CBEST practice test: free CBEST reading and math questions

The CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test) is a reading, math and writing test that future California teachers and substitutes can use to meet the state's Basic Skills Requirement; here you practise its Reading and Mathematics sections with original questions. Start with 5 free questions, then take two full practice tests of 60 questions (30 reading, 30 math) at the real CBEST pace, with an explanation for every answer and your score per section.

• 5 free questions
• 2 full tests, 120 questions
• Reading and math
• Explanation for every answer
• Practice certificate PDF

What is on the CBEST test?

The CBEST has three sections. You register for each one separately and take them in separate testing sessions, either on computer at a test center or online-proctored from home.

Each section costs $30. Calculators are not allowed. Reading covers comprehension and research (about 60%) and critical analysis and evaluation (about 40%). Mathematics covers estimation, measurement and statistics (about 30%), computation and problem solving (about 35%) and numerical and graphic relationships (about 35%). In Writing you write one essay that analyzes a situation or statement and one about a personal experience.

Sources: CBEST test page and CBEST test structure on ctcexams.nesinc.com (Evaluation Systems, for the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing), checked 24 October 2026.

CBEST passing score: what do you need?

Every section is scored from 20 to 80. You pass the CBEST with a scaled score of 41 on each section. You can also pass with a total of 123 or more across the three sections, as long as no section is below 37. For example, 38 in math still passes if reading and writing bring the total to 123.

You take and retake each section separately, and passing scores never expire. After a section on computer you wait 45 calendar days before you can take it again, and every retake is a new fee. On computer, reading and math give a preliminary result at the end of the appointment; official results come within 2 weeks.

Sources: CBEST test page and CBEST registration policies (ctcexams.nesinc.com); CTC leaflet CL-667 (ctc.ca.gov), checked 24 October 2026.

Do you still need the CBEST?

The CBEST is one of several ways to meet California's Basic Skills Requirement (BSR). According to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing's leaflet CL-667, other ways include college coursework in reading, writing and math passed with a B or better, the CSET: Multiple Subjects plus Writing Skills exam, qualifying SAT, ACT or AP scores, CSU placement results and a basic skills exam from another state, and options can be mixed.

For most credentials that require a bachelor's degree, the degree now satisfies the BSR. For the Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit, the CTC says a bachelor's degree satisfies the BSR from 29 June 2024. The CBEST still matters if you do not have a degree yet (for example for the Emergency Substitute Teaching Permit for Prospective Teachers), or if your program or employer asks for it. Check your own route with your credential program or district, or on ctc.ca.gov.

Sources: CTC leaflets CL-667 and CL-505p on ctc.ca.gov, checked 24 October 2026.

How MyLevel's CBEST practice tests work

Each MyLevel practice test has 60 questions: 30 reading, then 30 math, with a 126-minute timer. That is the same time per question as the real sections (1 hour 30 for 50 reading questions, 2 hours for 50 math questions). Work without a calculator, as on test day. The Writing section (2 essays) is not simulated.

• Reading: main idea, details, sequence, words in context, inferences, indexes and tables of contents, charts, assumptions, fact and opinion, weak and strong evidence, inconsistent statements, author's purpose and attitude.
• Mathematics: estimation and rounding, units, perimeter, area and volume, mean, median, mode, range and probability, fractions, decimals and percents, ratios and rates, multi-step word problems, patterns, tables, simple equations and if-then logic.

After each test you see your score per section and an explanation for every answer, with the math worked out step by step. A MyLevel percentage is not a CBEST score. The full pack costs $9.99, one time, no subscription, and also unlocks every other MyLevel job and aptitude test. Not useful? Full refund within 14 days.

MyLevel is independent and not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), Evaluation Systems or Pearson. The CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test) is a test of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, administered by Evaluation Systems of Pearson. All questions are original practice questions on the published CBEST content, not real test questions.

Sample question with explanation

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