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Exam Overview
The WEST-B is a computer-based test given by appointment at Pearson VUE testing centers in Washington and across the country, and each subtest can also be taken with online proctoring during monthly testing windows. You can take all three subtests in one appointment or take them separately.
Key Facts About the WEST-B
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Washington Educator Skills Test-Basic (WEST-B) |
| Subtest codes | 095 Reading, 096 Writing, 097 Mathematics |
| Reading | 60 multiple-choice questions, 2 hours |
| Writing | 50 multiple-choice questions and 2 written assignments, 3 hours |
| Mathematics | 60 multiple-choice questions, 2 hours |
| All three subtests | 5 hours of testing time plus a 15-minute tutorial and agreement |
| Answer choices | Four per multiple-choice question |
| Fees | $32 per subtest, or $96 for all three at a testing center |
| Score scale | 100 to 300 for each subtest |
| State benchmark | 240 per subtest, used as a reference point |
| Passing score | None required by the state |
The Three Subtests and Their Objectives
WEST-B Objectives by Subtest
| Subtest | Objectives | What They Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Reading (095) | 0001 to 0006 | Main ideas, relationships among ideas, critical reasoning, purpose and point of view, word meaning, study skills |
| Writing (096) | 0007 to 0012 | Audience and purpose, organization, effective paragraphs, revision, conventions, and the two written assignments |
| Mathematics (097) | 0013 to 0018 | Numbers and operations, measurement, geometry, probability and statistics, algebra, mathematical reasoning |
The official materials do not publish a percentage for each objective, and questions are spread across all of them. Treat every objective as fair game.
How the Test Is Scored
Each subtest receives its own scaled score from 100 to 300. Reading and Mathematics scores are based on the number of multiple-choice questions you answer correctly. The Writing score combines your multiple-choice results with the scores on your two written responses. There is no penalty for a wrong answer, so never leave a question blank.
A scaled score of 240 is the state benchmark for each subtest. It reflects the level of skill expected for entry-level teaching, but Washington does not require you to reach it. Your score report shows whether each subtest has been taken, your highest score on each subtest, and the percentage of questions you answered correctly for each objective. Preparation programs use that information to plan support for you, so aim to do your best.
The written responses are scored on a four-point scale, with 4 the highest. A response can be marked unscorable if it is off the assigned topic, illegible, mostly in a language other than English, or not your own original work, and a blank response receives no credit.
What Kinds of Questions to Expect
- Reading questions based on original passages from history, science, social studies, the arts, education and everyday documents, plus charts, tables, outlines and index excerpts
- Writing questions based on short drafts with numbered sentences, asking which sentence is irrelevant, which revision is clearest, which transition fits or which sentence contains an error
- Two written assignments: an expository essay that explains ideas on a topic and a persuasive essay that takes and defends a position, both for a general audience of educated adults
- Mathematics word problems on proportions, percents, measurement, geometry, data and algebra, plus reasoning questions about missing information, counterexamples and errors in a solution
- An on-screen sheet of mathematical symbols, abbreviations and formulas during the Mathematics subtest
What Happens After the Test
- At a testing center you receive a receipt of completion at the end of your appointment; online-proctored candidates do not receive a preliminary receipt.
- Official scores are released on the published score report date for your testing window.
- Your report shows a status of taken or not taken for each subtest and for the full requirement.
- If your program asks for higher scores, use the objective results to plan your study before you retest; the report keeps your highest score on each subtest.
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