The California Education Code requires that teachers, administrators, and other school practitioners demonstrate proficiency, in English, of three basic skills: reading, math, and writing. The CBEST was created to verify these skills.  The CBEST is given by National Evaluation Systems, INC., and does not claim to measure teaching abilities; rather it is a tool for measuring proficiency in the necessary skills listed above.  These are skills that are used at all levels of the education field.

By law, the CBEST provides separate scores in each of these areas, and acceptable scores must be achieved in each area to meet the requirements of the code relative to credentialing and employment in California and Oregon.

In July 1984, the CBEST guideline was adopted by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission.  Within six months, satisfactory CBEST scores were made mandatory for initial licensure in Oregon as a teacher, personnel specialist, or administrator.  The CBEST test requirement is additional to other licensing requirements as set forth in Oregon revised Statutes and the Oregon rules for licensure of teachers, personnel specialists, and administrators.

WHO MUST TAKE THE CBEST IN CALIFORNIA?

-         People who are applying for a teaching or service credential for the first time

-         People who are applying for issuance or renewal of an Emergency Permit.

-         If you have not taught during the 39 months prior to new employment.

-         People who are applying for admission to either a teacher-preparation or service-credential program approved by the California Commission on teacher credentialing.

WHO IS EXEMPT FROM THIS TEST IN CALIFORNIA?

In California you are exempt from taking the CBEST for the following kinds of employment:

-         Instructor of adults in a apprenticeship program

-         Teaching in a children’s center

-         Teacher in a subject for which a bachelor degrees is not required

-         Student teacher status

-         Educational specialists in a Deaf and Hearing impaired or School Counseling Services, where the individual seeking employment is prelinguily Deaf.  Service under these options is limited to state special schools or to classes for students who are deaf or hearing impaired.  However, those who choose this option are required to complete a job related assessment in lieu of the CBEST.

-         Any position where a valid, non emergency California teaching credential is held which requires a bachelor’s degree, and for which CBEST is not required for renewal.

-         Any position that requires the renewal or reisuance of a clear or professional clear, credential.

NOTE: CBEST states that candidates wishing to obtain an Exchanged Credential, a Sojourn Credential, or a credential, or a credential based upon the completion of a teacher preparation program outside of California may obtain an initial teaching credential without meeting the CBEST requirement.  All such candidates must pass the CBEST, however, during the first year of validity of the initial credential.

WHO MUST TAKE THE TEST IN OREGON?

Oregon requires passing CBEST scores prior to initial credentialing as a teacher, personal specialist, or administrator, unless one of the provisions is met.

-         You can document five years of full-time, licensed employment in public schools in another state.

-         You already hold one type of Oregon license and are a first-time applicant for a license of a different type.  For example, an Oregon-licensed teacher who applies for an initial personal specialist does not need CBEST scores.

-         You give essence of passing scores on Praxis 1 or the NTE Core battery test of communication skills and general knowledge.

WHO IS EXEMPT FROM THE TEST IN OREGON?

In Oregon, you may be granted a two year exemption (24 months) exemption from the CBEST requirement if you have not yet passed the CBEST, but are otherwise qualified for licensure.

            The CBEST waiver is only granted upon request of the employing school superintended or a school board in the event that (1) attempts were made to hire a properly licensed educator, but were unsuccessful, and that (2) the position is necessary for the school to operate normally.  However, exemption can be granted without district request to candidates from states with reciprocal agreements.  For further licensure, passing scores on the CBEST must be presented by the candidate.