The Praxis I Test is not currently required in the state of California, but a Basic Skills Test is required. Under the law in number 3 below, a Basic Skills Test that is required by another state is acceptable, so if you have taken the Praxis I your test scores will be accepted. The following are options for the Teacher Entrance examinations of the Basic Skills Requirement:
The Title 5 Regulations and Education Code for the state of California states that in order to get your credentials, certificate, or your permit to teach in the public schools of California, you must verify a proficiency in a BASIC SKILLS test, before the state will issue a credential, certificate, or permit. Colleges may require the basic skills requirement before you can even enroll in a teaching program. The Praxis I is a basic skills test.
Each school district can choose to require the BASIC SKILLS test as a condition of employment, so you should check with the school district in which you are considering being employed at to understand the requirements of that specific district.
When the Senate Bill 1209 was passed, more options of the basic skills requirement became available.
OPTIONS FOR MEETING THE BASIC SKILLS REQUIREMENT
Individuals may satisfy the basic skills requirement by one of the following methods:
1. Pass the CBEST
Individuals only need to pass the CBEST once; CBEST passing scores remain valid indefinitely for all credential and
employment purposes. To pass the CBEST, one must obtain a minimum scaled score of 41 in each of the three sections—
reading, writing, and mathematics. However, a section score as low as 37 is acceptable if the total scaled score is at least
123. Any or all sections of the CBEST can be repeated as many times as necessary to obtain a passing score, but the full
registration fee is charged for each test administration.
Additional information and instructions for test registration and administration processes may be obtained by contacting
the CBEST program.
CBEST Program
National Evaluation Systems, Inc.
P.O. Box 340880
Sacramento, CA 95834-0880
(916) 928-4001
(TDD) 928-4191
Automated Information System (24 hours a day)
(800) 262-5080
E-mail: cbestmail@nesinc.com
Website: www.cbest.nesinc.com
Please include your postal address in e-mail messages.
2. Pass the CSET: Multiple Subject Plus Writing Skills Examination
The California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET): Multiple Subjects examination has been modified, adding an
assessment of basic writing skills which meets the basic skills requirement. The first administration of this examination
was May 19, 2007. See www.cset.nesinc.com for more information.
3. Pass a Basic Skills Examination from Another State
The Commission will accept basic skills examinations from other states. A photocopy of the score report or letter from the
testing agency verifying passage of the examination must be submitted with the application packet. There is no recency
requirement for the date the examination was passed. HERE IS WHERE WE CAN HELP YOU! The Praxis 1 is approved and being utilized by 28 states, and more are considering adopting it for their basic skills requirement.
To obtain information about California certification and testing options, please contact:
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)
Information Services Unit
P.O. Box 944270
1900 Capitol Avenue
Sacramento, CA 94233-2700
888-921-2682 or 916-445-7254, 12:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. (PST)
credentials@ctc.ca.gov (Please include a postal address in e-mail messages.)
