California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)

Dept of Testing >Nat'l & Statewide Tests > CBEST

In California, you must take the CBEST if any one of the following conditions applies to you:

1. You're applying for a first teaching credential or service credential.
2. You're applying for the issuance or renewal of an Emergency Permit (unless you already hold a valid California teaching credential for which a baccalaureate degree is required).
3. If you have not taught during the 39 months prior to new employment. If you are uncertain about whether the CBEST is required for employment, contact the school district where you are considering employment.
4. You're applying for admission to a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing approved teacher-preparation program.

The state of Oregon also uses the CBEST for certification and/or admission to Oregon commission-approved teacher education programs.

If you are planning to take the CBEST, you can obtain a CBEST Registration Bulletin by going to the School of Teacher Education office of the SDSU College of Education. The office is located in the Business Administration Building, room 259.

CBEST website:

For questions about CBEST policies and general administrative issues contact the appropriate commission:

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
P.O. Box 944270
Sacramento, CA 94244-2700
(916)445-7254

OR

Oregon Teaching Standards and Practices Commission
255 Capitol Street NE, Suite 105
Salem, OR 97310-1332
(503) 378-3586

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