Strategies While Taking the CBEST

Strategies While Taking the CBEST

• When the test begins, listen carefully to the instructions. Take your time in filling out the forms; you want to get credit for your effort, and machines are not good at correcting your mistakes!
• When you begin the test, read the instructions and the questions carefully. More students have problems with tests because they do not read carefully than for any other reason.
• Start by answering the questions that seem well within your grasp. This technique will build your confidence. You will know many of the answers. On the reading section, go back to the questions you were not sure of before continuing to another reading passage. Eliminate the answers you know are not correct and then GUESS! There is no penalty for guessing. Put a small mark next to the number on the answer sheet so that you can go back to those if you have time.
• The test is long. You may find that you are losing concentration during the test. If so, pause for a while. Put your pencil down. Flex your fingers or shake your hands. Stretch your back. (Do be courteous to those around you who are trying to maintain their concentration.)
• Do not spend too much time on any question. If you do not know how to do a math problem, staring at the test will not help. Mark the question or guess the answer. Go to questions that you do have a better chance of answering correctly.
• Go back and check your answers. Particularly, spot check some of the questions against your answer sheet to make sure that you answered each question in its correct blank.

Dealing with Test-Taking Anxiety when taking the CBEST

There are many ways to reduce the anxiety that you may feel about taking the test CBEST.

• First, recognize that being anxious is normal and appropriate. The CBEST test is important, and important happenings make participants nervous. Being too nervous, however, interferes with your performance. Find processes to help you relax.
• Second, if you know that you suffer high anxiety before tests, take particular care with your preparations. Anything that you can do to increase your sense of control over the situation will decrease your anxiety. Being prepared is, of course, the best way to feel in control.

Some specific tips for anxiety avoidance are:

1. Avoid other stressful situations on the days preceding the test. Personal problems not connected with the CBEST can influence your sensitivity to test anxiety. Keep your personal life on an even keel to whatever degree that is possible.
2. Prepare early and well without cramming immediately before the test. Under no conditions should the items on the test be a surprise to you. Items may seem hard, but good preparation using CBEST practice tests should ensure that you will recognize each type of question. This will have a calming influence.
3. Avoid other surprises on the day of the test. The more you know about the situation before you actually take the test, the more comfortable you can be with it. Don’t hesitate to ask questions of the test administrators.

When should I take the CBEST?

The CBEST must be passed before entering a credential program in California. Although students can take the CBEST anytime, it is recommended that the exam be taken soon after passing freshman composition and college-level mathematics courses. You can learn more about the CBEST at www.cbest.nesinc.com.