There are lots of good options out there for CBEST Practice tests.  Here are some things that you should consider with a CBEST study guide program:

• Book, Class or Web: One of the first major decisions involves the actual format of the CBEST review program.  Many schools offer class based review programs.  Most are actually free.  Definitely take advantage of these programs if your schedule permits.  You’d be crazy not to.  The only problem with class based reviews is that they are usually short-lived, and cannot dramatically improve scores on their own.  They are good reviews, but you still need to do the work elsewhere when it comes to studying, especially if you’re not 100% confident in your ability to pass the test.  The classic choice for studying is books, and they are certainly worthwhile.  After all, they are portable, convenient, and you don’t even need power or web access to use them.  The downside to books is that they are tedious to go through, and they don’t simulate the test environment very well.  Web tools are gaining in popularity, and many people consider these applications to be the very best at preparing students.  While they aren’t as personal as classes, and they don’t have classic appeal like books, the web programs are updated frequently, and they do a good job of simulating the actual computer versions of the CBEST.
• Web Features: If you read the previous bullet point, you’re probably thinking that web tools are a good place to start.  So what do you look for?  What are the features for CBEST review that are most important?  First, make sure the site looks reputable.  If it sounds like a scam, it just might be.  Reputable sites will have clear terms, secure checkout, and guarantees.  The best programs offer money-back guarantees that you’ll pass.  Next, look for an actual Learning Mangement System.  Some programs, like TeachRite, offer these LMS systems that track your progress and allow you to pickup where you left off. 
• Timing: So how much time do you need to study?  This depends on how confident you are with the various subjects.  If you go to the official CBEST website, you’ll see some areas for consideration.  Also, the web is littered with some free sample questions that at least allow you to identify your level of preparedness for the CBEST.  Many of the CBEST Practice Test systems have different subscription lengths depending on how long you want to study for. 

In summary, there are several excellent solutions for studying for the CBEST.  Shop around and you just might find the perfect solution for your needs.

As you’re probably aware, there are three basic areas of focus on the CBEST: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.  (Referred to as the “3 R’s by past generations!).  Anyways, a lot of people ask about the various breakdowns of questions on the CBEST exam.  Here’s how it goes based on the official website:

Reading section (50 multiple-choice questions). The questions in this section assess your ability to comprehend information presented in passages, tables, and graphs. The materials used in the test will vary in level of difficulty and complexity and are drawn from different fields. Questions will not require outside knowledge; all the questions are related to a particular passage and can be answered on the basis of information provided in the passage.

The questions in the reading section are from two major skill areas: critical analysis and evaluation, and comprehension and research skills. Approximately 40 percent of the questions from this section are drawn from the critical analysis and evaluation area, and approximately 60 percent are drawn from the comprehension and research skills area.
Mathematics section (50 multiple-choice questions). The math section will require you to solve mathematical problems. Most of the questions are presented as word problems.

The Mathematics section questions are from three major skill areas: estimation, measurement, and statistical principles; computation and problem solving; and numerical and graphic relationships. Around 30 percent of the questions from this section are drawn from the estimation, measurement, and statistical principles area; approximately 35 percent are drawn from the computation and problem-solving area; and approximately 35 percent are drawn from the numerical and graphic relationships area.

Writing section (2 essay topics).This section includes two writing topics that assess your ability to write effectively. You must respond to both topics. One topic asks you to analyze a given situation or statement; the other asks you to write about a specified personal experience. You are not expected to demonstrate any specialized knowledge in your responses.  The key thing to remember: It’s as important to follow proper grammar and orginization as it is to have a compelling story, if not more so.

When all is said and done, your success on the CBEST Test will be dependent on the amount of time you put into studying. As the saying goes, “you get out what you put in”. The more time spent with practice tests, study guides, and other testing materials, the greater the payoff will be. For a test of such great importance, it is advantageous to familiarize yourself with the CBEST test portions, and prepare as much as possible.
As we all know, this concept is easier said than done. With hundreds of commitments and an ongoing “To-Do” list, finding the time to sit down and focus on test preparation can be extremely difficult.
Despite this, difficulty should not be mistaken for impossibility. Keep these study tips in mind when preparing for the CBEST:

• Start the study process early. It may seem like a drag to drop what you are doing and study for the CBEST exam in the distant future. However, you will certainly be thanking yourself when you avoid the last-minute anxiety and cramming. Getting into a routine quickly will set the pace for successful studying. So go ahead, take the first step!
• Find a quiet place to study with minimal distractions. Libraries are the ideal study locations with plenty of tables and seats to spread out testing materials and study in silence. Local cafes and bookstores are also a good place to get away from the distractions of home.
• Devices off! We have all done it before: the quick google search turns into hours of surfing the internet, the constant distraction of others calling your phone, or the television show playing in the background that consumes your attention. Unless necessary and relevant to studying, make sure to have these electronics off! You will be amazed by how much time you save.
• Set times to study and commit to them! Much like homework assignments or projects, having work time scheduled to study is the best idea. Pick a time that you know will be ideal to sit down and focus. Don’t feel guilty if you don’t have two hours each day to study, even a few minutes spent reviewing beats pulling an all-nighter cram session the night before the CBEST! If you have a planner, write your scheduled study time in. The idea of studying can be fleeting, but when put in writing, it is hard to ignore.
• Consider study groups. Sometimes coordinating with others can be difficult but studying with like-minded individuals can motivate and offer different tips and perspectives. Just remember, study first and socialize later! When you make a commitment to others, and not only yourself, you will be more likely to follow through.
• Have the appropriate studying materials. This depends on how you study best. For many people flash cards, practice quizzes, outlines, highlighting texts, and note taking can work wonders.

The best study method is one that is tailored to your study skills and style. Find a method that works for you and stick with it. Only good things can come from studying, including a great score on the CBEST Test. Now its time to hit the books and get studying!

Welcome to our first post about CBEST.  The CBEST Exam can be challenging for California students for a multitude of reasons.  First, much of the material that is tested was learned early in the high school career, in some cases even earlier (as in middle school!).  This makes it difficult for people that have less than perfect long-term memories.  Additionally, there’s an awful lot at stake with these exams, as your career can be delayed if you don’t pass. 

For those who aren’t 100% familiar, here’s some more info about the exam…The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST®) was developed to meet requirements of laws relating to credentialing and employment of educators. As stated on their official site, this test requirement in no way replaces any of the other requirements of subject matter knowledge, professional preparation, and practice teaching or field experience used in the issuance of credentials. The CBEST tests reading, mathematics, and writing skills found to be important for the job of an educator; the test is not designed to measure the ability to teach those skills.  Note, this is an important distinction: You might feel that you’ll be an excellent math teacher, but you’ll need to show some writing skills.  Not easy for those that are left brained!  As an FYI, here is the link to the official CBEST site.  You can register for the test and everything: http://www.cbest.nesinc.com/CA15_overview.asp

There are many excellent tools out there for studying.  Some are books, some are websites.  Here are a few of our favorites:

TeachRite: This site is very professional, and includes dozens of practice tests and even has a nifty animated study guide feature with complete audio.  Clearly the most professional looking of the CBEST practice test websites and claims to have a money-back guarantee for those who don’t pass their test.  Reviewing online is a great way to simulate the actual test which will most likely be taken on a computer.

Cracking the CBEST: For those who prefer studying in old-shool book format, this is a popular book.  Written by our friends at Princeton Review, it’s probably worth consideration.

Your School: Many colleges offer their own review courses (including the link here to San Diego State’s program).  Although these catered to indvidual needs, in most cases they are free. 

Whether online, book, or classroom based, it’s HIGHLY recommended that you use a practice exam.  We’ve heard to many stories of over-confident students who fail the CBEST by only a few points.  Here are some common mistakes with CBEST and other general knowledge exams like it:

- You assume that since you’re doing well in college level Calculus that the math portion will be easy.  This is a common mistake because there is often loads of information that is tested based on information that you learned earlier in your high school career.  Everything from the pythagorean therum to metric conversions are fair game
- You think that writing the essay is about creativity.  While it’s always a good idea to have something interesting to say, these essays are as much about proper construction as they are about interesting storylines.  We know one student who was a published writer and failed a similar standardized exam for just this reason.
-You just aren’t ready on test day.  Being tired and hungover can be a recipe for disaster on any test, especially CBEST which is so comprehensive.  Just go easy the night before.

We’ll be back with more info and suggestions soon.  Please share your thoughts!  Good luck!