The CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers) is a group of subject matter tests that was developed for prospective teachers to measure a specific set of knowledge and/or skills. Each test is based on content specific to the subject.
WHAT IS THE CSET?
CSET FORMAT
The CSET multiple subjects exam consists of three subtests, each focusing on a different set of subjects taught in grades K-12. The CSET is also administered separately for certification in preliminary education technology, writing, and specific single subjects.
CSET: Multiple Subject
| Subtest | # of Questions | Domain |
|---|---|---|
| SUBTEST I | 52 Multiple Choice 4 Constructed-response |
Reading, Language, and Literature History and Social Science |
| SUBTEST II | 52 Multiple Choice 4 Constructed-response |
Science Mathematics |
| SUBTEST III | 39 Multiple Choice 3 Constructed-response |
Physical Education Human Development Visual and Performing Arts |
CSET: Preliminary Educational Technology
| Subtest | # of Questions | Domain |
|---|---|---|
| SUBTEST I | 70 Multiple Choice 2 Constructed-response |
Basic Operations, Concepts, and Issues of Computer-Based Technology Productivity Applications of Computer-Based Technology |
| SUBTEST II | 40 Multiple Choice 3 Constructed-response |
Teaching and Learning Applications of Computer-Based Technology |
CSET: Writing Skills
| Subtest | # of Questions | Domain |
|---|---|---|
| WRITING SKILLS | 2 Constructed-response | Expository Writing Expressive Writing |
CSET: Single Subjects
| Subtest | # of Questions | Domain |
|---|---|---|
| AGRICULTURE (SUBTEST I, II, III) |
40 Multiple Choice 3 Constructed-response |
Plant and Soil Science, Ornamental Horticulture Animal Science, Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management Agricultural Business and Economics, Agricultural Systems Technology |
| ART (SUBTEST I, II) |
50 Multiple Choice 4 Constructed-response |
Aesthetic Valuing, Historical and Cultural Context of the Visual Arts, Artistic Perception Creative Expression, Connections, Relationships, and Applications, History and Theories of Learning in Art |
| BUSINESS (SUBTEST I, II, III) |
40 Multiple Choice 2 Constructed-response |
Business Management, Marketing Accounting and Finance, Economics Information Technology, Business Environment and Communication |
| ENGLISH (SUBTEST I, II, III, IV) |
50 Multiple Choice (Subtest I, II) 2 Constructed-response (Subtest III) 4 Constructed-response (Subtest IV) |
Literature and Textual Analysis, Composition and Rhetoric Language, Linguistics, and Literacy Composition and Rhetoric and Literature and Textual Analysis Communications: Speech, Media, and Creative Performance |
| HEALTH SCIENCE (SUBTEST I, II, III) |
40 Multiple Choice each 2 Constructed-response (Subtest I, II) 1 Constructed-response (Subtest III) |
Foundations of Health Education, Human Growth and Development, Chronic and Communicable Diseases Nutrition and Fitness, Mental and Emotional Health, Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs Family Life and Interpersonal Relationships, Consumer and Community Health, Environmental Health |
| HOME ECONOMICS (SUBTEST I, II, III) |
40 Multiple Choice each 1 Constructed-response (Subtest I) 2 Constructed-response (Subtest II) 4 Constructed-response (Subtest III) |
Personal, Family, and Child Development Nutrition, Foods, and Hospitality Fashion and Textiles, Housing and Interior Design, Consumer Education |
| INDUSTRIAL AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION (SUBTEST I, II) |
45 Multiple Choice (Subtest I) 75 Multiple Choice (Subtest II) 3 Constructed-response each |
Nature of Technology Power and Energy, Information and Communication, Project and Product Development |
| MATHEMATICS (SUBTEST I, II, III) |
35 Multiple Choice 3 Constructed-response (Subtest I, II) 30 Multiple Choice 2 Constructed-response (Subtest III) |
Algebra, Number Theory Geometry, Probability and Statistics Calculus, History of Mathematics |
| MUSIC (SUBTEST I, II, III) |
45 Multiple Choice 3 Constructed-response (Subtest I) 40 Multiple Choice 2 Constructed-response each (Subtest II, III) |
Artistic Perception, Historical and Cultural Foundations, Aesthetic Valuing Creative Expression, Connections, Relationships, and Applications Music Methodology and Repertoire |
| PHYSICAL EDUCATION (SUBTEST I, II, III) |
40 Multiple Choice each 2 Constructed-response (Subtest I, II) 1 Constructed-response (Subtest III) |
Growth, Motor Development, and Motor Learning, The Science of Human Movement The Sociology and Psychology of Human Movement, Movement Concepts and Forms, Assessment and Evaluation Principles Professional Foundations, Integration of Concepts |
| SCIENCE (SUBTEST I, II) |
100 Multiple Choice 4 Constructed-response each (Subtest I) 50 Multiple Choice 3 Constructed-response each concentration area (Subtest II) |
Astronomy, Dynamic Processes of the Earth, Earth Resources, Waves, Forces and Motion, Electricity and Magnetism Ecology, Genetics and Evolution, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Cell and Organismal Biology, Heat Transfer and Thermodynamics, Structure and Properties of Matter (Subtest II is one of the following concentration areas): Biology/Life Science Chemistry Earth and Planetary Science Physics |
CSET SCORING/GUESSING PENALTY
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) does not deduct points for an incorrect answer. This means you should answer every question on the test, even if it’s a guess. Pacing yourself and knowing how to allot your time are important strategies to practice before the test.
When it comes to scoring your exam, a your score is determined by both the multiple choice section and the constructed response section. This means that not all questions are weighted equally. All subtests are scored from 100-300, with a minimum passing score of 220. Here is a table which outlines how subtests are scored.
| Proportions | Subtests |
|---|---|
| 70% Multiple Choice 30% Constructed Response |
These are the proportions for most subtests; exceptions are listed below. |
| 80% Multiple Choice 20% Constructed Response |
|
| 50% Multiple Choice 50% Constructed Response |
|
| 40% Multiple Choice 60% Constructed Response |
|
| Subtests that consist of only multiple choice OR only constructed response assignments |
|
ORDER OF DIFFICULTY
The CSET is not arranged in any particular order of difficulty. Due to the random order of difficulty, pacing and timing strategies will vary depending on your strengths and weaknesses.
CSET TEST DATES
Computer-Based Testing
Computer-based testing is available for the following CSET examinations:
- CSET: Agriculture
- CSET: Business
- CSET: English
- CSET: Health Science
- CSET: Home Economics
- CSET: Industrial and Technology Education
- CSET: Mathematics
- CSET: Multiple Subjects
- CSET: Physical Education
- CSET: Preliminary Educational Technology
- CSET: Writing Skills
Computer-based administrations of these tests are available year-round by appointment on a first-come, first-served basis. Computer-based testing is offered at over 30 test centers in California and over 250 test centers nationwide. For CSET: Multiple Subjects, CSET: Writing Skills, CSET: English Subtests I & II, scores will be reported within five weeks of testing. For all other exams, scores will be reported within seven weeks of testing. For more information visit the CTC website: http://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/
Note that there are ongoing test date postponements and cancellations due to COVID-19 related closures. See https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/ for up-to-date information.
