The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) created the CSET exam series (California Subject Examinations for Teachers) for aspiring educators who wish to earn a teaching license in the state. The exam was designed to ensure candidates have the necessary skills to teach in a public school setting.
The criteria set forth by the governing body and in assistance with the Pearson testing organization includes specific certification requirements that are covered by the CSET test. These criteria include the following:
Basic skills: the subtests of this section of the CSET include multiple subjects and a writing competency section.
Subject matter competence: for those candidates who plan to certify in multiple areas, they can take the multiple subjects CSET for this section. For prospective candidates who desire to certify in a specific area can take that subject area exam.
Educational technology: this exam is taken by out-of-state candidates who wish to be certified in California. They will take the _CSET: Preliminary Educational Technology_ exam.
Bilingual Authorization competency-those who are seeking to earn a certification in a bilingual area are required to take the CSET: World Language exam to demonstrate their competency.
Aspiring educators can find further CSET information on the California Educator Credentialing Assessments website.
CSET Test Requirements
Candidates who wish to earn a California teaching credential for the first time are required to have at least an undergraduate degree from an accredited university in the California region. They must also demonstrate a basic skills requirement by choosing from a few different options such as taking the Multiple Subjects and Writing Skills exams.
Depending on what subject area a candidate wishes to teach, they are required to take the CSET exam in that area and receive a passing score. There are also other methods of meeting the subject area requirements that are listed on the CTC website.
Those working to earn a California teaching license must also complete an educator preparation program that includes specific coursework. Before being certified in the state, candidates will need approval from their program sponsor.
CSET Exam Format
Most CSET exams are administered through computer-based tests (CBTs) and are typically monitored by the testing center where the candidate takes the test. Testers can also take the CSET remotely through online monitoring methods.
The formatting is typically a mixture of both multiple-choice and constructed response questions.
CSET Test Dates, Locations, Fees & Registration
The following chart shows CSET information for a few of the various exams available to take in this series of required tests for California. While the information is not exhaustive, it gives details on the most common exams taken. For further information on testing dates, locations, fees, and registration, candidates are encouraged to visit the California Educator Credentialing Assessments website.
