Looking to teach elementary school or special education in California? You’ll likely need to pass the CSET: Multiple Subjects test. This exam consists of three separate subtests, including the CSET: Multiple Subjects: Subtest II (214) exam.
The breadth of the CSET: Multiple Subjects exam may feel overwhelming, but don’t stress—you’re in the right place. The following article will detail the structure of the CSET: Multiple Subjects: Subtest II (214) exam and offer valuable tips and resources to help you ace it.
The CSET: Multiple Subjects: Subtest II (214) exam gauges your knowledge of basic math and science content. It’s natural to feel some anxiety about this exam, especially if math and science have never been your strong suit. but there are ways to take charge of your testing experience. For instance, getting familiar with the exam structure can boost your confidence. A suite of effective study tools will also set you up for success on the CSET: Multiple Subjects: Subtest II (214) test.
With that in mind, let’s delve into the details of the CSET: Multiple Subjects (214) exam and explore some strategies for preparation. Whether you’re taking a CSET exam for the first time or gearing up for a retake, this article will empower you to tackle the Multiple Subjects: Subtest II exam with confidence. Let’s get to work!
Overview of the CSET: Multiple Subjects: Subtest II (214) exam
Knowing what to expect can help ease your nerves on test day. Let’s take a broad look at the CSET: Multiple Subjects: Subtest II (214) exam to understand what it covers.
The Multiple Subjects: Subtest II exam consists of 52 multiple-choice questions and four written responses. You will have 3 hours to complete this test. This test covers the following content domains (and associated competencies):
- Science
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Earth and Space Sciences
- Mathematics
- Number Sense
- Algebra and Functions
- Geometry and Measurement
- Statistics, Data Analysis, and Probability
Familiarizing yourself with these content expectations should help you allocate study time. As you begin preparing for the CSET: Multiple Subjects (214) exam, prioritize topics you know will be challenging.
Overall, a well balanced approach to studying the content areas listed above will set you up for success on the CSET: Multiple Subjects: Subtest II exam.
Time Limit
You will have 3 hours to complete the CSET: Multiple Subjects: Subtest II (214) exam.
Passing Score
You must score 220 or higher on the Multiple Subjects: Subtest II (214) exam to pass.
Number of Questions
The CSET: Multiple Subjects: Subtest II (214) test has 52 multiple-choice questions and four written responses on subjects related to Science and Mathematics.
Cost
The CSET: Multiple Subjects: Subtest II (214) test costs $99. However, if you take all three subtests at once, you will only pay $247, as opposed to $297.(This option is only available to on-site test takers. If you test remotely, you will need to register and pay separately for all three subtests of the CSET: Multiple Subjects exam.)
Visit the CTC website for more information on fees and payment. Be sure to check whether you are eligible for a fee waiver for the CSET: Multiple Subjects exam.
Registration Information
You can register for the CSET: Multiple Subjects: Subtest II (214) test year round. Start the registration process by creating an account, and then choose a convenient time and place to test. You can take the CSET: Multiple Subjects: Subtest II as a standalone exam, or you can register for more subtests to be taken on the same day.
Note that, unlike Subtests I and III, it is not possible to take the CSET: Multiple Subjects: Subtest II exam at home. This exam must be taken in person at a testing site.
Scoring Information
Visit the CTC website to find the day your CSET: Multiple Subjects: Subtest II (214) scores will be released. (Scroll down to “Test Results.”) Typically, you will have access to your scores within five weeks.
Want to learn more about CSET: Multiple Subjects: Subtest II (214) scores? Explore the details with our CSET: Multiple Subjects: Subtest II scoring guide!
Test Preparation Tips
The CSET: Multiple Subjects: Subtest II (214) exam may feel intimidating, especially if your math and science knowledge has gotten rusty. However, the right strategies and mindset will give you the boost you need to succeed. Here are some preparation tips to make the most of your study time:
Take a Proactive Approach
- Get familiar with the format and content of the Multiple Subjects: Subtest II (214) exam as soon as you can. The longer you put off studying, the more anxiety you’ll feel. (Reading this article is a great start!)
- Avoid procrastination by using a calendar app to schedule study time. When you’ve made a formal appointment to study, it’s harder to skip.
- Split your study blocks among all seven content areas, and consider setting a timer to stay on track. It’s important that you be ready for every topic that appears on this exam.
Review Key Facts and Skills
- Before getting started, understand what you do not have to practice for this exam. The Multiple Subjects: Subtest II (214) exam will not require you to compute by hand. You will have access to a four-function calculator on your test screen.
- To build confidence and avoid getting overwhelmed, be sure to go over the basics before you dig into Multiple Subjects: Subtest II content. For instance, check that you remember the order of operations and know how to simplify fractions. You may be surprised to find how much you’ve forgotten over time.
Study Sample Questions and Take Practice Tests
- Attempt sample questions of all types. While you may already have a sense of your strengths and weaknesses in math and science, you should test those assumptions against exam materials.
- Take full-length practice tests on a regular basis to ensure you’re comfortable with the exam’s format and timing. If you’re unable to finish tests within 3 hours, avoid attempting a drastic time cut. Try gradually accelerating your pace instead.
- Use official CSET: English: Subtest II exam preparation materials. Studying content that aligns with the real CSET will help prevent surprises on test day.
Develop Effective Study Strategies
- Whenever you miss a practice question, don’t just move on. Read the explanation behind each answer and ensure it makes sense.
- Break down your study routine into manageable chunks. It’s better to dedicate 20 minutes to studying every night than to burn out after 10 hours of nonstop prep.
- Use charts, diagrams, and flashcards to organize mathematical and scientific concepts. Visualizing complex ideas can make them easier to remember.
- Engage in active learning techniques, such as defining ideas in your own words, explaining a problem to someone else, or participating in study groups. These strategies will help ensure you’re truly mastering the material, as opposed to memorizing surface details.
Important Exam Day Instructions
On the day of your CSET: Multiple Subjects: Subtest II exam, read all pre-test instructions carefully. Allow ample time for travel—and verify that you’re headed to the location named in your confirmation email. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes before the time of your exam.
Check Required Items
Before your exam, double-check that you have all you need. Essential items can include:
- Valid identification: You must present a current, government-issued ID that bears your photo and signature. Examples of acceptable ID include driver’s licenses and passports.
- Sensible clothing: If you’ll be at a test site, the CTC website recommends bringing clothes that you can layer. You should also be sure to wear soft-soled shoes to keep the testing space quiet.
- Note that you should not bring a calculator to the Subtest II (214) exam. You are required to use the on-screen calculator that is provided.
Read the official instructions to learn more about testing policies and what to bring to the exam site.
Understand Exam Format and Instructions
To prevent confusion on test day, familiarize yourself with the format and basic instructions of the CSET: Multiple Subjects: Subtest II (214) exam well in advance. Key things to remember include:
- Time limits: Be aware of the time limit and set your pace accordingly. You will have 3 hours to answer all 52 multiple-choice questions and complete four free responses.
- Marking scheme: Make sure you know how to mark selections properly on your screen. CSET exams take place exclusively via computer.
- Special instructions: Pay attention to any special instructions provided by the exam proctors, such as rules around breaks or how to use the on-screen calculator.
Manage Time Effectively
Time management is crucial to finishing the Multiple Subjects: Subtest II (214) exam within 3 hours. The following tips can help you manage your time effectively.
- Read and understand the instructions: Take a moment at the beginning of each section to go over all instructions thoroughly. This will help prevent errors and wasted time.
- Pace yourself: Don’t spend an excessive length of time on the multiple-choice section and then leave yourself scrambling to complete the four written responses. When you’re in a rush, it’s very hard to outline and write thoughtful answers.
- Know when to move on: There is no guessing penalty on the CSET: Multiple Subjects: Subtest II exam, so if you’re stuck on a question, it’s in your best interest to guess. You can always return to the question if you have time.
On exam day, you can use these tips to streamline your test-taking process and maximize your chances of success. Working efficiently, staying calm, and maintaining your focus are all essential to doing well on the CSET: Multiple Subjects (214) test.
Conclusion
The Subtest II (214) exam is a crucial part of the CSET: Multiple Subjects test, which is in turn very important to your teaching career. To pass this test, you’ll need to show proficiency in content areas such as physical science, life science, Earth and space science, number sense, basic algebra and geometry, and statistics and probability.
While the scope of this test is broad, don’t let it intimidate you. If you familiarize yourself with the exam structure, review all content domains, and follow our test prep tips, you can approach the CSET: Multiple Subjects: Subtest II (214) exam with confidence, increasing your chances of success.
More CSET: Multiple Subjects: Subtest II Resources
