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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Academic Testing
Exam Format
120 min
50
Basic Skills
Registration
$30 USD
Pearson VUE Test Centers or online proctoring
Validity
Indefinite - CBEST passing scores remain valid permanently for all credential and employment purposes
Not applicable - scores never expire
CBEST-SECTION-1-MATH Exam Topics and Domains
CBEST-SECTION-1-MATH is organized into 3 weighted domains. Expect to work with N/A.
1
Estimation, Measurement, and Statistical Principles
30%
Estimation and Measurement
U.S. Measurement SystemLength and PerimeterTime EstimationEstimation Before Computation
- Understand and use standard units of length, temperature, weight, and capacity in the U.S. measurement system
- Measure length and perimeter
- Understand and use estimates of time to plan and achieve work-related objectives
- Estimate the results of problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division prior to computation
Statistical Principles
Basic Statistical OperationsProbability ConceptsStandardized Test Score Interpretation
- Perform arithmetic operations with basic statistical data related to test scores (e.g., averages, ratios, proportions, and percentile scores)
- Understand basic principles of probability and predict likely outcomes based on data provided
- Interpret the meaning of standardized test scores (e.g., stanine scores, percentiles) to determine how individuals performed relative to other students
2
Computation and Problem Solving
35%
Arithmetic Operations
Whole Number OperationsOperations with IntegersFraction OperationsDecimal OperationsPercentage Operations
- Add, subtract, multiply, and divide with whole numbers
- Add and subtract with positive and negative numbers
- Add, subtract, multiply, and divide with fractions, decimals, and percentages
Problem Solving
Practical Mathematics ProblemsSimple Algebraic ProblemsProblem AnalysisAlternative Solution Methods
- Determine and perform necessary arithmetic operations to solve a practical mathematics problem
- Solve simple algebraic problems (e.g., equations with one unknown)
- Determine whether enough information is given to solve a problem
- identify the facts given in a problem
- Recognize alternative mathematical methods of solving a problem
3
Numerical and Graphic Relationships
35%
Numerical Relationships
Number ComparisonsMathematical EquivalenceNumerical Data AnalysisRounding Rules
- Recognize relationships in numerical data (e.g., compute a percentage change from one year to the next)
- Recognize the position of numbers in relation to each other
- Use the relations less than, greater than, or equal to, and their associated symbols to express a numerical relationship
- Identify numbers, formulas, and mathematical expressions that are mathematically equivalent
- Understand and use rounding rules when solving problems
Logical and Graphic Relationships
Logical Connectives and QuantifiersTables and SpreadsheetsBar GraphsLine GraphsCircle Graphs (Pie Charts)
- Understand and apply the meaning of logical connectives (e.g., and, or, if-then) and quantifiers (e.g., some, all, none)
- Identify or specify a missing entry from a table of data
- Use numerical information contained in tables, spreadsheets, and various kinds of graphs (e.g., bar, line, circle) to solve mathematics problems
How do I earn this certification?
Passing CBEST-SECTION-1-MATH earns the Basic Skills Requirement - Mathematics Component certification. It sits in the California Teacher Credentialing track.
Alternative Paths
- N/A Senate Bill 153 (June 2024) - degree from regionally accredited institution meets Basic Skills Requirement
- N/A Grade of B or higher in college-level mathematics course (algebra, geometry, quantitative reasoning, or statistics)
- SATStandardized test alternative
- ACT Standardized test alternative
- AP Advanced Placement exam alternative
- CSU-EAP California State University assessment
- CSU-ELM CSU placement test (discontinued September 2019)
- CSET Subject matter competency exam can also meet basic skills requirement
- Various Transfer from other states
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
Use the official PlanetCert Practice Test alongside the study plan below to prepare efficiently for CBEST-SECTION-1-MATH.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2024-01-01
- Announcement date: 2024-06-01
Updates
- Computer-Based Testing Platform Current All sections now delivered via computer at test centers or online-proctored • Release date: 2020-01-01
- Online Proctoring System Current Remote testing now permanent option • Release date: 2020-06-01
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Prospective teachers and educators in California.
- High school level mathematics completion
- Basic arithmetic proficiency
- Ability to work without calculator