CBEST Writing Scoring Guide

If you need to pass the CBEST to meet your career goals, you probably know that this exam has three sections: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. Each section, including CBEST Writing, is critical to passing the CBEST as a whole. Therefore, it’s important to understand the scoring system of the CBEST Writing test and how it fits in with the CBEST overall. If you know what it takes to pass, you’ll be able to prepare more effectively.

To give you a leg up, this article will cover all you need to know about CBEST  Writing exam scoring.

Overview of the CBEST Writing Exam

The CBEST Writing exam consists of 2 essay questions, which you will have 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete.

• One of the essay questions asks examinees to write about a remembered experience.
• The other question is designed to elicit expository prose that will permit writers to demonstrate their analytic skills.

How the Exam is Scored

The CBEST Writing test is scored by taking the sum of your correct answers and converting them to a scaled score that takes test difficulty into account.

There is no penalty for incorrect answers on this exam.

Passing Score

To pass the CBEST Writing exam, you must receive a scaled score of at least 41.

However, if your score is just below 41, you may still be able to pass the CBEST overall. Some test takers score high enough on Math and Writing that they are able to pass the CBEST with scores as low as 37 on Reading.

When Will You Get Your Score Report

If you take the CBEST Writing exam in person, you will receive preliminary scores upon completion. However, remote test takers will have to wait for their official score report to learn if they passed.

The official report should be released within two weeks. Visit the CTC website to find the exact day to expect your CBEST Writing scores. (Scroll down to “Test Results.”)

Understanding Your Score Report

Your CBEST Writing score report will show your overall score for the section. This ranges from 20 to 80, with 41 being the minimum score to pass.

The report will also reveal how you performed on the exam’s skill areas, as represented by a +, ++, +++, or ++++ (respectively: few or no questions answered correctly, some answered correctly, many answered correctly, most answered correctly).

If you did not pass the exam, you should find this score report helpful for future studying. By reviewing your performance on both skill areas, you can get a sense of where to focus as you prepare for a retake.

Retaking the Exam

If you don’t pass the CBEST Writing exam on your first try, you are allowed to retake it as many times as you wish. However, you must wait 45 days between each attempt.

Conclusion:

CBEST Writing exam scores play a key role in establishing your teaching career in California. Understanding how this test is scored and what is required to pass should help you prepare more effectively, maximizing your chances of success.

If you don’t pass the CBEST Writing exam on your first try, remember to take advantage of the detailed performance breakdown on your score report. This is an invaluable tool for identifying areas where you need improvement.

Even if your first try was unsuccessful, you should feel confident that you can pass the CBEST Writing test. With diligent study and a clear understanding of the exam, you’ll be well prepared for your next attempt.

More CBEST Writing Resources

• Dig deeper into the structure of this assessment with our CBEST Writing exam overview.
• Looking for more help? Check out our CBEST Writing study guide.