03
Basic Skills Requirement
For most candidates there is nothing to do: a bachelor's degree satisfies it outright.
Nine statutory options satisfy the Basic Skills Requirement. In practice one dominates: a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. Since SB 153 took effect on 6/29/2024, the degree alone satisfies the requirement. No test, no form. Foreign degrees require evaluation by an approved transcript agency to establish equivalence.
Preliminary credentials carrying the "RC" renewal code for basic skills can disregard it entirely.
Every way to satisfy it
No CBEST needed with any of these
- Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution (SB 153): automatic, transcript only.
- CSET: Multiple Subjects plus CSET: Writing Skills (#142)
- CSU EAP or CSU placement exam results
- SAT: 500 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing / 550 Math
- ACT qualifying scores
- AP exams: 3 or higher on English AND on Calculus or Statistics
- A basic skills exam from another state
- Qualifying coursework: B- or better, 3+ semester units each in reading, writing, and math (verified on Form CL-130 / 41-BSR)
- Any combination of coursework and exam sections
The CBEST itself remains a valid tenth option; it is simply no longer necessary for anyone holding a degree.
Details
- Reference leaflet: CL-667.
- Passing exam scores used for the BSR are valid indefinitely.
- Paperwork (Form CL-130 / 41-BSR) only enters the picture on the coursework route; the degree route is verified from the transcript.