Test Preparation

If you are looking for resources to help you with preparing for the CBEST, CSET, or RICA exams, check out the information below. Questions? Reach out to Delgel Pabalan, TCSJ's Coordinator or Educator Assessments and Data at depabalan@sjcoe.net.

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CBEST PREP RESOURCES

The California Education Code and Title 5 Regulations specify, in most cases, that applicants for a credential, certificate, or permit to serve in the public schools of California must verify basic skills proficiency before the credential, certificate, or permit will be issued. The California Basic Educational Skills Test is one option to meet the basis skills proficiency. Individuals only need to pass The California Basic Educational Skills Test (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 sectionsâ€”reading, writing, and mathematics. However, a score as low as 37 on an individual section 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. For more information, see CTC-Exam website.

TEACHERS TEST PREP	Teachers College of San Joaquin has partnered with Teachers Test Prep to offer ONLINE test prep at a discount to currently enrolled TCSJ students! Teachers Test Prep is the nationwide leader in teacher credentialing exam preparation. First, complete FREE test diagnostics with Teachers Test Prep to see your overall likelihood of passing and see where you need extra help! Once you complete the FREE test diagnostics, you then have the option to purchase Test Prep and will receive 6 months of access to the following features: Core Videos that teach the underlying content knowledge Smart-STEM Virtual Tutoring Videos that teach the strategy needed to apply that knowledge to the specific types of questions most likely to appear on the real exam Core Slideshows that provide a quick snapshot of the key content knowledge for easy review Advanced Diagnostics that include an even deeper breakdown of strengths and weaknesses to help you focus your study time on areas that will benefit you most An additional full-length Practice Test Step 1 To register for free test diagnostics to see your likelihood of passing, complete an online registration form with TCSJ by completing the Registration Form. Step 2 To get the ONLINE test prep at a discount, TCSJ candidates must complete our form rather than going directly through Teachers Test Prep. Once you register for free diagnostics, you will receive an email with additional information. Check out the Core Plus User Guide video that demonstrated all the features available in the Paid Prep program, including: Smart-STEM Virtual Tutoring, Core Videos, Core Slideshow Viewer, and Advanced Diagnostics. Be aware of when test results are released so you are eligible for the Pre-Service and IMPACT Program Start Dates!
240 Tutoring	240 Tutoring offers free CBEST study guides, videos, articles, an eBook, and practice tests for you to review the content of each domain of the exam. Check out their free resources.
Study.com	Review and practice the CBEST skills and more with this study guide, designed especially to align with CBEST content. It breaks down the test subject by subject, and explains important test concepts through quick and entertaining video lessons that can be accessed on your own time. Additional practice quizzes will allow you to put your own skills to the test, and provide instant feedback on where you might need a little more review. Online course instructors are also on hand for additional guidance and information, ensuring a solid preparation that suits your study needs. Check out our CSET-CBEST Preparation resources! We’ve got CSET-CBEST courses to teach you the material, comprehensive CSET-CBEST study guides to help you study, CSET-CBEST practice tests to test your knowledge, and CSET-CBEST informational articles to get you up to speed on testing logistics. This course was last updated in 2020.
Youtube	YouTube has a wealth of informational videos about how to prepare for the CBEST. You can check them out CBEST.

CSET Prep Resources

California Education Code requires that all candidates for a teaching credential must demonstrate they are proficient in the subject matter area of their intended credential. The California Subject Examinations for TeachersÂ® (CSETÂ®) is one way of meeting this requirement. The exams have been developed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for prospective teachers who choose to or are required to meet specific requirements for certification by taking examinations. For more information about the CSET exams, visit https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/PageView.aspx?f=GEN_AboutCSET.html.

TEACHERS COLLEGE OF SAN JOAQUIN	TCSJ frequently offers CSET preparation workshops. Although there are no workshops scheduled at this time, we recommend you check back later for updates.
TEACHERS TEST PREP	Teachers College of San Joaquin has partnered with Teachers Test Prep to offer ONLINE test prep at a discount to currently enrolled TCSJ students! Teachers Test Prep is the nationwide leader in teacher credentialing exam preparation. First, complete FREE test diagnostics with Teachers Test Prep to see your overall likelihood of passing and see where you need extra help! Once you complete the FREE test diagnostics, you then have the option to purchase Test Prep and will receive 6 months of access to the following features: Core Videos that teach the underlying content knowledge Smart-STEM Virtual Tutoring Videos that teach the strategy needed to apply that knowledge to the specific types of questions most likely to appear on the real exam Core Slideshows that provide a quick snapshot of the key content knowledge for easy review Advanced Diagnostics that include an even deeper breakdown of strengths and weaknesses to help you focus your study time on areas that will benefit you most An additional full-length Practice Test Step 1 To register for free test diagnostics to see your likelihood of passing, complete an online registration form with TCSJ by completing the Registration Form. Step 2 To get the ONLINE test prep at a discount, TCSJ candidates must complete our form rather than going directly through Teachers Test Prep. Once you register for free diagnostics, you will receive an email with additional information. Check out the Core Plus User Guide video that demonstrated all the features available in the Paid Prep program, including: Smart-STEM Virtual Tutoring, Core Videos, Core Slideshow Viewer, and Advanced Diagnostics. Be aware of when test results are released so you are eligible for the Pre-Service and IMPACT Program Start Dates!
240 Tutoring	240 Tutoring offers CSET study guides that are comprehensive reviews of the ideas and concepts of each exam. They provide a quality, easy-to-use study guide that is proven to help anyone pass their exam. $39.99 a month, cancel anytime. If interested in purchasing a 240 Tutoring subscription, please contact Delgel Pabalan at depabalan@sjcoe.net or at (209) 817-8087 for a discounted rate. Learn more about 240 Tutoring….
Study.com	Study.com has created a comprehensive CSET guide offering: CSET practice exams, including a free 15-question practice test comprehensive information on need-to-know test basics, section overviews, and scoring robust CSET study guides for each CSET subtest, comprised of thousands of engaging video & text lessons Visit their website for more information.
Youtube	YouTube has a wealth of informational videos about how to prepare for the CBEST. You can check them out CBEST.
SAN JOSE STATE (MATH CSET ONLY)	San Jose State offers free resources to help in preparation for the math CSET. Visit their website for more information.

RICA Prep Resources

Education Code Section 44283 requires the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to “develop, adopt, and administer a reading instruction competence assessment . . . to measure an individual’s knowledge, skill, and ability relative to effective reading instruction.” Evaluation Systems was contracted by the CTC to assist in the development, administration, and scoring of this assessment, which is known as the Reading Instruction Competence AssessmentÂ® (RICAÂ®).

The goal of reading instruction is to develop competent, thoughtful readers who are able to use, interpret, and appreciate all types of text.

For more information about the RICA exam, see CTC-Exam website.

TEACHERS COLLEGE OF SAN JOAQUIN	RICA Video Performance and RICA Written Exam Workshop COST: $100.00 (50% off for former and current TCSJ students) Taught by Linda Kraus, TCSJ Instructor Upon completion of the workshop series, you have the option of purchasing one professional development unit from TCSJ! Upcoming dates TBD Teachers College offers an online, self-paced, Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Preparation Course for $49. This course has 12 modules of information to prepare you for taking and passing the RICA in California. In addition to covering the 5 domains of the RICA, there are test taking tips and key strategies highlighted with demonstrations! Once you complete the course, you will have the option of purchasing one professional development unit from TCSJ! Learn more and enroll in the course.
TEACHERS TEST PREP	Teachers College of San Joaquin has partnered with Teachers Test Prep to offer ONLINE test prep at a discount to currently enrolled TCSJ students! Teachers Test Prep is the nationwide leader in teacher credentialing exam preparation. First, complete FREE test diagnostics with Teachers Test Prep to see your overall likelihood of passing and see where you need extra help! Once you complete the FREE test diagnostics, you then have the option to purchase Test Prep and will receive 6 months of access to the following features: Core Videos that teach the underlying content knowledge Smart-STEM Virtual Tutoring Videos that teach the strategy needed to apply that knowledge to the specific types of questions most likely to appear on the real exam Core Slideshows that provide a quick snapshot of the key content knowledge for easy review Advanced Diagnostics that include an even deeper breakdown of strengths and weaknesses to help you focus your study time on areas that will benefit you most An additional full-length Practice Test Step 1 To register for free test diagnostics to see your likelihood of passing, complete an online registration form with TCSJ by completing the Registration Form. Step 2 To get the ONLINE test prep at a discount, TCSJ candidates must complete our form rather than going directly through Teachers Test Prep. Once you register for free diagnostics, you will receive an email with additional information. Check out the Core Plus User Guide video that demonstrated all the features available in the Paid Prep program, including: Smart-STEM Virtual Tutoring, Core Videos, Core Slideshow Viewer, and Advanced Diagnostics. Be aware of when test results are released so you are eligible for the Pre-Service and IMPACT Program Start Dates!
EMILY MUCCIANTI’S RICA PREP COURSE	Enroll in Emily Muccianti’s RICA Prep 101 for a comprehensive, self-guided course that gives you everything you need to pass while fitting into your schedule. Through the course, all domains, competencies, and written responses (including the case study) are covered through a variety of engaging and visual lessons. Students are also invited to participate in live workshops via Zoom sessions to clarify their understanding. You can select from three different membership levels: Standard Member, VIP Member, or Platinum Member. Upon completion of the course, VIP and Platinum members can purchase one professional development unit from our Professional Learning Center for an additional $75. All membership levels can attend the Workshop Series and qualify for an additional professional development unit from our Professional Learning Center for an additional $75. Learn more and enroll at the website. Contact Delgel Pabalan at TCSJ for a 15% off coupon code for the prep course depabalan@sjcoe.net or at (209) 817-8087.
240 Tutoring	240 Tutoring offers CSET study guides that are comprehensive reviews of the ideas and concepts of each exam. They provide a quality, easy-to-use study guide that is proven to help anyone pass their exam. $39.99 a month, cancel anytime. If interested in purchasing a 240 Tutoring subscription, please contact Delgel Pabalan at depabalan@sjcoe.net or at (209) 817-8087 for a discounted rate. Learn more about 240 Tutoring….
Study.com	Study.com’s study guide course will give you all the tools you need to be ready for your exam. To cover all five domains addressed on the exam, our instructors have built this course with a multitude of chapters. Every chapter covers a major concept, but we break it up further with short, engaging lessons that help you review one topic at a time. These include teaching phonemic awareness, organizing your reading instruction and promoting literary comprehension. Check out our RICA test prep materials! We’ve got a RICA course to teach you the material, a comprehensive RICA study guide to help you study, RICA practice tests to test your knowledge, and informational RICA resources to get you up to speed on testing logistics. This course was last updated in 2020.
Youtube	YouTube has a wealth of informational videos about how to prepare for the CBEST. You can check them out CBEST.