One of the requirements for the multiple subject (elementary)
teaching credential is to document subject matter competency
in the subjects relevant to the elementary classroom. All new
elementary teachers must pass the California Subject Matter
Exam for Teachers (CSET), Multiple Subjects to fulfill this
requirement.
About the Exam:
The CSET is organized according to three subject-specific subtests.
Subtest I: Language Arts and Social Science
Subtest II: Mathematics and Science
Subtest III:Visual & Performing Arts, Human Development
and Physical Education
Each subtest costs $74. Students may take 1-3 subtests during
any of the scheduled 5-hour test sessions. Because there is no
test "sitting fee," there is no financial penalty for
taking the subtests one at a time.
Taking the tests one at a time requires careful planning to
ensure that all subtests are passed prior to the deadline for
the credential program application. However, the advantage of
this strategy is that the student has the entire 5 hour session
to work on just one subtest. Some students prefer to take all
three subtests the first time and then re-take only those that
were not passed.
Recent preliminary and self-reported data inform us that Liberal
Studies majors are passing the exam at about an 80% rate. We do
not have data for CHAD majors.
A passing exam score must be used for credentialing purposes
within five years. The 5-year clock starts ticking with the passing
of the first subtest.
The CSET Multiple Subjects is an extensive examination that covers
the wide range of subjects taught in the elementary classroom. In
addition, the test covers the subject area of human development
as knowledge of this subject area is critical for a teacher's success.
The questions on the CSET are drawn from the CCTC approved Elementary
Subject Matter Standards which are based upon the Student Academic
Content Standards. Each subject is organized according to "domains"
which are described in detail. Click on any of the subjects listed
below to view the subject matter domains for that particular subject.
What General Education classes best prepare me for the CSET?
Courses selected for the General Education Program are critical
for establishing a knowledge base that will cover the subject matter
standards underlying the CSET. We strongly recommend that students
fulfill GE requirements using the pattern of classes described below.
Subject
Matter Competency
