In California, taking the CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test) is frequently the initial step toward receiving a teaching certification. The reading, math, and writing abilities thought to be most essential to a profession in education will be tested on the exam.
In this article, we will talk about CBEST results, how they scale and when you can get them.
On this website, we offer thousands of free CBEST practice test questions to help you thoroughly prepare for this exam!
Results of CBEST tests
In order to get certified to teach in public schools, candidates must pass the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST), which rates candidates on their proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics.
In other terms, a test taker would receive CBEST scores for each part, and those results would then be combined together for the total CBEST results. The CBEST results are then analyzed by summing up the separate scores from each segment on the exam.
The CBEST exam scores range from 20 to 80 for each part, with the CBEST Reading and CBEST Math being scored according to the percentage of multiple-choice questions that were answered correctly.
Based on the examination of an essay, the Writing part receives a score. There are several exceptions to this rule, which we’ll discuss below, and each component needs to have a minimum scaled score of 41 and the overall exam score needs to be at least 123.
You must pass each of the test’s three components in order to receive a passing CBEST score.
How are the CBEST results scaled?
The three subtests’ initial scores are translated into scores on a standardized scale. Scaled scores refer to these new results. The scaled results from each subtest are added to determine the CBEST’s overall score.
Test takers must get a scaled score in each area of the CBEST in order to pass. There are multiple-choice questions available to answer in the reading and math areas of these skill-based assessments.
How many questions you successfully answer in these parts will determine your CBEST scaled score. Your overall score increases as you correctly answer more questions.
Your strengths and weaknesses will be shown by each scaled score in the skill categories, which will be useful if you have to repeat the exam. A designating region on the score scale, which ranges from 20 to 80, indicates how well you did.
For instance, if you get a 40 on the mathematics part, this indicates that you only properly answered some of the problems. You may determine how well you did base on four designated categories, each of which is based on the scoring scale. As follows:
- If you correctly completed the majority of the questions (scaled skill area score of 61-80).
- If you correctly responded to most of the questions (scaled skill area score of 41-60).
- If you correctly responded to some of the questions (scaled skill area score of 31-40).
- If you correctly just partially or not at all (scaled skill area score of 20-30).
Since the CBEST Writing is based on the caliber of two essays rather than a predetermined set of questions, it is weighted differently. The CBEST Writing score is scored from 1 to 4, with 4 being the highest performance.
An essay can receive a score between 2 and 8, as each is assessed twice. Each essay’s findings are then totaled up to provide a final score, which ranges from 4 to 16. The score is then adjusted to a range of 20–80.
The scaled score sections for the Writing part are listed below, along with the information they provide about your essay:
- A score of “4” denotes a well-written example with clear communication
- A score of “3” denotes a passable writing sample that includes some communication.
- A score of “2” denotes an attempt at communication in a writing sample that is only half constructed.
- A score of “1” denotes a writing sample that is poorly organized and communicates next to nothing.
How Long Does It Take To Get CBEST Scores?
The test option you decide on will affect your CBEST results. It should be noted that the paper-based test option will gradually be removed starting in 2022–2022.
For the Reading or Math components of the computer-based CBEST, you will get preliminary test results at the completion of your test center appointment.
A certificate of completion will be given to those who complete the Writing portion. Within two weeks following the exam, the official findings are accessible. Depending on when you take an exam during a testing period, you’ll need to wait for a specific amount of time.
Let’s take an example where the testing window is from June 1 to June 7 and the findings are due on June 12. You will need to wait 9 business days (11 calendar days) to receive your CBEST results if you complete it on June 1. Five days will be enough time to wait for the test results if you complete them on June 7.
You won’t get preliminary results or a completion receipt if you complete the online-proctored exam. But when it comes to how your findings are delivered, the same guidelines apply.
If you complete the CBEST on paper, your results will normally be available three weeks after the exam.
How Do I Cancel CBEST Results?
The results of a computer-based CBEST exam cannot be reversed. Yet, if you take an exam on paper and believe your performance was lacking, you can choose to have your score canceled.
For this, you must contact Evaluation Systems within a week after the test date with a written request and a score cancellation form. The exam centers have the score cancellation paperwork available.
Refunds are not available to anyone who cancel their test results. Additionally, they won’t get a score report.
Summary
After all, your overall scaled score on the CBEST must be at least 123 in order to pass. Besides, retaking a part that you have passed could be a good idea if you want to improve your total grade. For each subtest, you must submit your best score.