In order to become an elementary school or special education
teacher in the state of California, you must pass the California
Subject Examinations for Teachers (the CSET), a multiple-subject
exam administered by National Evaluation Systems, Inc. (NES).
The CSET consists of three subtests. Each subtest covers a
group of related subjects. Subtest 1 tests your knowledge of
language and literature; history and the social sciences; and the
teaching of reading, writing, and spelling. Subtest 2 covers math
and science, and Subtest 3 deals with physical education, human
development, and the visual and performing arts.
Each subtest consists of multiple-choice questions and
constructed-response questions. The multiple- choice questions
test your knowledge of relevant facts, vocabulary, and
information, as well as your ability to apply pedagogical
techniques in classroom situations. Constructed-response
questions test these things in addition to your ability to
synthesize, condense, and convey knowledge.
The readers who score your constructed responses are looking
for clarity of thought and communication.
Of course, the more you know about the subject of the
constructed-response question, the better; but even if your
knowledge of a particular question is rudimentary, a
well-presented response, complete with examples and supporting
arguments, can still earn a passing score.
SUBTEST 1
Subtest 1 contains 52 multiple-choice questions, 26 each on
the two main subject areas: reading, language, and literature;
and history. There are also four constructed-response questions,
two in each of the areas.
Reading, Language, and
Literature
Language and Linguistics, Non-written and Written
Communication, and Texts
History and Social Science
World History, U.S. History, and California History
SUBTEST 2
Subtest 2 contains 52 multiple-choice questions, 26 each on
the two main subject areas: science and math. There are also four
constructed-response questions, two in each of the areas.
Science
Physical Science, Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and
Scientific Tools and Methods
Math
Number Sense, Algebra and Functions, Measurement and Geometry,
Statistics, Data Analysis, and Probability
SUBTEST 3
Subtest 3 contains 39 multiple-choice questions, 13 each on
the three main subject areas: physical education, human
development, and the visual and performing arts. There are also
three constructed-response questions, one in each of the
areas.
Physical Education
Movement Skills and Knowledge, Physical Growth, Personal
Development and Self Image, Social Development
Human Development
Cognitive Development, Social and Physical
Development, Influences on Development
Visual and Performing Arts
Dance, Music, Theater, and Visual Art
