WEST–B: Reading, Writing, Mathematics (095/096/097)

On April 24, 2019, Governor Inslee signed HB 1621, a bill to help admit more candidates into the teaching profession by removing the requirement of meeting a specific score on the WEST–B (WA Educator Skills Test - Basic) exam.

Candidates are still required to take a basic skills assessment for admission to a preparation program and for teacher certification. Candidates do not need to achieve a specific passing score for state certification. The WEST–B is a basic skills assessment in reading, writing, and mathematics. The basic skills assessment can now be used as one of multiple measures that gauge a candidate's skills upon entry. Programs may set additional basic skills requirements and procedures for their admission requirements.

For questions regarding teacher certification options, individuals must contact the OSPI Certification Office at cert@k12.wa.us or (360) 725-6400.

For program admission questions, please contact your preparation program directly.

For questions regarding this legislative change, please contact us at pesb@k12.wa.us, or visit our website pesb.wa.gov opens in a new window

Online proctoring is available for this assessment. You may test remotely, including from home.
Is online proctoring right for me? Read more about online proctoring, including important policies and requirements.

Format	Computer-based test and online-proctored test Reading: 60 multiple-choice questions Writing: 50 multiple-choice and 2 constructed-response questions Mathematics: 60 multiple-choice questions
Time	Computer-Based Testing CBT tutorial and nondisclosure agreement: 15 minutes Reading: 2 hours testing time Writing: 3 hours testing time Mathematics: 2 hours testing time All 3 subtests: 5 hours testing time	Online Proctoring Tutorial and nondisclosure agreement: 15 minutes Reading: 2 hours testing time Writing: 3 hours testing time Mathematics: 2 hours testing time Subtests are administered in separate testing sessions; therefore, candidates must register for each subtest separately.
Breaks	Computer-Based Testing You may take restroom breaks during testing. Time taken for breaks is considered part of the available testing time.	Online Proctoring Reading: No breaks are allowed. Writing: No breaks are allowed. Mathematics: No breaks are allowed.
Test Dates	Computer-Based Testing By appointment, year round. Test appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Check seat availability .	Online Proctoring By appointment with an online proctor during one-week testing windows each month.
Test Sites	Computer-Based Testing Located in Washington State and nationwide. Locate a test center .	Online Proctoring You may test remotely, including from home. Review system and testing environment requirements .
Passing Score	Passing score not required to meet state requirement.
Reference Materials Provided for this Test	Mathematics: A Mathematical Symbols, Abbreviations, and Formulas document is available on-screen during testing. Review it now . Reference materials are provided on-screen as part of your test.
Test Fee	Computer-Based Testing Single subtest: $32 All 3 subtests: $96 Review complete fee and payment policy information.	Online Proctoring Reading: $32 Writing: $32 Mathematics: $32 Examinees must register and pay for each subtest separately. Review complete fee and payment policy information.
Score Reporting	Computer-Based Testing View score report dates. Examinees will receive a receipt of completion at the conclusion of their test center appointment.	Online Proctoring View score report dates. Examinees taking an online-proctored test will not receive preliminary test results or a receipt of completion when their subtest ends.
Testing Policies	When you register, you must agree to abide by all testing rules and policies. Read them now.
Prepare	View the tutorials and preparation materials available for this test.

Tests may include test questions that are being evaluated for future administrations and that do not affect a candidate's score.

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