Basic Skills Requirement/CBEST

The Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) is required by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for anyone seeking a credential, certificate, or permit to teach in California. By meeting the BSR, you demonstrate proficiency in the areas of reading, writing, and math. 

When do I need to meet the Basic Skills Requirement?

It varies based on your credential program and school employer. Some teaching credential programs require the BSR prior to program enrollment. You should contact the teaching credential program you’re considering to see what their deadline is. The BSR may also be required as a condition of employment. You should contact the school district you’re considering for more information.

How can I meet the Basic Skills Requirement? 

You must satisfy one of the following options:

1. [NEW] Possession of a bachelor’s degree earned at a regionally accredited college (note: SNHU is a regionally accredited university so all Rivet School BA grads should meet this requirement).

2. Pass the CBEST with a minimum score of 41 in each of the three sections (reading, writing, and mathematics) or a score as low as 37 on an individual section if the total score is at least 123.Click here to learn about Study.com's CBEST test prep materials.

3. Pass all three subtests of the CSET: Multiple Subjects (subtests #101, 214, & 103) plus the CSET: Writing Skills (test #142) with a minimum score of 220 on each.Click here to learn about Study.com's CSET test prep materials.

4. Pass the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP) or the CSU Placement Examinations: Entry Level Math (ELM) and English Placement Test (EPT).

5. Achieve qualifying scores on the SAT, ACT, or College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations.

6. Pass a basic skills exam from another state.

7. Meet the BSR through coursework (see below)

8. Meet the BSR through a combination of coursework and exam.

Do Rivet School fellows meet the Basic Skills Requirement?

If you earned Southern New Hampshire University’s Associates Degree in General Studies, you meet the Basic Skills Requirement. The following AA courses/competencies allow you to waive the BSR:

• MAT-125: Quantitative Reasoning and Problem Solving (course)
  • MAT-20013: Basic Quantitative Methods (competency)
  • MAT-20014: Spreadsheet Applications (competency)
  • SCS-20015: Human Behavior (competency)
• ENG-123: English Composition II (course)
  • ENG-20031: Persuasive Arguments (competency)
  • ENG-20032: Assumptions and Biases (competency)
  • ENG-20033: Analyze Ideas in Text (competency)

If this applies to you, click here to learn about the BSR waiver process. If not, the CTC has a BSR self-assessment tool to help educators determine whether they have satisfied BSR. This tool can be found here.