California Tests

Welcome to the California tests page, with resources on tests and testing services in California in such areas as academic tests, professional licensing exams and driving tests.

Academic Tests

Smarter Balanced Summative Assessment -  This assessment covers English literacy, language arts and math for grades 3-8 and 11. The computerized test includes a computer-adaptive section and performance task, both based on Common Core State Standards.

California Science Test (CAST) Field Test - This exam, based on California Next Generation Science Standards, is given to all students in grades 5 and 8 and once during high school.

Professional Tests

California Nursing Assistant and Nurse Aide Guide - Find information on the qualifications to work as a nursing assistant or nurse aide in California.

California Electrician Licensing Exam - Find out how to become a licensed electrician in California.

California Medical Assistant Certification Exam - Find information on how to become certified or registered as a medical assistant in California.

California Professional Counselor Licensing Exam - Find information on the qualifications to become a licensed professional counselor in Cailfornia, with NCE exam details.

California Nurse Licensing Exam - Find information on the qualifications to become a registered nurse in California.

California Real Estate Agent Exam and Licensing - Find information on the licensing requirements to become a real estate agent in California.

California Life and Health Insurance Agent Licensing - Find information on how to become a licensed life and health insurance sales agent in California.

California Massage Therapist Exams and Certification- Find information on what is required to become a certified massage therapist in California.

California Plumbing Exams and Licensure - Find information on licensing and testing requirements to become a plumber in California.

California Barbers and Cosmetologists Tests - All barbers, cosmetologists, manicurists, electrologists and estheticians must pass a written exam in order to receive a license from the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. The fee for the exam varies from $110 to $125. 

California Contractor Tests - California requires contractors to be licensed, and a two part exam process is required. The first exam applicants must pass is a Law and Business exam that covers general construction related topics. The second test they must pass is a C-61 Limited Specialty Classification, which will cover their specific field.

California Registered Nurse Testing - All nurses in the state of California must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RX) before they can obtain their first license. They must also pass a background check and submit transcripts from their academic intuitions. The test is not required for license renewals.

California Basic Education Skills Test - CBEST - Teachers are required to take the CBEST to get licensed to teach in the state of California.  The CBEST is taken in addition to the Praxis exam. 
 
California Subject Exam for Teachers - CSET - Teachers in California, who wish to get licensed to teach, must take the CSET to qualify to teach specific or multiple subjects. This test is taken in addition to the CBEST.

Driver's Tests

California Driving Tests - New drivers must pass a vision test and a multiple choice written test in order to obtain a learner's permit. A road test is required for drivers to obtain a full license, unless they have a valid out-of-state license, in which case the road test is waived.