How to register and schedule the CBEST or CSET

Check whether you need the CBEST first

California calls this the basic skills requirement, and the CBEST is only one way to meet it. As of October 2026, CTC accepts any of these:

• A bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university. CTC says this covers most credentials
• College courses in reading, writing and math, with a B or better, at least 3 semester or 4 quarter units each
• A mix of qualifying courses and parts of the exam options below
• SAT or ACT scores at CTC’s levels, for example ACT English 22 and Math 23
• Passing the CBEST
• Passing all three CSET: Multiple Subjects subtests plus CSET: Writing Skills
• CSU Early Assessment Program results of “College Ready” or “Exempt” in both English and math, or passing CSU ELM and EPT placement scores
• AP scores of 3 or higher in English Language or English Literature, plus Calculus AB, Calculus BC or Statistics
• A basic skills exam passed in another state, from CTC’s approved list

Steps to register

1. Create an account on ctcexams.nesinc.com. Use your name exactly as it appears on your photo ID, including your middle initial.
2. Choose your test: each CBEST section, or the CSET subtests you need.
3. Pick test center or online. For online testing, run the system test before you register.
4. Pay the fee. CBEST sections are paid for separately at $30 each.
5. Book your appointment with Pearson VUE. Your registration is good for one year.
6. Check your confirmation for the exact time. Being more than 15 minutes late can mean you aren’t let in.

Rescheduling and cancelling

To cancel, use Reschedule in your account at least 24 hours before your appointment, then submit a withdrawal request. You get a full refund to your card. Withdrawing cancels every test in that appointment. If you just don’t show up, you lose the fee.

Retakes

You can take a test or subtest as many times as you need to pass. You have to wait 45 calendar days from the day you tested, even if you didn’t finish. If you booked several subtests in one appointment, the 45 days count from that appointment for all of them.

On the CBEST, you only retake the sections you didn’t pass. Your best score on each section counts toward the 123 total, so retaking a passed section can sometimes help. On the CSET, you retake the whole subtest, since you have to pass it in one sitting.

When you get your results

CBEST results arrive within 2 weeks. If you take Reading or Math at a test center, you see a preliminary result before you leave. CSET results arrive within 5 weeks. Online, you don’t get a preliminary result or receipt at the end.