WHO IS REQUIRED TO TAKE THE TESTS?

ORELA Administrator Examination

The ORELA Administrator Examination is required of administrators seeking the Continuing Administrator License. Candidates must pass both subtests.

ORELA English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Examination

The ORELA English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Examination is required of candidates seeking licensure as ESOL teachers. Candidates must pass both subtests.

ORELA Multiple Subjects Examination

The ORELA Multiple Subjects Examination is required of candidates seeking initial teacher licensure with authorization at the early childhood, elementary, and/or middle school levels. Candidates must pass two subtests—subtest selection depends on whether the candidate received preparation at an approved Oregon institution or at an accredited out-of-state program.

Subtests I and II. You are eligible to take Subtests I and II of the Multiple Subjects Examination if you have never held an Oregon teaching license and are currently enrolled in an Oregon teacher preparation program.

You may be eligible to take Subtests I and II if you currently hold a Restricted Transitional Teaching License and you have never completed any teacher preparation in any state; you must confirm your eligibility in the teaching program in which you are currently enrolled.

Subtests II and III. You must take Subtests II and III of the Multiple Subjects Examination if any of the following applies to you:

Multiple Subjects Examination
Subtest Name and Test Code
Subtests Required
Preservice In-State Preparation
All Others
Subtest I: Language Arts, Social Science, the Arts (001)  
Subtest II: Mathematics, Science, Health and Physical Education (002)
Subtest III: Language Arts, Social Science, the Arts, Reading Instruction (003)  

ORELA Protecting Student and Civil Rights in the Educational Environment Examination

Beginning September 1, 2009, the ORELA Protecting Student and Civil Rights in the Educational Environment Examination is required of all candidates seeking Oregon licensure, including authorizations at the early childhood, elementary, middle, and/or high school levels as a teacher, personnel specialist, administrator, or school nurse.

This test is required in place of the Oregon-approved pre-service educator preparation program coursework or workshops that were previously used to fulfill the certification requirement. The only exception to the test requirement is for candidates who enrolled in pre-service coursework to meet the test requirement and apply for licensure before September 1, 2010.

California Basic Educational Skills Test™ (CBEST®)

The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) was selected by the TSPC in July 1984 to assess educators' basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills in the English language. Oregon candidates applying for initial licensure as a teacher or personnel specialist are usually required to pass the CBEST. The minimum passing scores in Oregon are set by the TSPC. This testing 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).

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.

You are exempt from passing the CBEST if you meet any of the following criteria:

Candidates requesting Oregon licensure based on completion of an approved teacher preparation program in another state or on a license from another state endorsed for full-time teaching, school counselor, school psychologist, or administration may apply for a three-year Transitional License. The CBEST is not required for the Transitional License but is mandatory for the Initial License.

For more information about the CBEST, including registering and preparing for the test, please see the CBEST Web site at www.ctcexams.nesinc.com.

If you have questions about using the CBEST for Oregon licensure, contact an advisor at your Oregon college or university, or contact the TSPC.