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Pre-Admission Content Tests: CBEST & CSET
Learn about the exams you need to take, and how to prepare and report your scores
Learn about the exams you need to take, and how to prepare and report your scores
COVID-19 Update: Many Praxis tests can now be taken at home. Learn more from ETS.
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If you have any questions about your required exams or this process, visit Support or reach out to teacher preparation program (TPP) staff for support.
Here's a bit of background on the exams you may need to take to gain admission to a teacher preparation program.
To apply for your TPP, you will need to prove mastery of basic skills in reading, writing and math, and you’ll need to show you’ve mastered content in your chosen subject area. This generally requires two tests: The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) and the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET).
Out-of-state educators applying for certification in California must have their credentials reviewed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Out-of-state educators may still need to take the CBEST, CSET or both.
For your basic skills requirement, many applicants take the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). This test includes sections on reading, writing and math. You’ll need to score a 41 on each section, though you can score as low as 37 on a section if your overall scaled score is at least 123.
The CBEST is not the only option to meet California’s basic skills requirement. Your SAT, ACT, AP or other test scores may satisfy this requirement as well. To find out whether you should sign up for the CBEST, your best bet is to talk to your TPP staff about your specific situation. They can guide you in the right direction.
Whether you want to teach middle school art, AP Physics or third grade everything, there’s a subject area test for that! To demonstrate competence in your grade level or subject area, the most widely used option is the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET).
Like the CBEST, check with your TPP staff if you think you may have met this requirement without taking the CSET. If you completed undergraduate or post-baccalaureate coursework from an approved waiver program, you may be all set.
The right CSET for you depends on your program and teaching interests. You will need to take one or more subtests depending on your subject and grade level. See examples below for common teaching assignments and the associated CSET subtests. You can find a full list of single-subject credential tests on the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website.
| Teaching Subject | Teaching Subject |
| Elementary |
Multiple Subjects Test:
You may also need to take:
|
| Secondary English | English Test:
|
| Secondary Foundation Level General Science | Science Test:
|
| Secondary Life Sciences, Chemistry or Physics | Science Test:
|
| Secondary Foundation Level Math | Math Test:
|
| Secondary Mathematics | Math Test:
|
| Secondary Music | Music Test:
|
In many cases, you’ll complete a separate registration and pay a separate fee for each CSET subtest. Some subjects allow you to schedule the required subtests individually or all at once with a single fee.
For example, for the multiple subject test, you can schedule three different test dates, lasting two to three hours each, or schedule a single, five-hour test date. This single-session administration will save you some money on fees, but if a five-hour test sounds daunting, we recommend you sign up for separate dates. You know what’s best for you!
Check with your TPP to find out when you need to have taken and passed the basic skills test and content exams. Some require that you take and pass one or both tests before you submit your application, while others allow you to submit proof of registration for the tests when you apply.
Once you know which exam you’re taking, head over to the CTC online registration system. There, you will:
There are some universal things you can do to prepare for your tests. There are also more specific study guides available based on the subject areas and grade levels you’re interested in. We cover them both below.
Remember: You’re taking these tests for a reason. You want to become a teacher in a specific subject, and this is your chance to prove you can handle it. Take the time necessary to truly understand the information. You’ll thank yourself for it (and your students will thank you, too).
We recommend a two-pronged approach to structuring your study time:
There are a number of test prep options available from the test-makers directly, and some third-party services have come up with options, too. These resources offer a variety of prep strategies, from study guides and practice tests to one-on-one coaching.
You’ve settled on a content area, verified which test is required for your program application, studied hard, and now you’re ready to take the test.
Make sure you:
See CTC’s Day of the Test resource page for the nitty-gritty.
Find out how you did—and make sure your program does, too!
Paper scores are so yesterday. Get yours by email by selecting this option when you register. You can also access your test results online.
To find out when your score will be available, review the Test Results Release Dates section of the Get Results page, and then choose your test from the list. When they’re available, head back to the Get Results website to see how you did.
Generally, you will report your scores on your online application itself. (Your checklist has a step for this!) In some cases, submitting your “score report” will be part of the required paperwork during a program’s onboarding process.