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Basic skills

Announcement: Many educator assessments now available online

Online proctoring is now available for many of the content knowledge and basic skills tests. Online proctoring allows candidates to take a test securely from their home, school, or business. With a simple check-in process, a candidate can test without having to travel to a test center. Tests will become available for online proctoring through a phased rollout. Registration for online testing opens on December 1. Find out more about which tests will be available online.

What is the basic skills test?

All Washington teacher candidates are required to take the Washington Educator Skills Test – Basic (WEST-B) for admission into a teacher preparation program. The assessment includes three sub-tests: reading, writing, mathematics.

During the 2019 legislative session, passing requirements for the basic skills assessment changed. See our FAQ regarding these new changes.

Out-of-state teacher information

Individuals applying for a Washington State teaching certificate who have completed a teacher preparation program in another state or country may be eligible for an exemption.

Resources

  • Visit the WEST-B website for information on test preparation materials, registration, test policies, test framework, test fees, and vouchers.
  • The testing resource hub provides resources for programs and candidates to increase access to test related materials across the state.

What are the WEST-B alternatives?

Individuals seeking admission to an educator preparation program may submit evidence of taking an assessment deemed of equal rigor, such as the SAT or ACT, in lieu of the WEST-B. Candidates may substitute one or more sections of the SAT or ACT for the equivalent subsection on the WEST-B.

What are the WEST-B equivalencies?

Individuals seeking admission to an educator preparation program may submit evidence of taking an equivalent national or out-of-state basic skills assessment approved by the Board, in lieu of the WEST-B. See the WEST-B equivalent assessment page for more details about the equivalent tests.

Are vouchers available?

Each program is allocated a certain number of vouchers for the WEST-B test takers. Programs may purchase vouchers to provide candidates with full or partial credit toward fees for test registration and preparation resources.