WEST-B
Washington Educator Skills Tests – Basic Skills (WEST-B)
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Washington Educator Skills Tests – Basic Skills, commonly called the WEST–B, is the basic-skills testing program for candidates preparing to enter educator preparation programs and the Washington educator workforce. It is organized into three separate subtests - Reading, Writing, and Mathematics - each treated as its own testing event on the official WEST program website. The site's announcement archive notes that free interactive practice tests are available for the WEST–B: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics subtests, which makes them the most direct way to see the kinds of tasks each subtest presents before you register. Beyond that, the program's Preparation Materials section points candidates to full-length practice tests, expanded study guides, and a test preparation video, and the Tests section carries the field-by-field details for each subtest. Registration, score reporting, and all testing rules are handled through your online account: you can register, view or change a registration, find test dates and sites, check score report schedules, and review policies on the same site. Online proctoring is offered for select tests, and alternative testing arrangements are available on request. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with the program.
What you'll study
About WEST-B preparation
Which subtests make up the WEST–B?
Three: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. The official site announces free interactive practice tests specifically for the WEST–B: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics subtests, so you can sample each one before registering. The Tests section of the program website carries the details for each subtest.
How many questions are on each subtest, and how long do I get?
The program's home page does not publish item counts or time limits, so treat any number you see elsewhere with suspicion. Check the individual test page under Tests for the authoritative structure of the subtest you plan to take, and confirm timing when you register.
How do I register, and can I change my registration later?
Registration is completed online through the WEST program website using your account. Once registered, the Returning Visitors links let you view or change registrations, check the day-of-test information, and review your scores and testing history from the same account.
What does it cost, and when will I get my scores?
Fees are not listed on the program home page; see the registration and policies pages for current pricing. Score report dates are published on a schedule - the program announced that 2026–2027 score report dates are now available - so check the schedule before you pick a test date.
What is the retake policy if I do not pass?
Retake rules, waiting periods, and any fee implications are governed by program policy and are not summarized on the home page. Review the Policies section, which covers testing, registration, and score reporting rules, before you schedule a second attempt.
What is the best way to prepare?
Start with the free interactive practice tests for Reading, Writing, and Mathematics, then use the Preparation Materials section, which offers a full-length practice test, expanded study guides, and a test preparation video. Work the subtest you find hardest first so weak areas get the most time.
Can I take the test from home?
Online proctoring is available for select tests, allowing candidates to test remotely, including from home. Not every test is offered that way, so confirm on the program site which tests are currently available remotely before you build a plan around at-home testing.
Are testing accommodations available?
Yes. Alternative testing arrangements are listed among the prospective-candidate quick links on the program website. Request them through the official process rather than at the test center, since approvals generally need to be in place before your appointment.
Can my university or district pay for my test?
Possibly. Vouchers can be purchased by state education agencies and educator preparation programs to give candidates full or partial credit toward fees for test registration and preparation materials. Ask your program whether it participates, and note that separate voucher request forms exist for registration and practice tests.
Is the WEST–B hard to pass?
The program does not publish pass rates or difficulty ratings, and any figure you encounter outside official channels is unverified. The realistic approach is to take the free interactive practice tests, compare your results against the study guides, and delay registration until your practice scores are consistently comfortable.