CBEST is a basic skills test, divided up by segments covering Reading Comprehension, Writing, and Mathematics. CBEST scores are valid for life.
CSET is a commercially developed exam selected by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing as a means to to establish subject matter competence for the Multiple Subject, and for the Single Subject Math, Science, Social Science, English, and Mathematics credential.
The exam has recently transitioned from the Praxis MSAT exam for prospective Multiple Subject teachers, and from a combination of Praxis and SSAT exams for specific Single Subject test takers. The CSET exam is the only means to satisfy the California subject matter requirement for the Multiple Subject Credential, subject matter program "waivers" are no longer accepted. Those individuals with a strong college preparatory high school background and/or a strong record of achievement in college are most likely to pass the exam the first time.
For Multiple Subject credential seekers, a strong GPA (3.0 or higher) and a diversified general education courses in science, humanities, math, and the social sciences (including history), are appropriate preparation. In addition, E.D. Hirsch Jr.’s guide “What Your Fourth Grader Needs to Know: Fundamentals of a Good Fourth-Grade Education “ is an effective study aid. Also obtain his guides through Grade 6.
For Single Subject credential seekers, rigorous preparation in a secondary subject area can enhance chances of passing the single subject tests. Students with a strong high school or college background in a designated area may be able to demonstrate subject matter proficiency via examination in a Single Subject exam that falls outside their academic major. An Ethnic Studies major, for example, may have acquired through various avenues, sufficient expertise in Spanish or in Social Science to master a proficiency examination. Some individuals pass without additional course work or study. Others can prepare for the exams with a few courses and/or independent study. Persons from all majors pass the CSET, but there is some variation.
It is possible to order study guides directly from the test bulletins. Links to testing agencies can be found in below. A significant portion of the material covered on the subject matter exams comes directly from the California Academic Content Standards – the curriculum guides that outline what specific content is taught in K-12 public schools. To find downloadable versions, please visit the content Standards for California Public Schools website linked below.
Ventura County is extremely fortunate to have an outstanding resource to help you with exam preparation, at a reasonable cost. Ventura County Superintendent of School’s Office (VCSSO) Teacher Support Programs has provided extensive test preparation classes since 1986. Each instructor, a fully credentialed teacher, has a minimum of three years classroom experience and has recently taken the examination that is being taught.
Since VCSSO Teacher Support Programs is a public entity, the pricing reflects cost recovery – thereby offering educational practitioners and those in the community seeking a teaching career, with high-quality, informed instruction at affordable prices. Test preparation is available for the following teacher certification exams: CBEST, CSET, SSAT and RICA.
Test Preparation is available through VCSSO Teacher Support Programs for the following exams: CBEST, RICA, CSET, SSAT
For schedules, registration information, and costs, please visit VCSSO's Teacher Support Programs at:
CSU Channel Islands - One University Drive - Camarillo CA 93012 USA - Phone: (805) 437-8400
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