CSET Science

This page provides access to all the key info you need as a CSET Science test-taker, including 2024 exam dates, testing center locations, fees, registration info and prep resources.

You can view our free CSET Science Study Guides for a concise, bullet-pointed listing of exactly which topics appear on your exam. You can also take our free CSET Science Practice Tests to see your current likelihood of passing and a breakdown of your individual strengths and weaknesses.

Need help preparing? We offer Self-paced Online Prep Courses that teach you all the content knowledge and test strategies you need to pass.

  • Scientific Practices, Engineering Design and Applications, and Crosscutting Concepts; Physical Sciences; Life Sciences; Earth and Space Sciences (Test Code 215)
  • Life Sciences (Test Code 217); Chemistry (Test Code 218); Earth and Space Sciences (Test Code 219); Physics (Test Code 220)
  • 100 multiple-choice and 4 constructed-responses for Subtest 1; 50 multiple-choice and 3 constructed-responses for each Subtest 2 exam
  • 4 hours for Subtest 1; 2 hours for each Subtest 2 exam
  • 220 per subtest (scaled score)

CSET Science Overview

California educators planning to teach science at the secondary school level typically must pass the CSET Science exam. CSET Science consists of two subtests. Each CSET Science subtest may be taken and passed separately.

Subtest 1 (test code 215) covers Scientific Practices, Engineering Design and Applications, and Crosscutting Concepts; Physical Sciences; Life Sciences; and Earth and Space Sciences.

Subtest 2 exams are specialized exams offered in four areas of concentration: Life Sciences (217); Chemistry (218); Earth and Space Sciences (219); and Physics (220).

Candidates seeking a foundational-level general science certification need only pass subtest 1. Candidates seeking the Single Subject Credential in a specific science area must pass subtest 1 plus the subtest 2 exam corresponding to their specific area of concentration.

All subtests consist of both multiple-choice and constructed-response questions. An on-screen scientific calculator is provided.

CSET Science Testing Costs

2024 CSET Science Testing Costs*

Below is an overview of the 2024 CSET Science testing fees for computer-based testing.

Service Fees
Registration for Subtest 1 (215) $133 test registration fee
Registration for Subtest 2 (217-220) $134 test registration fee
Registration for Combined Test (Subtests 1 and 2) $267 test registration fee
Change of registration No fee
Additional copy of test results  $10 per copy
Score verification for constructed-response (CR) section $50 per subtest
Fee to clear an account $20

 

CSET Science Test Dates

2024 CSET Science Test Dates*

Computer-based testing for the CSET Science exam is available year-round by appointment, Monday through Saturday (excluding some holidays), on a first-come, first-served basis during the testing windows listed below.

CSET Science Test Dates Results Release Date
1/15/24 - 2/11/24 3/1/24
2/12/24 - 3/10/24 3/29/24
3/11/24 - 4/7/24 4/26/24
4/8/24 - 5/5/24 5/24/24
5/6/24 - 6/2/24 6/21/24
6/3/24 - 6/30/24 7/19/24
7/1/24 - 7/28/24 8/16/24
7/29/24 - 8/25/24 9/13/24
8/26/24 - 9/22/24 10/11/24
9/23/24 - 10/20/24 11/8/24
10/21/24 - 11/17/24 12/6/24

 

*This information is subject to change. All test-takers should visit the official CSET website at https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com to confirm fees, registration, and testing requirements before enrolling.

Not sure how you’ll perform on the exam? Start by viewing our free CSET Science Study Guide to get a concise overview of exactly what subject matter will appear on your exam. Then take our free, full-length CSET Science Practice Test with diagnostics to see your overall likelihood of passing and identify any areas in which you may need to improve.

Our Core Plus Online Prep Programs feature: 

  • instructional videos that teach you the exact content you need to pass
  • interactive practice tests that replicate the real exam
  • virtual tutoring videos that guide you through every practice question
  • advanced diagnostics that offer in-depth insights into your strengths and weaknesses
Learn more about CSET Online Prep
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