CAL created BEST Plus 3.0 with the following updates:

  • Alignment to the 2016 English Language Proficiency Standards for Adult Education (ELPs) and the 2017 National Reporting System Educational Functioning Levels (NRS EFLs). The computer-based version of BEST Plus 3.0 measures NRS levels 1-6. The print-based version measures levels 1-4. View scale score to NRS level conversion chart here.
  • A new multi-staged adaptive format underlying the test.
  • A new Part B section of the test with new question types, and a new category in the rubric that measures higher proficiency performances.
  • Updated question types and images that reflect contemporary life in the U.S.
  • A brand new, user-friendly test platform application with cloud-based data storage.
  • An easy-access, cloud-based portal to manage the program’s test data.

Updated training and test materials accompanying these updates will be released soon. More information will be available in the BEST Plus 3.0 Test Administrator Guide and the BEST Plus 3.0 Technical Report.

Yes, you may still complete BEST Plus 2.0 training. CAL will be conducting virtual training workshops for BEST Plus 2.0 Test Administrator candidates and will be posting the workshop registration information on the BEST Plus 2.0 Training webpage. You may also contact aea@cal.org to be put in contact with a local trainer. BEST Plus 2.0 training will allow you to administer the BEST Plus 2.0 test as soon as possible, and it will provide foundational knowledge for the BEST Plus 3.0 training. Existing test administrators may choose to skip the first part of the new training which covers existing content and scoring formats, or take it as a refresher. Materials from the entire training will be included in the final certification quiz.

Yes, BEST Plus 3.0 includes brand new question types and a new scoring category. Therefore, all prospective BEST Plus 3.0 test administrators are required to complete training, including those currently certified to administer BEST Plus 2.0.

Prospective Test Administrators can either complete the BEST Plus 3.0 Online Test Administrator Training Course, or attend a workshop conducted by a CAL-approved BEST Plus 3.0 trainer.

The exact time required to complete this training course will vary for individual test administrators given that this is a self-access, self-paced course. We estimate that the full completion of the course will take between 6 and 10 hours, depending on the individual pace and whether a test administrator in training decides to review or skip the module covering unmodified content and scoring formats.

CAL will communicate with current trainers about upcoming requirements.

CAL recommends that BEST Plus 3.0 be given as a posttest after a minimum of 40 hours or one semester of instruction following pre-testing. Learner- and program-related factors may warrant varying from these recommendations. For programs receiving federal funding, BEST Plus 3.0 should be administered as a posttest based on the requirements defined in their state’s assessment policy.

The updated CAL Test Platform V4.0.2 was released on September 9, 2025 to deliver improved user experience. Programs are advised to install the updated V4.0.2 as soon as possible.

The V4.0.2 Installation Guide was released early on August 14, 2025 to help programs prepare for the launch. Please visit https://www.cal.org/aea/bpv30/ to access the V4.0.2 Installation Guide.

CAL Test Platform V4.0.2 addresses several bugs that were previously reported, including the data sync issue. If your program has experienced the data sync issue, it should be resolved after installing V4.0.2.

When installed following the instructions, CAL Test Platform V4.0.2 will retain all local data, which includes your login credentials, number of test administrations, and local test reports. Local data will be automatically synced to the web portal when V4.0.2 is installed.

CAL is implementing a dedicated tech support line for assisting programs with CAL Test Platform. Available starting September 5, 2025, live tech support sessions will be provided where you can connect with CAL staff members via visual sessions. You can visit https://www.cal.org/aea/bpv30/ to sign up for a time that works for you.

In the meantime, you can also reach us via email or phone. Please visit Contact Us - Center for Applied Linguistics (https://www.cal.org/aea/contact/) to get in touch.