CSET Multiple Subjects Exam
At a glance
- Questions
- 143
- Time limit
- 5h
- Passing score
- 220 scaled score per subtest
- Exam fee
- $247
- Governing body
- California Commission on Teacher…
Quick answers
How much does the CSET Multiple Subjects exam cost?
The CSET Multiple Subjects exam fee is $247 ($247 for all 3 subtests together ($99 per subtest if taken separately)).
What is the passing score for the CSET Multiple Subjects exam?
The passing score for the CSET Multiple Subjects exam is 220 scaled score per subtest.
How many questions is the CSET Multiple Subjects exam?
The CSET Multiple Subjects exam has 143 questions with a time limit of 5 hours.
The CSET Multiple Subjects exam is one of the California Subject Examinations for Teachers, used to verify subject-matter competency for candidates pursuing a California multiple subject teaching credential. It is taken mainly by aspiring elementary school teachers and is administered by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing through Pearson's Evaluation Systems.
Overview
CSET Multiple Subjects is organized into 3 subtests rather than a single combined-subjects test with separate signs-and-rules-style sections. Each subtest blends multiple-choice questions with constructed-response questions in the same subtest, rather than gating the constructed-response portion behind a separate pass/fail section.
- Subtest I: 52 multiple-choice questions and 4 constructed-response questions
- Subtest II: 52 multiple-choice questions
- Subtest III: 39 multiple-choice questions and 3 constructed-response questions
Candidates may register for and take the 3 subtests together or separately.
Cost and registration
The test fee is $247 if you register for all three subtests together, or $99 per subtest if you take them separately. Check the official CTC fee schedule before registering, since fees can change.
Exam format
Subtests I and II each allow 180 minutes, and Subtest III allows 135 minutes. Candidates who take all three subtests in a single session are given 300 minutes total, plus an additional 15 minutes to complete a nondisclosure agreement and tutorial. A scaled score of 220 on each subtest is required to pass, and results are available within 5 weeks of testing. Passing scores must be used for certification purposes within 10 years of the test date.
How the CSET Multiple Subjects practice bank covers the outline
61 practice questions across 7 outline areas.
Counts are the live question bank, grouped by the outline area each question was written to.
Verified facts about the CSET Multiple Subjects exam
2 statements, each bound to the official document it was taken from. The source link beside every line opens that document.
Numbers
What is tested
- California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET)
- California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), administered by Pearson's Evaluation Systems (California Educator Credentialing Examinations program)
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on each CSET Multiple Subjects subtest?
Subtest I includes 52 multiple-choice questions and 4 constructed-response questions, Subtest II includes 52 multiple-choice questions, and Subtest III includes 39 multiple-choice questions and 3 constructed-response questions.
What is the passing score for CSET Multiple Subjects?
You need a scaled score of 220 on each subtest to pass.
How much does the CSET Multiple Subjects exam cost?
The fee is $247 if you register for all three subtests together, or $99 per subtest if you take them separately.
How long do I have to complete the CSET Multiple Subjects exam?
Subtests I and II each allow 180 minutes, Subtest III allows 135 minutes, and if you take all three subtests in one sitting you get 300 minutes total, plus an additional 15 minutes for the nondisclosure agreement and tutorial.
When will I get my CSET Multiple Subjects test results?
Test results are available within 5 weeks of testing.
How long are passing CSET Multiple Subjects scores valid?
Passing scores must be used for certification purposes within 10 years of the passing test date.
Sources
- 1.CSET: Multiple Subjects Test Page (California Educator Credentialing Examinations) — California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), administered by Pearson's Evaluation Systems (California Educator Credentialing Examinations program) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 2.Verifying Subject Matter Competence by Examination (CL-674M) — California Commission on Teacher Credentialing — California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), administered by Pearson's Evaluation Systems (California Educator Credentialing Examinations program) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
Official sources
The official documents our facts about this exam are taken from.
- CSET: Multiple Subjects Test Page (California Educator Credentialing Examinations)California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), administered by Pearson's Evaluation Systems (California Educator Credentialing Examinations program)ctcexams.nesinc.com
- Assessments — California Educator Credentialing ExaminationsCalifornia Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), administered by Pearson's Evaluation Systems (California Educator Credentialing Examinations program)ctcexams.nesinc.com
- Verifying Subject Matter Competence by Examination (CL-674M) — California Commission on Teacher CredentialingCalifornia Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), administered by Pearson's Evaluation Systems (California Educator Credentialing Examinations program)ctc.ca.gov
Last verified against California Commission on Teacher Credentialing's official sources:
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