2008–2009 About the CBEST

California Education Code Sections 44252 and 44252.6 specify that candidates must demonstrate, in English, proficiency in basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills.

With the recent passage of California Senate Bill 1209 (Scott, Chapter 517, 2006), candidates may demonstrate proficiency in basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills by verifying the passage of any one of a number of examinations, one of which is the CBEST. For additional information about other examination options, see “What’s New in 2008–2009?” or visit the CTC’s Web site at www.ctc.ca.gov.


Who Must Satisfy the Basic Skills Requirement?

In California, you must demonstrate proficiency in basic skills if any one of the following conditions applies to you:

• You are applying for a first teaching credential or services credential. (Candidates obtaining an Exchange Credential, Sojourn Credential, or a services credential based upon completion of a preparation program outside of California may obtain an initial credential without satisfying the basic skills requirement. During the first year of validity of the credential, however, the individual must satisfy the basic skills requirement. For candidates obtaining an initial teaching credential based upon completion of a preparation program outside of California, the basic skills requirement must be satisfied within one year of the issuance date for public employment purposes and must also be satisfied for credentialing purposes.)
  
  
• You are applying to be a day-to-day substitute.
  
  
• You are applying for the issuance or renewal of an Emergency Permit, Provisional Internship Permit, or Short-Term Staff Permit, unless you already hold a valid California teaching credential for which a baccalaureate degree is required.
  
  
• If you were issued your California credential after the basic skills requirement became effective in 1982 and have not satisfied the basic skills requirement, satisfying the basic skills requirement may also be required under Education Code Section 44830 as a condition of employment. If you are uncertain about whether you must satisfy the basic skills requirement, you should contact the school district where you are considering employment.
  
  
• You are applying for admission to a CTC-accredited teacher preparation program, unless you already hold a valid California teaching credential for which a baccalaureate degree is required.
  
  
• You are applying for admission to a CTC-accredited services credential program.

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 CTC for approval to test.


Who Is Exempt from the Basic Skills Requirement?

In California, you are exempt from satisfying the basic skills requirement if you are applying for one of the following credentials, certificates, or permits:

• A renewal, reissuance, or upgrading of an existing nonemergency credential, certificate, or permit unless it is specifically indicated as a renewal requirement on the document
  
  
• A credential to teach adults in an apprenticeship program
  
  
• A permit to teach in a children’s center
  
  
• A credential to teach a designated subject that does not require a baccalaureate degree
  
  
• A credential to provide health services, unless the document also authorizes teaching
  
  
• A Certificate of Clearance (required for practice teaching)
  
  
• Any added authorization to teach (This exemption does not apply to individuals who hold a credential to teach that did not require a baccalaureate degree and for whom the teaching authorization sought requires this degree.)
  
  
• For prelingually deaf individuals only, all certifications that have the basic skills requirement and restrict service to state special schools or in special classes for pupils who are deaf or hearing impaired (Holders of these credentials will be required to complete a job-related assessment in lieu of the basic skills requirement.)
  

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