Do you still need the CBEST in California?
For years, passing the CBEST was a rite of passage for almost everyone who wanted to teach in California. That has changed, and a lot of people are pleasantly surprised to learn they may already meet the basic skills requirement without taking it. This guide explains the options the Commission on Teacher Credentialing lists, so you can figure out where you stand.
Try it free first
Every exam below has a free 25-question diagnostic with an explanation for every answer, created by a registered nurse.
Ways to meet the basic skills requirement
According to the Commission's Basic Skills Requirement leaflet (CL-667), you can meet the requirement in any of these ways:
- A bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution, which covers most credentials. A few documents, including the Emergency Substitute Teaching Permit for Prospective Teachers, do not require a bachelor's degree and so cannot be met this way.
- Qualifying college coursework in reading, writing and math, each passed with a B or better and worth at least 3 semester or 4 quarter units.
- A mix of qualifying coursework and exam sections.
- Qualifying SAT, ACT or AP scores, or passing results on the CSU Early Assessment Program or placement exams.
- Passing the CBEST.
- Passing CSET: Multiple Subjects plus the CSET: Writing Skills exam.
- Passing an accepted basic skills exam from another state.
When the CBEST is still the right move
The CBEST is still a great option if you do not have a qualifying degree or coursework, if you are applying for a permit that does not require a bachelor's degree, or if a district asks for it as a condition of employment. It is also flexible: you can take the Reading, Mathematics and Writing sections separately, at a test center or online, and you only ever need to pass each section once because CBEST scores stay valid indefinitely.
To pass, you need a scaled score of 41 on each section, or a total of at least 123 with no section below 37. Each section costs $30, and calculators are not allowed on the math section.
A simple way to decide
Ask your credential program or the district you are applying to how they want you to verify basic skills, and keep a copy of their answer. If the CBEST is on your path, take our free 25-question diagnostic to see how your reading and math skills look today. The CBEST 6-Month Pass then gives you full-length Reading and Mathematics practice tests with the real timing, plus essay practice with a scoring guide and model responses.
Ready to see where you stand?
The free CBEST diagnostic takes about 30 minutes, and you will see an explanation for every answer when you finish.
Common questions
Do I need the CBEST if I have a bachelor's degree?
For most California credentials, a bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution meets the basic skills requirement. A few permits do not require a degree, and some districts still ask for the CBEST, so confirm with your program or district.
Do CBEST scores expire?
No. The Commission says CBEST passing scores remain valid indefinitely for all credential and employment purposes.
Can I take just one section of the CBEST?
Yes. The Reading, Mathematics and Writing sections are registered and taken separately, and you can retake any section you still need.
Can I use college classes instead of the CBEST?
Yes, if the courses meet the Commission's rules: reading, writing and math courses passed with a B or better, worth at least 3 semester or 4 quarter units, at a regionally accredited college.
Sources
We checked these official pages on October 21, 2026. Exam details can change, so always confirm with the exam owner before you register.
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