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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, MERCED

California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST)

What is the CBEST? 

  • The CBEST is the California Basic Education Skills Test (Math, English, and Writing) 
  • Designed to fulfill the "basic skills" requirement mandated by law for full-time and substitute teachers

Why take it?

  • If you have completed 90 units of college coursework OR hold a bachelor's degree, you may obtain a substitute teaching credential upon passing the exam
  • The CBEST is good for life; it only needs to be passed once
  • A requirement for most teaching credential programs

Registration Information

  • Before you register for this test, check the CBEST information to look if you are exempt from possibly taking this test.
  • Click here for step-by-step instructions to register
  • Click here to register for the CBEST
  • Check our social media for upcominng workshop dates

How Can I Find Out More?