Does anybody here know if you need college credits or a degree in order to....

Thanks! I have been reading over information online and so far I have not seen where it states you MUST have degrees before taking this test. I would think if you had to that it would state this as a requirement for registering to take the test. However, that doesn't answer my question as to whether all you need for credentialling is passing the basic skills test. It seems like the last step from people in getting their credential - or so far it seems to be the last thing they do before obtaining it. I wouldn't be looking to be a permanent teacher anyway, or looking for a longterm position in one place - unless it was support staff, which I already qualify for, I am just considering what you need to do in order to sub or be a temp. Either way, I need to find a way to do this without going to college for 2 years, 4 years, etc.

http://www.cbest.nesinc.com/CA15_whats_new.asp Here is a link to what I was looking at - I didn't see any info on here stating that you needed a degree in order to take the CBEST. I have friends who have taken it and they are all saying it's tough. Looking at overviews of what it covers, it does not LOOK that tough to ME. Of course I have not tried taking it yet. What I am not sure of is is you need a degree ON TOP OF having passed the CBEST. If that's true, then I guess I would have no need to take it. I was generally looking for a way to test out - and if I passed the tests required, to obtain certification or credentialling that way. It really doesn't make any sense to me - if I can demonstrate that I have the knowledge and skills and prove it by passing a test, then that shows I am just as knowledgeable as somebody who took 48 or 65 credits or whatever FIRST and THEN took the test, correct? And what can you say to try and enhance that money and time spent taking the credits if for instance I took the skills test and PASSED without having taken the credits/classes, and the other person took the credits/classes and then FAILED the test? I may call the contact person and try to find out. I did take the PTAP, so I have fulfilled my NCLB cert, and from what I have read, that fulfills or is equal to 48 credits. If I had not gotten the NCLB cert, I would have had to take 48 credits, or obtain an AA.

Correction: to take a basic skills test, like the CBEST and CSET, here are the rules (get ready they are long), and this is from the CBEST website: In California, you must demonstrate proficiency in basic skills if any one of the following conditions applies to you: You are applying for a first teaching credential or services credential. (Candidates obtaining an Exchange Credential, Sojourn Credential, or a services credential based upon completion of a preparation program outside of California may obtain an initial credential without satisfying the basic skills requirement at the request of a California employing agency. During the first year of validity of the credential, however, the individual must satisfy the basic skills requirement. For candidates obtaining an initial teaching credential based upon completion of a preparation program outside of California, the basic skills requirement must be satisfied within one year of the issuance date for public employment purposes and must also be satisfied for credentialing purposes.) You are applying to be a day-to-day substitute. You are applying for the issuance or renewal of an Emergency Permit, Provisional Internship Permit, or Short-Term Staff Permit, unless you already hold a valid California teaching credential for which a baccalaureate degree is required. You are seeking employment in California. Satisfying the basic skills requirement may also be required under Education Code Section 44830 as a condition of employment. If you are uncertain about whether you must satisfy the basic skills requirement, you should contact the school district or other California agency where you are considering employment. You are applying for admission to a CTC-accredited teacher preparation program, unless you already hold a valid California teaching credential for which a baccalaureate degree is required. You are applying for admission to a CTC-accredited services credential program. You may take the CBEST only if you have earned, at minimum, a high school diploma, a GED, or the equivalent or if you are, or have been, a student taking courses for college credit pursuant to a career in education. If you are uncertain about your eligibility to test, please contact the CTC for approval to test. On January 1, 2009, SB 1186 added two more options for satisfying the basic skills requirement. These additional options are as follows: passage of both of the English and Mathematics sections of the California State University (CSU) Early Assessment Program (EAP), showing status as "College Ready" or "Exempt" in each section passage of both of the English Placement Test (EPT) and the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM). The EPT passing score is 151 or higher. The current ELM passing score is 50 or higher, while the passing score for the ELM taken prior to March 2003 is 550 or higher. Also, n Oregon, passing the CBEST is required for initial licensure as a teacher, personnel specialist, or administrator. The test requirement is in addition to other licensure requirements, such as approved academic and professional preparation and appropriate educational experience as set forth in Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS, Chapter 342) and Oregon Rules for Licensure of Teachers, Personnel Specialists, and Administrators (OAR, Chapter 584). Under Oregon laws, an educator must hold the appropriate Oregon license prior to beginning employment in a public school or Education Service District. In Oregon, the minimum scores are set by the TSPC. You may take the CBEST only if you have earned, at minimum, a high school diploma, a GED, or the equivalent or if you are, or have been, a student taking courses for college credit pursuant to a career in education. If you are uncertain about your eligibility to test, please contact the TSPC for approval to test. So far, it looks like you are okay, if you have just a HS Diploma or a GED.