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Exam Overview
The CSET: Social Science is given by computer at Pearson VUE testing centers year-round, Monday through Saturday, and by online proctoring during one-week testing windows each month. You may take one subtest at a time or all three in a single testing-center session.
Key Facts About the CSET: Social Science
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET): Social Science |
| Test codes | Subtest I 114, Subtest II 115, Subtest III 116 |
| Program | California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) |
| Questions | 118 multiple-choice questions with four answer choices, plus 9 constructed responses |
| Subtest I time | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Subtest II time | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Subtest III time | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| All three in one session | 6 hours 15 minutes (testing center only) |
| Fee | $99 per subtest, or $297 for all three in one session |
| Score scale | 100 to 300 for each subtest |
| Passing score | 220 on each subtest |
Each appointment also includes 15 minutes for a tutorial and a nondisclosure agreement.
Subtests and Domains
Questions by Subtest and Domain
| Subtest | Domain | Multiple-Choice | Constructed-Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| I (114) | World History | 35 | 1 extended, 1 short focused |
| I (114) | World Geography | 4 | 1 short focused |
| II (115) | U.S. History | 35 | 1 extended, 1 short focused |
| II (115) | U.S. Geography | 4 | 1 short focused |
| III (116) | Civics | 18 | 1 short focused |
| III (116) | Economics | 15 | 1 short focused |
| III (116) | California History | 7 | 1 short focused |
History dominates Subtests I and II, while Subtest III divides its attention among government, economics and California's own story. Geography appears on two subtests, so the geography chapter pays off twice.
How the Test Is Scored
Each subtest is scored on its own scale from 100 to 300, and you need 220 on each one. Multiple-choice questions are scored by the number you answer correctly, with no penalty for wrong answers, so never leave a question blank. A few questions on each subtest are being tried out for future use and do not count, but you cannot tell which ones they are.
Constructed responses are scored by California educators using focused holistic scoring. An extended response is scored on a 4-point scale for purpose, subject matter knowledge, support, and depth and breadth of understanding. A short focused response is scored on a 3-point scale for purpose, subject matter knowledge and support. A response that is off topic, illegible or not your own work is marked unscorable, and a blank response earns no credit.
What Kinds of Questions to Expect
- Questions that ask for the best explanation, most significant consequence or best example of a historical development
- Comparison questions across regions and eras, such as two revolutions or two systems of feudalism
- Short primary-source excerpts, maps and tables that you must interpret using your own knowledge
- Application questions that place a constitutional principle or an economic concept in a realistic scenario
- An extended response that analyzes documents or a historical problem, and short focused responses that identify and analyze one or two specific points
What Happens After the Test
- Testing-center candidates receive a receipt of completion; scores follow within about seven weeks (about five weeks for online proctoring).
- Your score report shows whether you passed each subtest and how you did in each domain.
- Passed subtests stay passed, so you only retake the subtests you did not pass.
- Send your passing scores to your credential program or the CTC as required.
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