How much do the CBEST and CSET cost?

Test fees

The fee is the same whether you test at a center or online. Fees for each CSET are listed on its test page, so check yours before you register.

Is there a fee waiver?

Not anymore. California’s Examination and Performance Assessment Fee Waiver Program ended on June 30, 2024. People who registered before then had one year to test. If you register now, you pay the full fee.

Refunds, cancellations and retakes

• If you withdraw at least 24 hours before your appointment, you get a full refund to your card, usually within a week.
• If you miss your appointment or aren’t let in, there’s no refund.
• Registration is good for one year. If it runs out, you don’t get the money back.
• If an emergency keeps you away, you can ask for a fee voucher in writing, with documents, within 30 days.
• Every retake costs the full fee again. You can retake as often as you need, 45 days apart.

Prep costs

You can prepare for free. The official CBEST practice tests, the CSET test guides, sample questions and practice tests are all free to download. Pearson’s interactive Right Start courses cost $35 for 30 days or $70 for 90 days. Live classes and apps cost more, and we compare them on our where-to-learn page.

Could you skip the fee entirely?

Maybe. If you have a bachelor’s degree, CTC says that meets the basic skills requirement for most credentials, so you may not need to pay for the CBEST at all. For the CSET, some candidates can meet the subject matter requirement with a qualifying degree major or college coursework instead, verified by an approved preparation program. Ask your program before you book.