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Testing Requirements
This section contains important information about the following:
California Testing Requirements
In order to teach in California, candidates must take and pass the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET)* and the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST). The last date to take the CBEST is April 18, 2009. The last date to take the CSET is May 16, 2009. Fellows must enroll for the CBEST and CSET upon accepting an offer from the Oakland Teaching Fellows program.
*Although credentialing institutions can grant CSET waivers based on coursework, requirements are highly specific and few individuals qualify. OTF recommends that all candidates register for and take the CSET.
We strongly recommend that candidates read the following information carefully to ensure proper testing registration.
Testing Requirements by Subject Area
Subject Area |
Required CSET |
Required CSET Subtest |
Math |
Math CSET Test |
Subtests I and II
(Candidates do not need
to pass Subtest III) |
Science |
Science CSET Test |
Subtests I and II, as well
as one of the areas under
Subtest III: Choose
Biology or Chemistry
(Candidates do not need to pass Subtest IV; candidates may elect to pass more than one specialized subtest in order to teach several subjects) |
Special Education
|
Multiple Subject CSET Test
|
All Subtests I, II, and III
|
Spanish |
Spanish CSET Test |
All Subtests I, II, and III
(only offered on September, January, March, and May test dates) |
Physical
Education |
Physical Education
CSET Test |
All subtests I, II, III
(only offered on September, January, March, and May test dates) |
Bilingual (education, Spanish) |
Multiple Subject CSET Test |
All subtests I, II, and III |
Registration for CSET and CBEST examinations
The registration and administration of exams is handled by National Evaluation Systems, Inc. (NES). Please note that registration timelines are not flexible and that NES limits the timeframe within which registrations may be altered or subtests added. Unfortunately, the Oakland Teaching Fellows program cannot offer assistance to Fellows who register incorrectly for these tests. Out-of-state candidates should pay particular attention to special requirements for registration and administration of the CSET and CBEST in non-California locations.
To register for the CSET, click here
To register for the CBEST, click here
Official scores should be mailed or faxed to the Oakland Teaching Fellows office. OTF cannot guarantee the receipt of score reports addressed to OUSD.
CSET Writing Skills
CSET offers a Writing Skills test to those people taking the Multiple Subject CSET which can be used in lieu of the CBEST. Please note that only those candidates taking the Multiple Subject CSET will be eligible to use the Writing Skills test in lieu of the CBEST. Note: The CSET Writing Skills test is only accepted in lieu of the CBEST when ALL subtests of the Multiple Subject CSET are passed in addition to passing the Writing Skills test.
Important Testing Dates: CSET
*Note: Testing dates may be subject to change. Please verify all testing dates and requirements on the official CSET website.
Testing Event |
Date |
CSET Testing Date |
January 10, 2009 |
CSET Regular Registration Deadline |
December 12, 2008 |
CSET Late Registration Deadline |
December 30, 2008 |
CSET Emergency RegistrationDeadline |
January 6, 2009 |
CSET Official Scores Mailed
(Be sure to mail or fax copies to OTF office as soon as possible) |
February 2, 2009 (Multiple Subjects Only)
February 9, 2009(All other examinations) |
CSET Testing Date |
March 14, 2009 |
CSET Regular Registration Deadline |
February 13, 2009 |
CSET Late Registration Deadline |
March 3, 2009 |
CSET Emergency Registration Deadline |
March 10, 2009 |
CSET Official Scores Mailed
(Be sure to mail or fax copies to OTF office as soon as possible) |
April 6, 2009
(Multiple Subjects Only)
April 13, 2009(All other examinations) |
CSET Testing Date |
May 16, 2009 |
CSET Regular Registration Deadline |
April 17, 2009 |
CSET Late Registration Deadline |
May 5, 2009 |
CSET Emergency Registration Deadline |
May 12, 2009 |
CSET Official Scores Mailed
(Be sure to mail or fax copies to OTF office as soon as possible) |
June 8, 2009(Multiple SubjectsOnly)
June 15, 2009(All other examinations) |
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* Test may be offered in states other than California, see CSET website for details and special registration deadlines. |
Important Testing Dates: CBEST
*Note: Testing dates may be subject to change. Please verify all testing dates and requirements on the official CBEST website.
Testing Event |
Date |
CBEST Testing Date * |
December 6, 2008 |
CBEST Regular Registration Deadline |
November 7, 2008 |
CBEST Late Registration Deadline |
November 25, 2008 |
CBEST Emergency Registration Deadline |
December 2, 2008 |
CBEST Unofficial Scores posted to internet |
December 22, 2008 |
CBEST Official Scores Mailed |
December 29, 2008 |
CBEST Testing Date * |
February 7, 2009 |
CBEST Regular Registration Deadline |
January 9 , 2009 |
CBEST Late Registration Deadline |
January 27, 2009 |
CBEST Emergency Registration Deadline |
February 3 , 2009 |
CBEST Unofficial Scores posted to internet |
February 23 , 2009 |
CBEST Official Scores Mailed |
February 26 , 2009 |
CBEST Testing Date ** |
April 18, 2009 |
CBEST Regular Registration Deadline |
March 20, 2009 |
CBEST Late Registration Deadline |
April 7 , 2009 |
CBEST Emergency Registration Deadline |
April 14 , 2009 |
CBEST Unofficial Scores posted to internet |
May 4, 2009 |
CBEST Official Scores Mailed |
May 7, 2009 |
** Test may be offered in states other than California, see CBEST website for details. |
If you have further questions about exams required to teach in OUSD through this program, or if you are still unsure about which exams are required for your specific situation, please send us an email.
Please refer to the official testing websites for information about testing costs (see above links).
Test Preparation Resources
Teachers report that the CSET is extremely difficult and requires careful preparation in order to pass. We strongly encourage candidates to register for the appropriate tests and to begin studying for these required exams as soon as possible. Please click here to download a database of Test Preparation Resources recommended by Fellows. Although OTF and OUSD do not specifically endorse any of these resources, and while individual's preparation needs may vary, Fellows have cited these resources as helpful starting points in studying for these important tests.
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