Everything You Need To Know About CTC/CBEST/CSET Costs

Are you preparing for a CTC test, but unsure of the costs associated with each exam? This article will provide you with all of the information you need regarding the cost of your CTC test. You will also find answers to other questions you might have about the exams. For example: What happens if you fail a test? How many attempts do you get to pass a test? We will discuss these questions, as well as every little detail about all of the costs that come with registering for a CTC exam.

Now, let’s look more closely at each of these questions.

Are you ready? Let’s go.

How Much Does it Cost to Take a CTC Exam?

Each CTC exam has a different registration fee. Some exams are offered as either computer-based or paper-based, and each option might have a different cost. Some CTC exams have different subtests, and you will need to register and pay for each one. Check out your test below to find out how much it will cost you to take your CTC exam.

CBEST

The CBEST is offered in both computer- and paper-based formats. Please be aware that the paper-based format is in the process of being phased out.

The cost for the computer-based test is $30 per section (3 sections). You must register and pay for each section separately. You can choose to take the test at a testing center or remotely via an online-proctored test.

The paper-based test costs $41. While there is no service fee for the paper-based test, there is a late registration fee of $18 and a $35 emergency registration fee. If you do not need late or emergency registration, you will not need to pay those fees.

CPACE

The CPACE has two different subtests. You must register for and take both subtests. Subtest 1 (CPACE Content) has a registration fee of $294. Subtest 2 (CPACE Performance) has a registration fee of $358.

CSET

The CSET exams are subject-specific and have different registration fees based on which CSET you take. Visit the California Educator Credentialing website to find the cost of the specific CSET test you plan to take.

CTEL

The CTEL includes three separate subtests. You can choose to register for and take each subtest separately, or you can register for and take all three subtests at the same time. A benefit to taking all three subtests at the same time is that you will save $84. The costs for the CTEL subtests:

If you choose to register for and take all three CTEL subtests at the same time, the registration fee is $260 for all three tests combined.

NES

There are two NES exams available as California educator assessments: the Assessment of Professional Knowledge—Elementary, and the Assessment of Professional Knowledge—Secondary. The registration fee for each test is $95.

RICA

The RICA exam has two options. You can choose to either take a written exam, consisting of three subtests, or submit a video performance assessment. You do not need to do both.

If you choose to take the written RICA exam, you will pay $57 per subtest. When taking the computer-based test in a testing center, you may choose to take each subtest separately, or in a single session. Online-proctored testing requires the subtests to be administered separately.

If you choose to submit a video performance assessment, you will pay $171 when registering.

Read this article for more information on registering for a CTC Exam.

How Many Attempts Do You Get to pass a CTC Test?

Retaking the CBEST, CPACE, CSET, CTEL, or RICA

The CBEST, CPACE, CSET, CTEL, and RICA tests can all be taken as many times as you need to get a passing score. Keep in mind, though, that you will need to pay the testing fees each time you take the test. This is one reason that you want to be fully prepared before your testing day. If you do need to retake the CBEST, CPACE, CSET, CTEL, or RICA test, you will need to wait 45 days from your previous testing date. One exception to this is if you choose to take a paper-based CBEST. In this case, you may be able to retake the test before the 45 days have passed.

Check out these free CTC resources to help you better understand what to expect on these exams. There are also full study guides available for many of the CBEST, CSET, and CTEL exams.

Retaking the NES

The NES exams can be taken as many times as you need to get a passing score. You will need to pay the registration fees each time you take the test, so you want to be as prepared as possible for your exam. For the NES, you will need to wait at least 30 days from your last testing date before retaking the exam.

What Happens if You Fail a CTC Test?

All CTC exams can be retaken as many times as needed to get a passing score. However, you will have to pay the registration fee each time you take the exam. You might also have to wait 30 to 45 days from your last test date or enroll in a new preparation program before retaking the test. (See “How many attempts do you get to pass a CTC test?” for more information on retaking your exam.) In order to save yourself time and money, you will want to be as prepared as possible before your testing date.

Check out this article for more information on CTC scores.

Are There Any Other Costs Associated With Taking a CTC Test?

Some CTC exams may have additional costs that come up in various situations. The main reasons you might encounter additional costs related to your CTC tests are late registration, additional copies of exam results, and score verification requests. Let’s take a look at each of these scenarios and when they might apply to you.

Late Registration

Late registration is available for the CBEST. The CBEST late registration fee is $18, and the emergency registration fee is $35.

Additional Copies of Test Results

In some cases, you might prefer to have more than one copy of your test results. For the CBEST, CPACE, CSET, CTEL, and RICA, you can pay $10 for each additional copy of your test results.

Score Verification Requests

If you do not pass a test or subtest where the scoring is done by a trained scorer, you can request to have your results verified by another test scorer. Keep in mind that this is not an option for multiple-choice questions, or if you have passed the test. The score verification fees for each applicable test are listed below.

If you request a score verification that results in a new score, your score verification fee will be refunded. You will also get an updated results report, and your score records will be updated. If your score stays the same, your score verification fee will not be refunded.

Check out more free CTC resources now!