CSET Mathematics Exam Information
The CSET, or the California Subject Examinations for Teachers®, is designed for prospective teachers who choose to or are required to meet requirements for certification by taking subject specific examinations. The passing of this exam meets the subject matter competence requirement for the Multiple Subject or Single Subject Teaching Credential or the Education Specialist Instruction Credential, the educational technology requirement, and the competence requirement for effective teaching of English learners (for a bilingual authorization).
The passing score is a total score of 660 with a minimum score of 220 for each subtest. The passing score is good for life.
Exam Format
Exam Format
The CSET Mathematics includes three subtests that are composed of multiple choice and constructed-response questions. Each subtest will be scored individually. You may take each subtest individually or all at once. The exam can be taken by computer-based testing (CBT).
Here’s a breakdown of the format:
- Subtest I: 35 multiple-choice questions and 3 constructed-response questions
- Subtest II: 35 multiple-choice questions and 3 constructed-response questions
- Subtest III: 30 multiple-choice questions and 2 constructed-response questions
Exam Time
Exam Time
Total Exam Time: 7 hours
- Subtest I: 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Subtest II: 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Subtest III: 2 hours
Exam Fees
Exam Fees
The cost of the exam is $99 per subtest.
Exam Registration
Exam Registration
Complete the registration and payment process at the CTC, and schedule your test appointment online. After you schedule your appointment, look for the Pearson VUE confirmation email which will list your test date, testing time, the address and phone number of the test center, and directions to the test center.
FAQs and Resources
Are there any U.S. military funding eligibility options?
Qualifying U.S. military members may have funding options through Pearson VUE.
Do I need to take the exam?
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you need to take the CSET:
- Are you seeking certification only?
- Are you seeking certification for a specific content area?
- Are you a full-time teacher candidate in California seeking their teaching credential?
- A candidate should take the CSET exam that corresponds to the subject area they wish to teach.
If you are still uncertain about your eligibility to test, please contact the CTC for approval to test.
Do I qualify for testing accommodations?
You may be eligible for testing accommodations if you have one or more disability, one or more health conditions, if English is not your primary language, or if you are nursing/breastfeeding.
If you are approved to receive testing accommodations, you may be directed to a specific testing center that can provide you with the environment and support you need.
If you are a nursing mother who needs to bring in specialized equipment or storage materials, be aware that children will not be allowed in the testing center or into the secure testing room. Nursing mothers will not be able to leave the test center once testing has begun, and time taken for breaks is considered part of the available testing time.
If you are visually impaired, braille testing materials will be available, and you will be allowed to have a medical device in the testing room (if needed).
How do I request testing accommodations?
To request testing accommodations:
- Register for the CSET and ensure you have identified your intent to receive testing accommodations (Don’t schedule a testing appointment yet).
- Complete and submit the applicable Alternative Testing Arrangement Request Form.
- Submit any other required documentation (listed under Required Documentation).
- Check for and follow instructions from the email confirming your testing accommodations (This should come in 1-3 weeks after request is received).
- Schedule your test appointment.
Can I retake the exam?
You can retake the CSET as many times as you need. The highest scores from all attempts from each section of the test will be used to calculate the final CSET score.
You’ll need to complete the registration process again before retaking the test. We recommend preparing for your exam with this test prep course to help you get the results you want.
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