The CSET (or, California Subject Examinations for Teachers) Multiple Subjects exam is meant to test the aptitude of prospective elementary school or special education teaching applicants who are seeking positions in the state of California. It has been developed and is administered by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing as one of several such tests within the CSET collection.
How Is the CSET Multiple Subjects Exam Structured?
The CSET Multiple Subjects exam is broken down into three subtests, which must each be taken and passed separately. Subtest 1 tests applicants on reading, language, literature and history. Subtest 2 includes questions on math and science. Subtest 3 contains content on visual and performing arts, human development and physical education.
Each subtest includes a combination of multiple-choice and constructed-response questions.
Where Can I Take the CSET Multiple Subjects Exam? And How Will It Be Administered?
The CSET Multiple Subjects exam is offered by appointment year-round. There will be 15 minutes granted to complete a nondisclosure agreement and tutorial. Test takers are granted three hours each to take Subtests 1 and 2; two hours and 15 minutes to take Subtest 3; or a total of five hours to take all three subtests in a single session.
It costs $99 per subtest if each is taken separately, or $247 to take all subtests together. A score of 220 is needed to pass each subtest and results become available within five weeks of taking a test.
A standard, four-function, on-screen calculator is provided during Subtest 2.
What Topics Should I Study to Prepare for Subtest 1?
Subtest 1, which covers reading, language, literature and history, consists of 52 multiple-choice and four constructed-response questions. The subtest is broken up into seven categories, each with several subcategories, including:
Category 1: Language
- Assessment
- Developing literacy
- Development of a first language
- Acquiring second languages
- Morphology
Category 2: Written and Unwritten Communication
- Analyzing sentence structures
- Capitalization and punctuation
- The process of writing
- Passage organization
- Improving effectiveness and clarity through sentence rewrites
Category 3: Texts
- Character, conflict, plot and setting
- Literary elements, such as foreshadowing and irony
- Genres
- Interpreting meaning
- Analogies, metaphors and similes
Category 4: World History
- Ancient societies
- Classic societies
- European, Asian and African societies
- Medieval Asia
- Medieval Europe and the Renaissance
Category 5: U.S. History
- The colonies
- The U.S. revolution
- The U.S. political system
- The Civil War
- The U.S. in the 19th Century
Category 6: California History
- American Indians of California
- Spanish exploration and colonization
- The discovery of gold in California
- California’s constitution
- Immigration to California
Category 7: Other Knowledge
- Earth’s geographical features
- World religions
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Anthropology
What Topics Should I Study to Prepare for Subtest 2?
Subtest 2, which covers science and math, consists of 52 multiple-choice and four constructed-response questions. The subtest is broken up into seven categories, each with several subcategories, including:
Category 1: Numbers
- The foundations of math
- Basic computational algorithms
- Roots, scientific notation and exponents
- Factoring
- Percentages
- Number systems
- Solving “real world” scenarios with math knowledge
Category 2: Algebra
- Finding patterns and using algebraic expressions
- Completing simple equations
- Dealing with proportions and ratios
- The basics of graphing and linear equations
- Inequality
Category 3: Geometry and Measurement
- The basics of angles and measurements
- Properties of trapezoids, squares, triangles, circles, rectangles and parallelograms
- The Pythagorean Theorem
- Geometry for solid shapes like cylinders, boxes and cones
- The conceptual analysis of geometry
Category 4: Statistics and Probability
- The probability for multiple, independent events
- The probability for multiple, complementary events
- Combinations and permutations
- Gathering and displaying data
- Measurements like mean, median and mode
Category 5: Physical Science
- The basics of science
- The basics of matter
- Chemical and physical changes
- Motion and other physical concepts
- The basics of energy
- Electricity and magnets
- Temperature and heat
- Light and sound waves
Category 6: Life Science
- The qualities of living things
- Cells
- Organs
- Evolution and genes
- Familiar organisms
- Respiration and photosynthesis
- The physical factors that affect organisms
Category 7: Earth and Space Science
- The calendar and seasons
- Lunar phases, tides and eclipses
- The galaxy, solar system and sun
- The geological layers of earth and the rock cycle
- Plate movements and tectonics
- The water and watershed cycle
- Weather systems
- Bodies of water
What Topics Should I Study to Prepare for Subtest 3?
Subtest 3, which covers visual and performing arts, human development and physical education, consists of 39 multiple-choice and three constructed-response questions. The subtest is broken up into ten categories, each with several subcategories, including:
Category 1: Dance
- The elements of dance
- Approaches for teaching dance
- Dance styles
Category 2: Music
- The elements of music
- Approaches for teaching music
- Music styles
Category 3: Theatre
- The elements of theatre
- Approaches for teaching drama
- Styles of theatre
Category 4: Visual Arts
- The foundations of visual art
- Gleaning meaning from the interpretation of visual art
- Styles of visual art
Category 5: Movement Knowledge and Skills
- The concepts and different types of movement
- Key elements and biomechanics of movement skill
- The pros of an active lifestyle
- Medical and safety issues of physical education
- The principles of exercise
- The rules of different games and sports, both traditional and non-traditional
Category 6: Personal Development and Self Image
- Motor skills development
- The factors that determine coordination and movement
- The factors that determine well-being and health
- The psychology of physical education
Category 7: Social Development
- The differences between individuals
- Promoting socially conscious behavior
- The history behind sports, games and physical activities
Category 8: Developing Cognition from Birth to Adolescence
- The foundations of cognitive development
- The foundations of moral development
- Cognitive development stages
- Cognitive characteristics
- Different intelligence perspectives
Category 9: Developing Socially and Physically from Birth to Adolescence
- The foundations of temperament and personality
- Social and physical development stages
- Different social characteristics
- How behavioral development is influenced
Category 10: Development from Birth to Adolescence
- Organic and genetic factors
- Societal factors
- Neglect and abuse
- Explaining children’s behavior through developmental concepts
CSET Multiple Subjects Prep Course
If you want to be fully prepared, Mometrix offers an online CSET Multiple Subjects Prep Course. The course is designed to provide you with any and every resource you might want while studying. The CSET Multiple Subjects Course includes:
- Review Lessons Covering All the Topics
- 1,000+ CSET Multiple Subjects Practice Questions
- More than 1,350 Electronic Flashcards
- Over 400 Instructional Videos
- Money-back Guarantee
- Free Mobile Access
- and More!
The CSET Multiple Subjects Prep Course is designed to help any learner get everything they need to prepare for their CSET exam; click below to check it out.
How Should I Study for The CSET Multiple Subjects Exam?
The CSET Multiple Subjects exam emphasizes foundational knowledge on a clear range of elementary concepts. To ensure a positive performance on the exam and all of its subtests, it is encouraged that candidates spend considerable time reviewing a custom-made study guide, such as the one provided by Mometrix, and commit to drilling with Mometrix’s accompanying flashcards.
