What is the CBEST Test?
The CBEST Test is the California Test of Basic Skills, also known as the California Basic Educational Skills Test.
Click here for our FREE Exercises for CBEST reading, writing, and math.
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You are required to pass this test in order to be certified to teach in the state of California.
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We sell printed study guides for the Math, Reading, and Essay Writing Tests on Amazon.
Please click on the book covers below for more information.
Exam SAM’s CBEST Math Practice Tests Study Guide helps you practice all of the skills on the CBEST Math Test.
- It includes samples of all of the types of questions that you will see on the CBEST Math Test, including numerical skills, understanding test scores, analyzing charts, graphs, and tables, measurement and estimating, and probability.
- It contains illustrated solutions and explanations for each of the 150 math problems in the book.
Exam SAM’s CBEST Reading Practice Tests Study Guide has three complete practice CBEST reading tests.
- It gives you tips to help improve your performance on the actual reading test.
- It includes all of the types of passages and questions that you will see on the actual reading test.
- It shows you how to determine the main idea, identify specific information, draw conclusions, and understand the writer’s tone, style, and purpose.
- It also has practice questions on comparison and contrast, organizational scheme, transition words, unknown vocabulary, and relevance.
Exam Sam’s CBEST Writing Study Guide has step-by-step instructions on how to structure and write your essays.
Learn how to write both your expository essay and your personal experience essay for the CBEST Essay Writing Test.
- It tells you how to avoid common essay errors and improve your grammar.
- It contains sample essays with teachers’ comments for you to study.
CBEST Test Information
You will be allowed 4 hours to take the complete exam.
You will also be allowed 4 hours even if you decide to do only one of the testing modules on the day of your exam.
The test can be taken on paper or in the computer-based format.
If you are looking for free CBEST practice tests, please navigate to the links in the math, reading, and writing sections below.
Free CBEST Math Practice Test
The CBEST math test consists of 50 questions.
For the math test, you should study the numerical skills, data analysis, probability, word problems, and algebra practice exercises.
The math test in numerical skills includes problems on the basic mathematical operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
For math preparation for your exam, you should do the exercises on the following pages:
- averages
- decimals
- estimating
- fractions
- integer rules
- length
- percentages
- price per unit
- whole numbers
Math test questions in data analysis require you to interpret and analyze data represented in graphic illustrations and diagrams.
You may see the following types of data analysis questions on your exam:
- bar charts
- line graphs
- tables
For math practice in probability, please click on the link above.
Word problems on your basic skills test will require you to make logical deductions based on the information provided.
Please click on the link provided for sample math practice word problems.
The California basic skills test also has some problems on basic algebra.
For CBEST math practice in algebra, you should prepare in these skill areas:
- equivalents
- inequalities
- setting up basic equations
- solving equations for unknown variables
The CBEST math test does not have problems on intermediate or advanced algebra.
Free CBEST Practice Test in Reading
The reading test contains 50 questions.
For CBEST test practice in reading, you should study these skills:
- identifying the main idea of a reading passage or paragraph
- locating specific information
- summarizing the key points in a reading passage
- drawing conclusions
- making inferences
- identifying steps in a process
- comparing and contrasting points in a passage
- distinguishing facts from opinions
- finding the author’s main idea
- understanding the author’s purpose
- using an index or table of contents
Free CBEST Test Preparation in Writing
The writing test assesses your ability to write clearly, using correct American English grammar.
You will have to write two essays for the test, so you should practice these skills:
- writing the introduction
- thesis statements
- writing the main body
- topic sentences
- paragraphing
- transition words
- conclusions
In order to help prepare your essay, you should also study these samples:
- expository essay
- personal experience essay
CSET Test Information
You may also need to take a CSET test in your particular subject area.
Note: The CBEST and CSET tests are trademarks of Pearson Education Inc, which is neither affiliated with nor endorses this website.