CSET

The examinations of the CSET are criterion-referenced. A criterion-referenced test is designed to measure an examinee's knowledge and skills in relation to an established standard rather than in relation to the performance of other examinees.

Each test in the program is designed to measure a specific set of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities reflecting the subject area of the credential sought. The sets of subject matter requirements for all examinations of the CSET were defined in conjunction with committees of California educators and approved by the CTC.

Test materials matched to these subject matter requirements were developed using, in part, textbooks, California curriculum frameworks, California K–12 Student Academic Content Standards, Common Core State Standards as adopted by California, teacher education curricula, and CTC preparation program standards. The materials were developed through consultation with California educators, teacher educators, and other content and assessment specialists, and were approved by the Commission.

Source: https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/PageView.aspx?f=GEN_AboutCSET.html 

Finding testing centers and appointments can be a little tricky. Here is a short screencast that shows how you can find testing appointments prior to signing up or paying. 

Website: https://home.pearsonvue.com/ 

How long do I need to wait between attempts?

The waiting period between subtest attempts is 45 days. This applies to specific subsets. For example, if you take the Multiple Subject Subtest 1, you need to wait 45 days to retake that subtest. However, you may take Multiple Subject subtests 2 and/or 3 immediately. 

Online Proctored Tests

For the first time, select CSET subtests are available for remote testing - which means you can take the assessment from your house or classroom. Here is the CTC’s informational page about online proctoring, and here is the registration page. Here are a few items to note:

• The following CSET subtests are available for online proctoring: 

  • Multiple Subject subtests 1 and 3

  • English subtests 1-4

  • Social Science subtests 1-3

• Online-proctored tests will only be available for 1 week each month

• There are no breaks allowed (if you go to a testing center, you may take a break but your test time still runs) 

• You need to have a HIGHLY reliable internet connection. If there are any connectivity issues, you test may be voided.

Alder is committed to providing residents with a diverse pool of support resources that are free, relevant, and effective. Candidates and enrolled Residents can access these supports through Alder. 

• Mometrix: Studying for CSET, CBEST or RICA? Check out this library database to get test prep materials and sample questions on these exams all online. The database is listed in A-Z Resources List. Note: You must be online to access the materials. The database does not allow users to download or save these files. You can sign into the account with your Populi login credentials.  Watch a short video on how to use this database. Here is a deck Alder’s Librarian created outlining the library testing supports. 

• Alder will loan you CBEST and CSET study books, mailed to your home. Fill out this survey to request a book.

•  For any fully enrolled resident, Alder is now offering a $200 credit to go towards any Teachers Test Prep programs. When you submit a request, this credit will be automatically applied to your order.

  • • Overview and pricing info here. 

    • Sign up here. 

• Teachers Test Prep In-Person Courses link (note as an Alder student you can receive a 15% discount) 

  • • CSU Fullerton In Person Courses link

    • Humphreys University (Stockton) In-person courses link

• Tutor.com is a 24/7 live tutoring database where residents can meet with a live tutor to cover a variety of subjects including writing, mathematics, Spanish, STEM areas, etc. Go to the library page, sign into the database with your Populi login credentials. Do not go to a tutor.com to sign in. You have to go to the library page to get access to it.  The database is listed under Current Services. Watch a short video on how to use this database. 

• 
  

Summer Testing Overview

Teachers Test Prep Study Guide Flow Chart 

Teachers Test Prep User Guide (screencast)

Tutoring Hub & archived tutoring sessions.