WHAT'S NEW IN 2009–2010?

Computer-Based Testing Now Available

The CTC is conducting a pilot of a computer-based CBEST. CBEST computer-based testing (CBEST CBT) is now available during select five- or six-day testing windows at Pearson Professional Centers. Refer to "Test Dates" for a list of the testing windows currently open for registration and to "Test Sites" for information about available test centers in California and across the United States.

Registration. Registration for computer-based testing is available on the Internet by selecting "Register Now" on the CBEST Web site. There is an additional fee of $64 for testing on computer.

The following guidelines apply to computer-based testing registrations:

• You may register to take one, two, or all three sections of the CBEST.
• Once you have registered, you must wait until after you have tested to register again for computer-based testing.
• You may test only once per testing window.
• You must wait 120 days before retaking a section on computer.
• You should plan to register as early as possible for your desired testing window. Test appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and seating is limited.

Score reporting. Unofficial test results for the Reading and Mathematics sections will be provided at the test center at the conclusion of your test. Unofficial test results for all sections will be posted to the CBEST Web site and official score reports will be mailed 10 business days after the end of each testing window. See "Release of Your Test Scores" for additional information on score reporting.

New 2009 Basic Skills Testing Options for California

Prior to the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 1186 (Chap. 518, Stats. 2008), the following three options were the only options available to satisfy the California basic skills requirement needed for the issuance of most Commission documents:

• passage of a basic skills examination from another state
• passage of all three subtests of CSET: Multiple Subjects plus the CSET: Writing Skills (for more information about this option, view the California Subject Examinations for Teachers® [CSET®] information at www.ctcexams.nesinc.com)
• passage of the CBEST

On January 1, 2009, SB 1186 added two more options for satisfying the basic skills requirement. These additional options are as follows:

• passage of both of the English and Mathematics sections of the California State University (CSU) Early Assessment Program (EAP), showing status as "College Ready" or "Exempt" in each section
• passage of both of the English Placement Test (EPT) and the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM). The EPT passing score is 151 or higher. The current ELM passing score is 50 or higher, while the passing score for the ELM taken prior to March 2003 is 550 or higher.

As before, sections from different examination options may not be combined; candidates must pass one option in its entirety. If candidates have already satisfied the California basic skills requirement, they do not need to satisfy any of the other options. Regardless of the option used, once a basic skills examination is passed, the score is valid indefinitely.

Please see the CTC Web site at www.ctc.ca.gov for more information about the different examination options for certification, including Coded Correspondence 09-03 regarding implementation of SB 1186. The basic skills requirement may also be a condition of California employment. Please contact the agency where you are considering employment for information.

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