The CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers) is a series of subject-specific tests required to verify a prospective K-12 teacher’s mastery of essential content knowledge for certification in California as of 2026.
Who needs to take the CSET?
Any individual seeking a California teaching credential who hasn’t completed an approved subject-matter preparation program must pass the CSET to demonstrate subject-specific competency.
That includes candidates going for a Single Subject Teaching Credential, Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, or specialized credentials. You’ll need at least a high school diploma or GED to register, though most test-takers have bachelor’s degrees already. The requirement disappears if you graduate from a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)-approved subject-matter program, as confirmed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
What’s the difference between the CBEST and CSET?
The CBEST checks basic skills in reading, writing, and math for all teaching candidates, while the CSET tests subject-specific knowledge in the area you plan to teach.
The CBEST is one uniform test required for credentialing. The CSET, on the other hand, is actually multiple subtests tailored to subjects like math, science, history, or languages. Some people take both: the CBEST for foundational skills and CSET subtests for subject mastery. According to the CTC, neither test is automatically required as of 2026—it depends on your coursework.
Is CSET required to teach in California?
As of 2026, the CSET isn’t automatically required if you complete an approved subject-matter preparation program or meet alternative assessment requirements.
That said, many teacher prep programs still include CSET prep in their curriculum. The CTC lets candidates skip the CSET by finishing CTC-approved subject-matter coursework or other state-approved assessments. Always double-check current requirements with your program or the CTC.
What does the CSET measure?
The CSET evaluates a candidate’s knowledge and skills in the specific subject(s) they intend to teach, such as mathematics, science, English, history, or art.
Each subtest focuses on grade-level content aligned with California’s K-12 standards. The test mixes multiple-choice questions, constructed-response items, and sometimes video-based tasks. Passing scores are set by the CTC and may vary slightly by subject. For details, check the CTC CSET page.
Is California getting rid of the CSET in 2021?
California hasn’t eliminated the CSET, but it no longer requires it for all teaching candidates—only for those who haven’t completed approved subject-matter programs or alternative assessments as of 2026.
This policy shift started in 2021 and is still in place. Candidates should verify whether their teacher prep program includes subject-matter verification that waives the CSET. The CTC updates credential requirements annually, so check their site for the latest info.
What’s the easiest CSET to pass?
Based on historical passing rates through 2025, Music CSET has the highest pass rate at 89.1%, making it statistically the easiest to pass.
Other subjects with relatively high pass rates include Health Science (61.8%) and Mathematics (70.5%). Geosciences has the lowest pass rate at 59.0%. These numbers come from cumulative data between 2014–2025, according to the CTC CSET Score Reports. Your results will depend on how well you prepare and your familiarity with the subject.
| Subject | Pass Rate | Tests Taken |
|---|
| Music | 89.1% | 119 |
| Health Science | 61.8% | 254 |
| Mathematics | 70.5% | 220 |
| Geosciences | 59.0% | 105 |
What percentage of people pass the CSET?
As of 2025 data, about 72.2% of first-time test-takers passed the CSET Multiple Subjects exam, with an overall pass rate of 80.9% for those who tested between 2014 and 2025.
Pass rates vary a lot by subject. Multiple Subject and Foundational-Level Math tend to have higher pass rates, while some specialized areas like Geosciences are tougher. The CTC Score Reports break down the stats by subject and year.
Can the CSET be waived?
Yes—the CSET can be waived if you complete a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)-approved subject-matter preparation program.
That’s the main way to skip the CSET. Some candidates may also qualify through specific coursework or alternative assessments approved by the CTC. Always confirm your program matches current CTC standards. See the CTC policy updates for waiver criteria as of 2026.
How long should I study for the CSET?
Plan to study for 1–2 hours daily over 4–8 weeks, depending on your subject and how long it’s been since you studied the material.
If you finished relevant coursework recently, you might need less time. Career switchers should plan for more. Use official CSET study guides, practice tests, and subject-specific resources. The CTC CSET Preparation page has free practice questions and test structure details.
Is the CSET difficult?
The CSET is considered moderately challenging, but most test-takers pass—73% of examinees passed the CSET Multiple Subjects exam between 2014 and 2015, and overall pass rates exceed 70% in many subjects.
Difficulty really depends on your subject knowledge and preparation. Subjects like Music and Mathematics tend to have higher pass rates, while others like Geosciences are more challenging. Thorough review and practice tests make a big difference. See CTC score reports for subject-specific data.
Can you teach in California without a credential?
Yes, you can teach in California without a full credential under limited circumstances, such as substituting for up to 30 days per assignment or teaching in private schools.
Public schools in California require a valid credential for permanent positions. Substitute permits let you teach short-term, but exceeding 30 days per teacher can lead to revocation. Charter schools and private institutions have different rules. The CTC credential overview outlines current pathways and restrictions.
Do CSET scores expire?
Yes—CSET scores expire 10 years after the test date and must be used to qualify for certification within that period.
This applies to each subtest individually. If you pass Subtest I in 2026 but Subtest II in 2030, only Subtest II is valid after 2040. Plan your testing timeline carefully. Check the CTC CSET page for the latest score validity policies as of 2026.
How often can you take the CSET?
You may retake any CSET subtest after a 45-day waiting period, with no limit on the number of attempts.
Each attempt requires a new registration and fee. You can retake the whole test or just the subtests you haven’t passed. Use that waiting period to study your weak spots. The CTC registration page has scheduling and retake policies.
How many questions do I need to get right on the CSET?
You need to score at least 220 out of 300 on each subtest to pass the CSET.
All CSET subtests use a scaled scoring system from 100 to 300. A score of 220 or higher is required to pass. The exact number of correct answers varies by subtest because of different difficulty levels and question types. Review the CTC score interpretation guide for details.
What are the 3 CSETs?
The three required subtests for the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential are: Subtest I (test code 101), Subtest II (test code 214), and Subtest III (test code 103).
Each subtest covers different content areas: Subtest I includes history and social science; Subtest II covers science and physical education; Subtest III assesses human development, art, and music. These are the only three subtests required for the Multiple Subject Credential. For Single Subject credentials, you take one or more subject-specific subtests instead. See the CTC CSET subjects page for subtest details.
