CSET Test

The CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers) are credentialing tests for California primary and secondary school teachers. California requires its public school teachers to achieve certain levels of competency and education. They do this by credentialing teachers with the help of the CTC (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing), which is comprised of teachers, administrators, and other educational stakeholders with experience and knowledge of industry standards. To become credentialed, potential teachers must pass a basic knowledge test.

Teachers in some areas must also pass a subject area examination to prove competency in their teaching subjects. The most common route is for teachers to get a multiple subjects credential by passing all three subsets of the CSET multiple subjects exam and the writing skills portion. The multiple subjects exam is a comprehensive test of knowledge taught across the spectrum of a high school curriculum. Content includes the hard sciences, such as physics, chemistry, and earth science. Anything from a high school science class in these subjects would be considered fair game. The test also covers the social sciences, ranging from history to literature. Math is covered. A portion of the questions covers human development, learning, and professional issues. The idea behind the exam is that a credentialed multiple subjects teacher has enough knowledge to flexibly serve in a number of capacities in an elementary school, middle school, or high school.

Other teachers, including specialists, can pass a single-subject exam. Exams are administered in many topics ranging from American History to Calculus to Chinese. These tests, like the multiple-subjects tests, are administered via computer. The exams are given in a multiple-choice format. The writing skills test is the exception. This test covers a candidate's ability to use both expository and expressive writing and to teach it. CSET tests cover some of the same material as the CBEST, so candidates should check with the Department of Education to find out which tests are required and if they obviate the need to take another credentialing exam.

CSET Test Study Guide | CSET Test Flashcards | CSET Test Help | CSET Practice Test