Science as a Subject in CSET

What to Expect in CSET Science?

If you will be taking Science as a subject in the CSET soon, then you must be searching for details on this test. After all, the better you familiarize yourself with this examination, the better it will be for you. Depending on the type of exam that you choose, this subject can be tested on computer as well as paper. If you are choosing the CSET: Multiple Subjects test, you will find that Science is a domain that will be tested in Subtest II along with Mathematics and you will be taking the examination on a computer. On the other hand, if you will be taking the CSET: Single Subjects examination, you will be taking Science as one single subtest and the test will be on paper. The exams will be offered on fixed dates, which you can find out by visiting the official website of the examination: http://www.cset.nesinc.com/CS18_testdates.asp. You should refer to the dates and then choose a date on which you will be taking the exam. If you will be taking the computer-based test, then you can register for the same online. On the other hand, if you will be taking the paper-based version of the exam then you can register your name for the same either online or via telephone.

Things to Expect

If you are taking the Science test, then you need to know what you can expect in this examination so that you can prepare for the same accordingly. Give below are some of the features that you need to know about this subject:

  • In this test, you will find that there are three subtests. Subtest I will test your knowledge on Electricity and Magnetism, Waves, Astronomy, Forces and Motion, Earth Resources and Dynamic Processes of the Earth. Subtest II will consist of Structure and Properties of Matter, Ecology, Heat Transfer and Thermodynamics, Genetics and Evolution, Cell and Organismal Biology and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. Subtest III will consist of Earth and Planetary Science, Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Life Science.
  • If you will be taking the Specialized Science test, then you will find two subtests. Subtest III will have questions based on the topics mentioned above and Subtest IV will be based on specialized Earth and Planetary Science, specialized Physics, specialized Chemistry and specialized Biology/Life Science.
  • All the questions will be in two forms: multiple-choice and constructed-response formats. For the multiple-choice questions, you will find four answer options for each question and you need to choose an option that you believe is the correct answer.
  • The duration of the test is FIVE hours. It is important for you to make sure that you answer all the questions within this specified period of time because you will not be given any grace period to complete the test. You can find out about when the test will start when you get in touch with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing or CTC.
  • Irrespective of whether you take the Science Specialized or Science exam, you will get a scientific calculator in the examination hall that you need to use to answer the questions. It is not possible for you to bring and use your own calculator during the test. You can find out more about the calculators that will be provided at the time of the test when you refer to the CSET registration bulletin.

Things to Remember…

Once you have taken the exam, you can expect the result to be available to you in about four weeks’ time. If you have registered for the examination online, then you have the option of signing up for having your result being sent to your email address once it is available. The score that you obtain in the test will be valid for a period of five years. If you need to use the report after the expiry of this period, then you will need to take the exam again.