TESTING

 

Welcome to the Teach For America – LA! In order for you to begin teaching next fall you must complete a series of tests that prepare individuals entering the teaching profession. Taking and passing a series of exams is required in order to be hired by and teach in our partner school districts and charters. Per state law, if you do not take and pass the required tests, you will not be able to be hired by a Los Angeles school.  While we will recommend resources for you to use in order to prepare for your test and to assist you in the registration process, it is ultimately your responsibility to take and pass all of your exams by the communicated deadline. 

 

 

CSET

• Content Based Test

 

The CSET is the extremely rigorous subject-matter competency test for the state of California . California has the most difficult subject-matter competency tests in the nation, so studying for the CSET must be a priority during the six weeks immediately following your confirmation of our offer. Historically, the biggest predictor of CSET passage is study time logged. Corps members who studied a total of 60 hours or more for the exam (roughly 10 hours a week) and began studying immediately upon confirmation of their offer, were most likely to pass the exam on their first attempt.

 

CBEST

• Measures academic skills in reading, mathematics, and writing

• Designed to measure the skills and content knowledge of candidates entering teacher programs

 

The CBEST is California’s basic skills test that tests math, reading comprehension, and writing skills. Most corps members find that CBEST requires less study time, however, we have seen corps members struggle with this exam. The CBEST is offered at computer-based testing centers around the country.

 

US CONSTITUTION EXAM

• ​Measure Competency in the U.S. Constitution

 

In order to teach in the state of California, you must prove competency in the U.S. Constitution. Undergraduate coursework may exempt you from this exam. You will take the US Constitution exam from a home computer. Your credential will not be filed without the US Constitution requirement. Corps members may be eligible for an Constitution Exam exemption if they have taken coursework covering the US Constitution.