405All test dates
Los Angeles area406All test dates
Oakland area426September, February, and May test dates
Orange County area410All test dates
Pasadena/San Gabriel area407All test dates
Pomona/Ontario area408December, May, and July test dates
Riverside/Moreno Valley area411All test dates
Sacramento area412All test dates
Salinas/San Jose area417All test dates
San Bernardino area413September, February, and May test dates
San Diego area414All test dates
San Francisco area416All test dates
San Luis Obispo area418All test dates
Stockton/Modesto area421All test dates
*Some alternative testing arrangements may be accommodated at selected test centers only. If you wish to request a specific test area due to your documented disability, include this request in Section 11 of your Alternative Testing Arrangements Request Form. If after receiving your admission ticket, you find that the test center to which you are assigned is not feasible due to your documented disability, please contact the Alternative Testing Arrangements coordinator.

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.

Area Code
Canoga Park/Woodland Hills area 409
Chico area 403
Fresno area 404
Humboldt County/Arcata area 401
Long Beach area 405
Orange County area 410
Sacramento area 412
San Diego area 414
San Francisco area 416
San Luis Obispo area 418

CBEST Scaled Scores

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.


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