Testing Requirements
This section contains important information about the following:
- California testing requirements
- Testing requirements by subject area
- Registration for CSET and CBEST examinations
- Important Testing Dates
- Test Preparation Resources
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 paper-based CBEST and still qualify for Oakland Teaching Fellows is April 10, 2010.Computer-based CBEST testing dates in May DO meet OTF program requirements. The last date to take the CSET and still qualify for Oakland Teaching Fellows is May 8, 2010. Fellows must enroll for the Basic Skills Requirement (CBEST or Multiple Subject CSET plus Writing Skills Exam) 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 110 and 111 (Candidates do not need to pass Subtest II2) |
| Science | Science CSET Test | Subtests 118 and 119, as well as one of the areas under
Subtest III: Choose
Biology 120 or Chemistry 121 (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 101, 102, and 103 |
| Spanish | Spanish CSET Test | Subtests 145, 146, and 147 |
| Physical Education | Physical Education CSET Test | All subtests 129, 130, 131 |
| Bilingual Education (Spanish) | Multiple Subject CSET Test | All subtests 101, 102, and 103 |
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 exam 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 are eligible to use the Writing Skills exam in lieu of the CBEST. Note: The CSET Writing Skills exam 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 9, 2010 |
| CSET Regular Registration Deadline | December 11, 2009 |
| CSET Late Registration Deadline | December 29, 2009 |
| CSET Emergency Registration Deadline | January 5, 2010 |
| CSET Official Scores Mailed (Be sure to mail or fax copies to OTF office as soon as possible) |
February 1, 2010 (Multiple Subjects only) February 8, 2010 (All other examinations) |
| CSET Testing Date | March 13, 2010 |
| CSET Regular Registration Deadline | February 12, 2010 |
| CSET Late Registration Deadline | March 2, 2010 |
| CSET Emergency Registration Deadline | March 9, 2010 |
| CSET Official Scores Mailed (Be sure to mail or fax copies to OTF office as soon as possible) |
April 5, 2010 (Multiple Subjects only) April 12, 2010 (All other examinations) |
| FINAL CSET Testing Date | May 8, 2010 |
| CSET Regular Registration Deadline | April 9, 2010 |
| CSET Late Registration Deadline | April 27, 2010 |
| CSET Emergency Registration Deadline | May 4, 2010 |
| CSET Official Scores Mailed (Be sure to mail or fax copies to OTF office as soon as possible) |
June 1, 2010 (Multiple Subjects only) June 7, 2010 (All other examinations) |
| * 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 5, 2009 | CBEST Regular Registration Deadline | November 6, 2009 | CBEST Late Registration Deadline | November 24, 2009 | CBEST Emergency Registration Deadline | December 1, 2009 | CBEST Unofficial Scores posted to internet | December 21, 2009 | CBEST Official Scores Mailed | December 24, 2009 | CBEST Testing Date * | February 6, 2010 | CBEST Regular Registration Deadline | January 8 , 2010 | CBEST Late Registration Deadline | January 26, 2010 | CBEST Emergency Registration Deadline | February 2 , 2010 | CBEST Unofficial Scores posted to internet | February 22 , 2010 | CBEST Official Scores Mailed | February 25 , 2010 | FINAL CBEST Testing Date ** | April 10, 2010 | CBEST Regular Registration Deadline | March 12, 2010 | CBEST Late Registration Deadline | March 30 , 2010 | CBEST Emergency Registration Deadline | April 6 , 2010 | CBEST Unofficial Scores posted to internet | April 26, 2010 | CBEST Official Scores Mailed | April 29, 2010 |
| ** 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 at info@OaklandTeachingFellows.org.
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.
Questions? Email us at