The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing requires prospective teachers to pass a battery of tests prior to entrance and exit from a credential-granting program. Follow the links to learn about which tests you'll need to take.
California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST)
All prospective CA K-12 teachers must take and pass all three parts of the CBEST prior to entering a credential program. Also, many school districts require the CBEST in order to work as a substitute teacher.
The CBEST is now available in a computer-based format. Click here to learn more.
California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET)
All prospective CA Multiple Subject Credential candidates earn passing scores on CSET: Multiple Subjects exam. Single Subject credential candidates may pass the appropiate examination(s) of the CSET
Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)
The RICA requirement is required for teacher candidates who complete Multiple Subject Teaching Credential or Education Specialist Instruction Credential programs. Multiple subject candidates trained outside of California and individuals seeking to add a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential to their existing Single Subject Teaching Credential may use a passing score on the RICA to fulfill the teaching of reading methods requirements.