CSET/CBEST

Overview

CBEST and CSET are two separate California teacher-credentialing tests. They are set under the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and delivered through the California Educator Credentialing Examinations website, which is run by Pearson.

• CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test) checks basic reading, mathematics and writing skills.

• CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers) checks subject knowledge. There is a separate CSET for each subject area, and some subjects are split into subtests.

Passing either test is only one of several routes to meeting the related credential requirement. For CBEST, the official page says it is one of several options for satisfying the Basic Skills Requirement and that it is no longer required for most teaching credentials if you hold a bachelor's degree. For CSET, the official page says there are several options for satisfying the subject matter requirement. Check your own credential pathway with the Commission before registering.

Exam pattern

Both tests are taken on computer at a test centre, by appointment, Monday to Saturday through the year (some holidays excluded). Online-proctored testing from home is also offered for some sections and subtests, in one-week windows each month. The paper-based CBEST was retired after a 2021 Commission decision.

CBEST

Each section is a separate sitting and is registered for separately. All responses are in English and calculators are not allowed.

CSET: Multiple Subjects

This CSET has three subtests, with test codes 101, 214 and 225. At a test centre you can take one subtest or all three in one session of 5 hours. Online proctoring is offered only for Subtests I and III, each registered separately.

Subtest II is computer-based at a test centre only, provides an on-screen four-function calculator, and includes assignments where you handwrite and scan responses. Each sitting adds 15 minutes for a nondisclosure agreement and tutorial. Restroom breaks at a test centre count against your testing time, and no breaks are allowed when online proctored.

Other CSET subjects

The site lists CSETs for many subjects, including Agriculture, American Sign Language, Art, Business, Dance, English, English Language Development, Health Science, Home Economics, Industrial and Technology Education, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Science, Social Science, Theatre and Writing Skills, plus Foundational-Level General Science and Mathematics, Preliminary Educational Technology, and many world languages. Formats and subtests vary by subject, so read the page for your subject on the official site.

Marking and results

• CBEST: the passing score is a combined total of 123 across the three sections. Each section is scored on a 20 to 80 scale, and the official page explains the minimum for individual sections, so read it before relying on the combined total. You must pass all three sections.

• CSET: the passing score is 220 per subtest.

• CBEST results are available within 2 weeks of testing. At a test centre, Reading and Mathematics give preliminary results at the end of the appointment; Writing does not.

• CSET Multiple Subjects results are available within 5 weeks of testing.

Fees

As listed on the official site in 2026:

• CBEST: $30 per section, paid separately for each section.

• CSET Multiple Subjects: $99 per subtest taken separately, or$247 for all three subtests taken together at a test centre. Online-proctored subtests are $99 each.

The site also says eligible California residents with a valid California mailing address can take California educator examinations free while fee-waiver funds remain. The waiver does not cover the NES Assessments of Professional Knowledge or the WEST-E Designated World Languages: Latin test.

How to apply

Create an account on the California Educator Credentialing Examinations website, choose the test or section, and register for a test-centre appointment or an online-proctored session. Seats at test centres are first come, first served and limited. When you register you agree to the testing policies and rules, and the site lists items prohibited at test centres and reasons an online exam may be stopped or revoked.

Preparation tips

• Read the test structure page for your exact CSET or for CBEST, since content differs by subject.

• Use the tutorials and preparation materials linked from the test page.

• If you plan to take several CSET subtests, check whether they can be combined in one session, as the Multiple Subjects subtests can at a test centre.