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Exam Overview
Thecset:Multiplesubjects
The California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) are developed for the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and administered by the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson. The CSET: Multiple Subjects measures the subject-matter knowledge needed to teach the full range of subjects in a self-contained classroom. Passing all three subtests is one of the ways candidates can verify subject-matter competence for a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.
Exam Pattern and Structure
The exam is divided into three subtests. Each subtest combines multiple-choice questions with constructed-response questions, short written responses in which you explain, analyze, or apply content knowledge. You may take the subtests one at a time or all three in a single session, and each one is passed separately.
| Subtest | ContentDomain | MultipleChoice | Constructed Response | ReviewedIn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SubtestI(101) | Reading Language andLiterature , , | 26 | 2 | Section1 |
| SubtestI(101) | HistoryandSocialScience | 26 | 2 | Section2 |
| SubtestII(214) | Science | 26 | 2 | Section4 |
| SubtestII(214) | Mathematics | 26 | 2 | Section3 |
| SubtestIII(225) | PhysicalEducation | 13 | 1 | Section5 |
| SubtestIII(225) | HumanDevelopment | 13 | 1 | Section5 |
| SubtestIII(225) | VisualandPerformingArts | 13 | 1 | Section6 |
Subtests I and II each contain 52 multiple-choice and 4 constructed-response questions, divided evenly between their two domains. Subtest III contains 39 multiple-choice and 3 constructed-response questions, divided evenly among its three domains. Visual and performing arts questions draw on four disciplines: dance, music, theatre, and visual art.
Testing Time and Delivery
| SubtestI | SubtestII | SubtestIII | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3hoursoftestingtime | 3hoursoftestingtime | 2hours15minutesoftestingtime |
Candidates who take all three subtests in one session have 5 hours in total. In a combined session the subtests are not individually timed, and you may work on them in any order. Each appointment also includes about 15 minutes for a nondisclosure agreement and a tutorial.
The exam is computer-based and is offered year-round at Pearson testing centers. Online proctored testing is also available for Subtests I and III, in monthly testing windows; Subtest II is delivered at testing centers only. A standard four- function on-screen calculator is provided for Subtest II.
Scoring and Passing Requirements
Each subtest is scored separately and reported on a scaled score range of 100 to 300. The passing score for each subtest is 220. Your multiple-choice and constructed-response results are combined into the subtest's total score, so strong written responses matter as much as accuracy on the multiple-choice questions. There is no penalty for guessing on multiple-choice questions, so answer every one.
Because the subtests are passed independently, you only retake a subtest you did not pass. Passing scores must be used for certification purposes within ten years of the test date.
Exam at a Glance
| ExamAspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Developedfor | CaliforniaCommissiononTeacherCredentialing(CTC);administeredbytheEvaluationSystemsgroup |
| ofPearson | |
| Subtests | Subtest I (101): Reading , Language , and Literature; History and Social Science · Subtest II (214): |
| Science;Mathematics·SubtestIII(225):PhysicalEducation;HumanDevelopment;Visualand | |
| PerformingArts | |
| Questions | Subtests I and II: 52 multiple-choice + 4 constructed -response each · Subtest III: 39 multiple-choice + |
| 3 constructed -response | |
| Time | SubtestsIandII:3hourseach·SubtestIII:2hours15minutes·Allthreeinonesession:5hours |
| Delivery | Computer-based at testing centers year-round; online proctoring available for Subtests I and III |
| Calculator | Four-function on-screen calculator for Subtest II |
| Scoring | Scaledscoresfrom100to300;passingscoreof220oneachsubtest |
| Fees | US$99persubtest orUS$247forallthreesubteststakentogetheratatestingcenter , |
| Scorereporting | Resultsareavailablewithinfiveweeksoftesting |
| Retakes | Wait45calendardaysbeforeretakingasubtestoncomputer |
Registration
Register and pay online through the California Educator Credentialing Examinations website (ctcexams.nesinc.com), then schedule an appointment at a testing center or, for Subtests I and III, an online proctored session. Review the testing policies, identification requirements, and the free official test guides for each subtest before test day. The CTC recognizes more than one way to satisfy the subject-matter requirement, so confirm the option that fits your situation with your teacher preparation program or the CTC.
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