2008–2009 About the CBEST

In Oregon, passing the CBEST is required for initial licensure as a teacher, personnel specialist, or administrator.

The test requirement is in addition to other licensure requirements, such as approved academic and professional preparation and appropriate educational experience as set forth in Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS, Chapter 342) and Oregon Rules for Licensure of Teachers, Personnel Specialists, and Administrators (OAR, Chapter 584). Under Oregon laws, an educator must hold the appropriate Oregon license prior to beginning employment in a public school or Education Service District. In Oregon, the minimum scores are set by the TSPC.

You may take the CBEST only if you have earned, at minimum, a high school diploma, a GED, or the equivalent or if you are, or have been, a student taking courses for college credit pursuant to a career in education. If you are uncertain about your eligibility to test, please contact the TSPC for approval to test.


Who Is Exempt from Taking the Test?

In Oregon, applicants meeting one of the following criteria are exempt from taking the CBEST:

• The applicant holds an Oregon license of one type and is applying for an initial license of a different type. For example, an Oregon-licensed teacher who applies for an initial administrative license does not need CBEST scores.
  
  
• The applicant verifies completion of a regionally accredited doctoral degree.
  
  
• The applicant submits a passing score on the NTE Core Battery Test of Communication Skills and General Knowledge or on Praxis I.

Applicants requesting Oregon licensure based upon completion of an approved teacher education program in another state or on a license from another state endorsed for full-time teaching, school counselor, school psychologist, or administration may apply for a three-year Transitional License. The CBEST is not required for the Transitional License but is mandatory for the Initial License.

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