Get tested for COVID-19
If you're concerned you've been exposed to COVID-19, get tested. The City coordinates several COVID-19 testing sites, which are available to all community members by appointment.
A COVID-19 test is a snapshot in time. It can take up to 14 days to become infectious after COVID-19 exposure. Unless you have been observing a strict home quarantine and not interacting with others for 14 days, know that a negative test today does not mean you are not carrying the virus, or that you would test negative tomorrow.
Where to get tested
Testing through your health care provider
If you have a health care provider, call them first. Most providers are able to provide tests quickly to anyone with symptoms.
State of California (Optum) test site in Berkeley
Anyone can get tested for free at the State of California's testing site in in south Berkeley.
Tests are by appointment only. Schedule a test online or by phone.
When registering online, you'll need to complete a brief questionnaire and create an account. After you've completed your registration, you will receive a patient ID number. You will need this number to log in and schedule your test.
After logging in, you can make an appointment in Berkeley or at any other State testing facility. The test site is located at:
MLK, Jr. Youth Services Center
1730 Oregon St.
Berkeley, CA 94703
Mobile Testing Pop-Ups
Anyone can get tested at a series of upcoming pop-up testing events in Berkeley. Testing is by appointment only and open 8am-8pm:
- Tuesdays at Harold Way in downtown Berkeley, between Kittredge & Allston
On Wednesdays, pop-ups rotate between sites in west and south Berkeley:
- April 21: Berkeley Bowl West, 920 Heinz
- April 28: Berkeley Bowl, 2020 Oregon
Make an appointment online.
Testing kiosk on San Pablo
Self-swab testing is available by appointment at a kiosk off of San Pablo. The kiosk is generally open Monday-Saturday, but days and hours of operation may change without notice.
Curative test kiosk
1701 San Pablo, Berkeley Adult School parking lot
Make an appointment online. Appointment scheduling for the week ahead generally opens on Saturday afternoon.
CVS pharmacies
CVS is offering no-cost, drive-through COVID-19 testing for people over 18 years old. Find a location and schedule a test on the CVS website.
More testing options
Use these resources to find additional testing locations convenient to you:
After your test
If you live in Berkeley and test positive, Berkeley Public Health will contact you with information on self-isolating and to begin the process of investigation and contact tracing. If you live outside of Berkeley, your local public health jurisdiction will provide this information - regardless of where you completed your test.
Types of COVID-19 testing
There are two types of COVID-19 tests: viral and anitbody.
- Viral tests tell you if you are currently infected.
- Antibody tests may identify whether you've been infected previously. Science regarding interpretation and validation of antibody testing is still in flux.
The CDC website explains more about the different types of COVID-19 tests, and offers guidance for those seeking either type of testing.
Graphics & flyers
We want everyone to know about their testing options. Help promote getting tested by downloading and sharing these flyers.
Last updated April 15, 2021