WEST-B Pass Rate, Format & Study Guide

The WEST-B has three subtests: Reading (60 multiple-choice questions, 2 hours), Writing (50 multiple-choice and 2 constructed-response questions, 3 hours) and Mathematics (60 multiple-choice questions, 2 hours); all three in one test-center session take 5 hours (Pearson WEST page). Washington does not require a specific passing score to meet the state requirement; programs may set their own admission requirements. This portal practices the multiple-choice questions with a 170-question practice set; it does not score the writing constructed-response questions.

Taking the WEST-B, or an approved alternative, is part of admission to Washington teacher preparation programs.

Applicants to Washington teacher preparation programs.

The certifying body does not publicly publish an official pass rate for this exam. Be wary of third-party sites citing a specific number here — treat any pass-rate claim you see elsewhere for this exam as unverified.

Pearson sets the waiting period before a retake; check the WEST testing policies.

Washington does not require a passing score on the WEST-B to meet the state requirement (House Bill 1621, 2019); your preparation program may set its own. Use the percentage in this portal as a self-check. Format: 170 multiple-choice questions across three subtests, plus two writing constructed-response questions. No official pass rate is available for this exam, so none is quoted here.

The WEST-B has three subtests: Reading (60 multiple-choice questions, 2 hours), Writing (50 multiple-choice and 2 constructed-response questions, 3 hours) and Mathematics (60 multiple-choice questions, 2 hours); all three in one test-center session take 5 hours (Pearson WEST page). Washington does not require a specific passing score to meet the state requirement; programs may set their own admission requirements. This portal practices the multiple-choice questions with a 170-question practice set; it does not score the writing constructed-response questions. Reading: 60 multiple-choice · Writing: 50 multiple-choice + 2 constructed-response · Mathematics: 60 multiple-choice · 2, 3 and 2 hours, or 5 hours for all three at a test center. Washington does not require a passing score on the WEST-B to meet the state requirement (House Bill 1621, 2019); your preparation program may set its own. Use the percentage in this portal as a self-check.

Reading covers main idea and supporting details, relationships among ideas, critical reasoning, the writer's purpose, word meaning in context, and study skills with graphs and tables. Writing covers audience and purpose, idea development, clear communication, revision, standard conventions and an organized composition. Mathematics covers numbers and operations, measurement, geometry, probability and statistics, algebra, and mathematical reasoning.

Anyone may register. Washington programs require the WEST-B or an approved alternative for admission, without a state passing score; check your program.

$32 per subtest or $96 for all three (Pearson WEST page).

Scores are used for program admission; ask your program how long it accepts them.

Work through the exam topics one area at a time, finish with timed full-length practice runs of 170 questions in one sitting.

Content outlines, fees and passing standards change; this guide follows the official documents listed under Verification as of October 2026. Check PESB and Pearson before you register.