WEST–B: Reading, Writing (895/896)

The WEST–B Reading and Writing subtests have been adopted by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. These subtests can be taken as an alternative to the Communication and Literacy Skills test in order to fulfill licensure requirements.

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.

If you plan to take the online-proctored WEST–B, please note that you can only register for one subtest in a single test appointment.

If online proctoring is not an option for you or if you would prefer to test at a test center, see other testing options to fulfill your licensure requirements.

WEST–B includes two subtests. Candidates must take and pass both subtests.

Format

Online-proctored test

Reading: 60 multiple-choice questions
Writing: 50 multiple-choice and 2 constructed-response questions

Time

Tutorial and nondisclosure agreement: 15 minutes
Reading: 2 hours testing time
Writing: 3 hours testing time
Subtests are administered in separate testing sessions; therefore, candidates must register for each subtest separately.

Breaks

Reading: No breaks are allowed.
Writing: No breaks are allowed.

Test Dates

By appointment with an online proctor during one-week testing windows each month

Test Sites

You may test remotely, including from home. Review system and testing environment requirements PDF Document

Passing Score

240

Reference Materials Provided for this Test

None

Fee

Reading: $32
Writing: $32

Candidates must register and pay for each subtest separately.
Review complete fee and payment policy information.

Score Reporting

View score report dates.
Score reports may be delayed for up to 2 weeks for candidates taking the Writing subtest.
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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