If you plan to teach in California schools, you may have heard of the CSET Multiple Subjects exam. This exam assesses whether you have the requisite knowledge and skills to teach a wide range of subjects, including the humanities, math, science, phys ed, and the arts.
To prepare for the test, it’s crucial to understand its scoring system. This article delves into everything you need to know about CSET Multiple Subjects exam scores.
Overview of the CSET Multiple Subjects Exam
The CSET Multiple Subjects exam will evaluate your knowledge of a range of academic content with these three subtests:
- Multiple Subjects: Subtest I (101)
- Multiple Subjects: Subtest II (214)
- Multiple Subjects: Subtest III (225)
Overall, the test consists of 143 multiple-choice questions and 11 written responses. If you take all three subtests at once, you will have 5 hours to complete them. If you take one or two subtests at a time, then the exams will be timed separately. You are allotted 3 hours each for Subtests I and II and 2 hours 15 minutes for Subtest III. Our CSET Multiple Subjects exam overview can give you more information about the structure of this test.
How the Exam is Scored
The CSET Multiple Subjects exam is scored by taking the sum of your correct answers and converting this into a scaled score that takes test difficulty into account. The exam is scored via computer.
Passing Score
To pass the CSET Multiple Subjects exam, you must pass all three subtests. The minimum passing score for each subtest is 220.
For more scoring information on the individual subtests, check out our Scoring Guides for each subtest:
CSET Multiple Subjects: Subtest I (101) Scoring Guide
CSET Multiple Subjects: Subtest II (214) Scoring Guide
CSET Multiple Subjects: Subtest III (225) Scoring Guide
Understanding Your Score Report
Your CSET Multiple Subjects score report will include:
- Whether you passed
- Your score on each subtest
- The minimum passing score for each subtest
- Your performance indices for the content areas on each subtest
- A detailed performance breakdown by content area
Your score report will usually consist of four sections:
Section 1 (Overview) includes:
- The name and number of the subtest(s) you took (including tests you’ve previously passed)
- The date you took each test
- Whether you passed or failed the test
- The test’s score range and minimum passing score
Section 2 (Test Results Report) includes:
- Each subtest you’ve taken
- The date you took each test
- Your passing status for each test
- Your scores for any subtest you did not pass
Section 3 (Passing Subtest Summary Report) includes:
- Each subtest you’ve passed so far
- The date on which you passed each test
Section 4 (Subtest Diagnostic Information includes:
- The name and code of each subtest you took
- The content domains for each subtest
- How you performed overall on both the multiple-choice sections and constructed-response sections (as represented by performance indices ranging from + to ++++)
- How you performed on each content domain for the multiple-choice section (as represented by performance indices ranging from + to ++++)
- How you performed on each tested content domain for your constructed responses (as represented by a checkmark for an adequate response, or letter codes that indicate how your response could’ve been improved)
For more details about how to interpret your score report, refer to this guide to CSET results.
Retaking the Exam
If you don’t pass the CSET Multiple Subjects exam, you can retake it. You will need to re-register and submit a new payment, but you only have to register for the subtests you have yet to pass. Note that you must wait 45 days before you can retest.
Before you re-register, it’s crucial to evaluate what went wrong on your previous attempt. Carefully analyze your score report to identify areas of weakness and develop a targeted study plan to improve your performance on those subtests, content domains, or question types.
Conclusion:
Your CSET Multiple Subjects exam scores help assess your readiness to teach a range of academic subjects in California. Understanding how this test is scored and what is required to pass should help you prepare more effectively, maximizing your chances of success. If you don’t pass the exam on your first try, remember to take advantage of the detailed performance breakdown on your score report. It may provide helpful insights.
With diligent study and a clear understanding of the test, you will be prepared to excel on the CSET Multiple Subjects exam.
More CSET Multiple Subjects Resources!
