Title
Examinations
The Commission on Teacher Credentialing has the responsibility to select, administer and interpret examinations used to meet certification requirements. The Commission uses examinations in various areas of certification. Candidates may access examinations registration information, test and study guides, sample questions, and other helpful information at the following website: www.ctcexams.nesinc.com. Examinations included on this website are the CTEL (California Teacher of English Learners); CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers), RICA (Reading Instruction Competence Assessment), and CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test). Information on the examinations required for the type of certification you are seeking can be found in the Credential Requirements section of this website.
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Testing Agencies
California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)
California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET)
Single Subject Assessments for Teaching
Multiple Subject Assessments for Teaching (MSAT)
Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)
California Teachers of English Learners (CTEL) & BILINGUAL, CROSSCULTURAL LANGUAGE AND ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT (BCLAD)
Preliminary Educational Technology Test (PET)
Teaching Foundations Examination (TFE)
School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA)
Reporting Problems or Irregularities in Examination Administrations
TESTING AGENCIES
The Commission has contracted with the two testing agencies listed below to administer examinations required for California certification.
NATIONAL EVALUATION SYSTEMS, INC. (NES)
P.O. Box 340813
Sacramento, CA 95834-0813
(916) 928-4003
TDD: (916) 928-4191
Automated Information System (available 24 hours daily): (800) 205-3334
www.ctel.nesinc.com/
NES administers the following exams:
- California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)
- California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET)
- Single Subject Assessments for Teaching
- Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)
- California Teachers of English Learners (CTEL)
- Bilingual, Crosscultural, Language and Academic Development Examination (BCLAD)
- Preliminary Educational Technology Test (PET)
EDUCATIONAL TESTING SERVICE (ETS)
Teaching and Learning Division
P.O. Box 6051
Princeton, NJ 08541-6051
(609) 771-7395
Automated Information System (available 24 hours daily): (800) 772-9476
TTY: (609) 771-7714 Fax: (609) 530-0581 or (609) 771-7906
www.ets.org
ETS administers the following exams:
- Praxis II Series
- Teaching Foundations Examination (TFE)
- School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA)
CALIFORNIA BASIC EDUCATIONAL SKILLS TEST (CBEST)
Information Leaflet CL-667 [PDF]
Coded Correspondence: 06-0014 [PDF], 06-0021 [PDF], and 06-0028 [PDF]
Title 5: § 80071.4
The Basic Skills Requirement
The basic skills requirement became effective on February 1, 1983. Since that time, passage of the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) has been the only method by which to meet this requirement until the passage of Senate Bill 1209 in 2006, where additional options became available to meet the basic skills requirement. Passage of the CBEST remains one of the options. The law allows for some exemptions [PDF] to the basic skills requirement.
Other Ways to Meet the Basic Skills Requirement
One option is to verify passage of a basic skills examination from another state. A photocopy of the score report or letter verifying passage of the reading, writing and mathematics sections of the examination must be submitted with the application packet. There is no recency requirement for the date the examination was passed.
Another option is to pass all three subtests of the CSET: Multiple Subjects examination. Under this option, an individual must pass the CSET: Writing Skills test plus ALL three subtests of CSET: Multiple Subjects. The CSET: Writing Skills test is offered at all regularly scheduled CSET administrations, beginning with the May 19, 2007 administration. See www.cset.nesinc.com for more information.
Effective January 1, 2009, individuals who achieve scores on the California State University (CSU) Early Assessment Program (EAP) (English and Mathematics sections) or the CSU Placement Examinations (English and Mathematics) are sufficient meet the basic skills requirement. General information and instructions for ordering score reports for all three exams may be found at the ETS website: www.ets.org/csu. See Coded Correspondence 09-03 [PDF] for additional information.
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Candidates may not take part of one test option and part of another in order to meet the basic skills requirement, but must select and pass one of the allowable examination options listed above.
CBEST
CBEST verifies an individual's basic skills proficiency in the areas of reading, writing and mathematics. National Evaluation Systems, Inc. (NES) is the testing contractor responsible for the administration of the CBEST. Information regarding CBEST content, registration, administration, test schedule, fees, scoring, passing scores, and sample test material may be obtained by visiting the CBEST Website.
Candidates enrolling in a Commission-approved credential program who have not satisfied the basic skills requirement must take the CBEST or other approved basic skills test for diagnostic purposes unless the individual is otherwise exempt. This allows students who didn't pass the basic skills test to take refresher courses or change their professional goals. The basic skills test must be passed prior to obtaining certification or, for Multiple and Single Subject Teaching Credential candidates, prior to being assigned to daily responsibility for whole class instruction in student teaching or serving as an intern. However, institutions may require passage prior to program enrollment. Institutions receive a score report for students who request that CBEST scores be filed with their college or university.
The Commission has no authority to interpret regulations on the use of the basic skills requirement for employment purposes. Questions regarding employment issues should be directed to the employing agency. See California Education Code 44830 for more information.
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The following documents may be issued pending the completion of the basic skills requirement:
- Preliminary Credentials -- Out-of-state individuals may be issued a five-year preliminary Multiple or Single Subject Teaching Credential or Education Specialist Instruction Credential without the completion of the basic skills requirement with the understanding that they must verify completion of the basic skills requirement within one year from the issuance date of the credential in order for the holder to continue teaching.
- Out-of-state trained applicants for credentials that require basic skills (other than Multiple Subject, Single Subject, or Education Specialist Instruction Credentials): California public school employers of qualified individuals may request that the Commission issue a One-Year Nonrenewable (OYNR) credential pending the passage of the basic skills requirement.
- Exchange Credentials -- Education Code 44830(k) allows employers to hire credentialed exchange personnel for up to one year prior to the holder completing the basic skills requirement. While there is no corresponding clause in the credentialing section, the intent is clear, and the Commission will issue one-year preliminary Exchange Credentials without the basic skills requirement. The credentials will be renewed for the remainder of the three-year period as prescribed in Title 5 once the basic skills requirement has been met.
Pass, Fail and Retake
In order to pass CBEST, one must obtain a score of 41 or higher in each of the three sections (reading, writing and mathematics). However, a section score of 37 is acceptable if the total score is at least 123. Individuals who pass the CBEST receive an "Examinee Score Report" listing the scores for the test and an overall score, a "Permanent Verification Card" verifying passage of the CBEST, and two copies of a "Verification Transcript".
CBEST, CSET: Multiple Subjects, and CSET: Basic Writing scores are transmitted electronically into the Commission's computer databases. In most cases it is not necessary to submit the "Verification Transcript", however, the Commission reserves the right to request evidence of passage when necessary. Score reports from other states' basic skills examinations, the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test, the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) Reasoning Test, and the ACT Plus Writing Test must accompany the application packet.
Individuals who do not pass the CBEST will only receive the "Examinee Score Report" which lists their numerical scores for each of the three parts of the test (passed and failed), the total numerical score and information about retaking the examination. The CBEST may be taken as many times as needed. Individuals who receive a minimum passing score of 41 in a section but do not pass the entire examination need only to retake the failed section(s). The passing scores will be computed using the highest score on each section obtained at any test administration.
The minimum passing scores for the CSET: Basic Writing will be established by the Commission within 3-4 months after the May 2007 administration. The minimum passing scores for the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test, the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) Reasoning Test, and the ACT Plus Writing Test will be set by the Superintendent of Public Instruction by July 31, 2007.
Period of Validity
Once the basic skills examination(s) has been passed, it need not be taken again since it indefinitely satisfies the basic skills requirement necessary for certification, program enrollment, and employment.
For the basic skills requirement only, the passing scores for the CSET: Writing Skills plus three subtests of the CSET: Multiple Subjects are valid indefinitely. Please note that the validity period of the three CSET: Multiple Subjects Subtests scores used to satisfy the subject matter requirement is five years from the individual passing date of each subtest.
See Coded Correspondence 00-0006 [PDF] for more information on exam score validity.
Special Administration of CBEST
The CBEST is normally offered six times a year throughout California and Oregon by NES. The examination is also administered in eleven other states on an annual basis. The Commission can arrange for a special administration of CBEST for a school district, a group of school districts, a county office of education, or a group of counties in the event of an emergency employment situation. No special administrations will be scheduled for a college or university.
An emergency is defined as a reasonably unforeseeable circumstance which cannot be avoided or a foreseeable one that cannot be accommodated because of special and unique staff recruitment problems. The special administration cannot be scheduled within three weeks prior to a regularly scheduled exam and at least 40 people must be scheduled to take the test.
For more information, refer to Title 5 80071.4(g)-(i) or contact the CBEST Project Officer.
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CALIFORNIA SUBJECT EXAMINATIONS FOR TEACHERS (CSET)
Information Leaflets: CL-674M [PDF] (Multiple Subject) and CL-674S [PDF] (Single Subject)
Coded Correspondence: 02-0008 [PDF], 03-0014 [PDF], and 03-0025 [PDF]
The CSET is a series of subject matter examinations for prospective teachers who choose to meet the subject matter competence requirement by taking examinations. The CSET examinations replaced the Single Subject Assessments for Teaching (SSAT), administered by National Evaluation Systems (NES), and the Single Subject and Multiple Subject Assessments for Teachers (MSAT), titled Praxis II Series, administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS) as the required subject matter examinations for Multiple Subject, Single Subject, and Education Specialist Instruction Credentials.
Period of Validity
Passing CSET scores must be used for certification purposes within five years from the individual passing date of each exam. See Title 5 Regulations 80071 and Coded Correspondence 02-0008 [PDF] for more information on exam score validity.
In most cases it is not necessary to submit verification of passage of an exam with an application packet; however, the Commission reserves the right to request evidence of passage when necessary.
Passing Standards
To pass the CSET in a given subject area, a minimum scaled score of 220 must be achieved on each subtest.
Test results will be reported as scaled scores. A scaled score is based on the number of raw score points earned on each component. For each subtest of the CSET, raw scores are converted to a scale from 100 to 300, with a score of 220 representing the minimum passing score as set by the Commission. Scaled scores are used to help ensure that the level of competence required to pass a given test is independent of the particular version of the test taken. This is further explained in Coded Correspondence 03-0014 [PDF] /
For information regarding test content, registration, administration, schedule, fees, scoring, passing scores, or sample test material, visit the CSET website .
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SINGLE SUBJECT ASSESSMENTS FOR TEACHING
Information Leaflet CL-674S [PDF]
Until a CSET examination is available in a specific subject area, candidates may continue to demonstrate their subject matter competence by completing the required Single Subject Assessments for Teaching or Praxis II examinations for their teaching credential subject area(s). See Coded Correspondence 02-0008 [PDF] for more information. Effective July 2005, all Single Subject Assessments for Teaching will no longer be offered as they will have been replaced with the CSET. Depending on the subject area, individuals may be required to take and pass either one Single Subject Assessments for Teaching exam or a combination of Single Subject Assessments for Teaching and Praxis II exams for any specific subject. Administered by National Evaluation Systems, Inc. (NES), the Single Subject Assessments for Teaching exams are made up of either multiple choice or multiple choice and constructed response questions, as appropriate to the subject area.
Period of Validity
Passing examination scores must be used for certification purposes within five years of the individual test date. See Title 5 Regulations §80071 for more information on exam score validity.
In most cases it is not necessary to submit verification of passage of an exam with an application packet, however, the Commission reserves the right to request evidence of passage when necessary.
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PRAXIS II SERIES (MSAT & Single Subject Exams)
Information Leaflets CL-674M [PDF] (MSAT) and CL-674S [PDF] (Single Subject Exams)
Coded Correspondence: 03-0025 [PDF]
Multiple Subject Assessments for Teaching (MSAT): On January 25, 2003, the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) in multiple subjects replaced the MSAT. The CSET reflects the recently revised K-12 California Student Academic Content Standards. Given the significant differences in content and test structures between the examinations in the CSET program and MSAT, it is not appropriate to combine scores across the testing programs. Individuals interested in satisfying the subject matter competence requirement for the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential by examination must take and pass all appropriate sections of the CSET. MSAT scores for examinations taken after June 30, 2003 will not be considered for California certification.
Single Subject Praxis II Exams: The Praxis II Series of Assessments in single subject areas not replaced by CSET are also used to meet the subject matter competence requirement for Single Subject Teaching Credentials. Effective January 2005, all Praxis II examinations will have been replaced by the CSET. Therefore, Praxis II scores for examinations taken after December 2004 will not be considered for California certification. These constructed-response tests are usually used in combination with an SSAT exam. The length of the exam is about 3-5 hours, depending on the exam. All exams are offered nationally three times a year.
Period of Validity
Although some Praxis II exams, including MSAT, have been replaced by CSET, qualifying passing Praxis II examination scores may still be used for certification purposes within five years of the individual test date. See Title 5 Regulations §80071 for more information on exam score validity.
In most cases it is not necessary to submit verification of passage of an exam with an application packet, however, the Commission reserves the right to request evidence of passage when necessary.
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READING INSTRUCTION COMPETENCE ASSESSMENT (RICA)
Title 5: § 80071.5
The RICA was developed by the Commission to meet the requirements established in California Education Code Sections 44283 and 44283.2. California-prepared credential candidates applying for their initial Multiple Subject Teaching Credential on or after October 1, 1998, or Level I Education Specialist Instruction Teaching Credential on or after January 1, 2000, must verify that they have the knowledge and skills to provide effective reading instruction to children.
Individuals have the option of taking and passing either the RICA Written Examination or the RICA Video Performance Assessment. The RICA Written Examination is a four-hour paper-and-pencil examination that must be passed at one sitting. The minimum passing score is 81 points. The RICA Video Performance Assessment requires the candidate to identify three lesson plans, teach the lessons to students as they are being videotaped, and reflect upon the outcomes. The minimum passing score for this assessment is 17 points.
Individuals who hold a valid California teaching credential, which required a bachelor's degree and professional preparation program including student teaching, are exempt from the RICA requirement.
Period of Validity
Passing examination scores must be used for certification purposes within five years of the individual test date. See Title 5 Regulations §80071 for more information on exam score validity.
In most cases it is not necessary to submit verification of passage of an exam with an application packet, however, the Commission reserves the right to request evidence of passage when necessary.
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California Teachers of English Learners (CTEL) & BILINGUAL, CROSSCULTURAL LANGUAGE AND ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT (BCLAD)
Information Leaflets: CL-628C [PDF](CLAD) CL-628B [PDF] (BCLAD) [PDF]
Coded Correspondence: 05-0003 [PDF] and 06-0024 [PDF]
California Education Code: §44253.1 through 44253.6
The CTEL Subtests 1, 2, and 3 and the BCLAD series of examinations 4, 5 and 6 assess the knowledge and skills required of teachers who serve English learners in California classrooms. They were developed by the Commission to meet the requirements established in California Education Code 44253.1 through 44253.6.
The Crosscultural, Language and Academic Development (CLAD) Tests 1, 2, and 3 were replaced by the CTEL examination program, with the last administration of the CLAD tests on June 24, 2006. The CTEL program revised the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to teach English learners to reflect changes in policy, research, and theoretical practices for instruction of these students. For this reason, individuals who passed only one or two of the CLAD tests may not use those in conjunction with any CTEL subtests to satisfy this examination requirement. Individuals who have passed all three CLAD tests and satisfied all other requirements for the CLAD or BCLAD Certificate must use those passing CLAD scores within five years of the individual test date to obtain the CLAD Certificate or within seven years of the individual test date to obtain the BCLAD Certificate.
The CTEL examination contains three subtests and the BCLAD consist of three 3 series of examinations. Passage of the CTEL Subtests 1, 2 and 3 is one way to satisfy the requirements for the CLAD Certificate. Passage of the CTEL subtests and the BCLAD series of examinations satisfy the requirements for the BCLAD Certificate. CTEL subtest 1-3 is administered two times per year. The CTEL/BCLAD Examinations are administered by National Evaluation Systems (NES). Study Guides are available at the CTEL/BCLAD website.
The CTEL examinations consist of the following three subtests:
- CTEL 1: Language Structure and Language Development
- CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction
- CTEL 3: Culture and Cultural Inclusion
The BCLAD Test 4-6 consists of the following three tests:
- Test 4: Methodology for Primary Language Instruction
- Test 5: The Culture of Emphasis (Test 5 is available for Armenian, Chinese, Filipino, Hmong, Khmer, Korean, Latino, Punjabi, and Vietnamese. A Portuguese culture test is available through the Merced County Office of Education.)
- Test 6: The Language of Emphasis (Test 6 is available for Armenian, Cantonese, Filipino, Hmong, Khmer, Korean, Mandarin, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese, each of which includes four separate components: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. A Portuguese language test is available through the Merced County Office of Education.)
NOTICE: The final administration of BCLAD Tests 4, 5, and 6 is June 23, 2007. The BCLAD exams are being replaced by the CSET: Languages Other Than English (LOTE) to satisfy the requirements for a BCLAD Certificate. See Coded Correspondence 06-0024 [PDF] for additional information.
Period of Validity
Each CTEL test score used to qualify for a CLAD or BCLAD Certificate must have been earned within five years of the date of issuance of the CLAD or BCLAD Certificate. BCLAD passing examination scores must be used for certification purposes within seven years of the individual test date to obtain the BCLAD Certificate. See Title 5 Regulations 80071 for more information on exam score validity.
In most cases it is not necessary to submit verification of passage of an exam with an application packet, however, the Commission reserves the right to request evidence of passage when necessary.
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PRELIMINARY EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY TEST (PET)
Coded Correspondence 99-9916 [PDF] and 01-0008 [PDF]
In December 1998, the Commission adopted a new technology standard for the Multiple and Single Subject Teaching Credentials. Effective July 1, 2002, candidates for these credentials must demonstrate effective use of technology at a "foundational level" (Level I) prior to the issuance of a preliminary credential and must demonstrate effective use of technology at an "advanced level" (Level II) prior to the issuance of a professional clear credential.
The foundational level covers basic computer operations, concepts, issues, and professional, educational applications of computer technology and may be satisfied by appropriate course work or by passage of the Preliminary Educational Technology (PET) Test. Passage of the PET does not satisfy the advanced level requirement.
The Preliminary Educational Technology Test will primarily be taken by out-of-state prepared individuals who have not completed an equivalent teacher training program from a state that has comparability with California, or who have not satisfied the out-of-state, three-year or five-year experience option. Most California-trained candidates will meet this standard through course work at a college or university within the Commission-accredited teacher preparation program. However, upon college or university approval, California-trained individuals have the option of taking the Preliminary Educational Technology Test in lieu of course work.
The Preliminary Educational Technology Test was offered through Single Subject Assessments for Teaching until May 15, 2004. The minimum passing score for this Single Subject Assessment for Teaching exam was 220 (see Period of Validity information below). Beginning with the September 18, 2004 administration, the Preliminary Educational Technology Test became part of the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) testing structure administered by National Evaluation Systems, Inc. (NES). The examination consists of two subtests; the subtests include a total of 110 multiple-choice and five constructed-response items. The minimum passing score for each subtest is 220.
Period of Validity
Passing examination scores must be used for certification purposes within five years of the individual test date. See Title 5 Regulations §80071 for more information on exam score validity.
In most cases it is not necessary to submit verification of passage of an exam with an application packet, however, the Commission reserves the right to request evidence of passage when necessary.
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TEACHING FOUNDATIONS EXAMINATION (TFE)
Information Leaflets CL-840 [PDF]
This written examination allows individuals to demonstrate their knowledge of basic teaching education foundations and pedagogy in order to satisfy the required education courses for the Early Completion Internship Option. This option was added with the passage of SB 57 (Scott).
Administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS), the tests are available to candidates for the Multiple Subject Credential and Single Subject Credentials in English, mathematics, and science. Passing scores for these areas are listed below. The TFE is also available in Social Science and will be given at future test administration once 30 exam candidates register for this test at a single test administration. But until fifty persons take the Social Science exam, the individual passing score cannot be established.
| TFE: Multiple Subjects | 155 |
| TFE: English | 173 |
| TFE: Mathematics | 153 |
| TFE: Science | 171 |
Period of Validity
Passing examination scores must be used for certification purposes within five years of the individual test date. See Title 5 Regulations §80071 for more information on exam score validity.
In most cases it is not necessary to submit verification of passage of an exam with an application packet, however, the Commission reserves the right to request evidence of passage when necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions About the TFE
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SCHOOL LEADERS LICENSURE ASSESSMENT (SLLA)
Information Leaflets: CL-574 [PDF] and CL-574C [PDF]
Coded Correspondence: 03-0002 [PDF] and 03-0008 [PDF]
The passage of Senate Bill 1655 (Scott) became effective August 16, 2002, establishing alternative methods for satisfying both the preliminary and professional clear levels of the Administrative Services Credential, including examination alternatives. The School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) has been selected as the preliminary Administrative Services examination alternative. The Commission is currently researching national administrator performance assessments that may be appropriate for the professional clear Administrative Services Credential.
The California minimum passing score for the SLLA is 173. This six-hour written test assesses candidates' skills in situational analysis, problem solving and decision making in educational leadership scenarios. Administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS), the SLLA is given three times each year. SLLA registration and other information may be found at the SLLA Website.
Individuals who pass the SLLA and meet the prerequisites for obtaining a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential may apply directly to the Commission for the credential.
Period of Validity
Passing examination scores must be used for certification purposes within five years of the individual test date. See Title 5 Regulations §80071 for more information on exam score validity.
In most cases it is not necessary to submit verification of passage of an exam with an application packet, however, the Commission reserves the right to request evidence of passage when necessary.
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REPORTING PROBLEMS OR IRREGULARITIES IN EXAMINATION ADMINISTRATIONS
Examinees who experience problems or irregularities while taking examination(s) are required to report the complaint immediately to the test site administrator, and write to the testing service within the time frame specified in the examination registration bulletin(s). The examinee should also send a copy of the letter to the Commission, attention: Examinations and Research Unit. An examinee that does not receive a response from the testing service or considers the response unsatisfactory, may write to the Commission's Examinations Unit for assistance in resolving their concerns. Please include a copy of your initial letter and the testing agency's response with the letter detailing your concerns. You may also send an email to exams@ctc.ca.gov.
Reconsideration of Examination Score Based on Adverse Testing Conditions
In the rare case that the above process does not result in a satisfactory conclusion for the examinee, an appeal to the Commission may be undertaken only if the concern is related to alleged adverse testing conditions. The examinee must complete the process described above, and must file with the Commission a petition for reconsideration of the examination score based upon adverse testing conditions. Applicants who file this petition as described in Title 5 Sections 80072-80077 must do so within 30 days of the receipt of the failing score. After a petition is received, Commission staff will contact the testing service to ask if any other examinees reported difficulties with the testing conditions. The result of this contact with the testing service is included in the information provided to the Commissioners in the Commission meeting agenda. The Commissioners proceed with the case as specified in the regulations cited below and provided at the California Office of Administrative Law.
Title 5 §80072: Appeal Upon Failure to Pass Subject Matter Examination
Title 5 §80073: Board of Examiners
Title 5 §80074: Members of the Board of Examiners
Title 5 §80075: Oral Examination
Title 5 §80076: Board of Examiner's Fee
Title 5 §80077: Examination Processing Fee