The California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) are part of California's licensing process for aspiring teachers to demonstrate their competency in specific subject areas. Students can take one or more exams in various subjects, some of which are available in both in-site and remote formats. Subjects include art, English, math, various foreign languages, and science, among others. CSET registration takes place online and requires students to enter a range of information. Students should be sure to register at least 3 days prior to their desired test date; however, test appointments are limited and come on a first-come, first-serve basis, so students are encouraged to register as soon as possible. Registration for the CSET exams is good for one calendar year, but if students do not take their test or withdraw their registration in that time, then the registration expires and students will not receive a refund. Below, we discuss registration for the CSET in more detail.
CSET signup first requires students to create and sign into their California Educator Credentialing Assessments account. After logging in, students must select the exam, including any subtests, that they wish to take. Depending on the test and its available formats, students may be able to choose between taking their test at a test center or remote testing. Then, students identify institutions to receive their CSET scores, opt to have their scores sent via email if they would like, and answer some background questions. There is also an option to register for alternative testing arrangements if needed. Finally, students agree to the testing rules, pay for the exam(s), and schedule their testing appointment.
As mentioned, there are two testing formats available. Students can choose to test in-person at a test center or remotely using online proctoring. In general, there are more test dates available for test centers, but some students may prefer the convenience of testing from home. Those who choose to test at a test center still take a computer-based exam, but they can choose to take one subtest or all subtests in one sitting. Online proctoring students must take subtests in separate sessions and have to register for each test individually. Something to keep in mind with computer-based testing is that you have less overall testing time when you take multiple subtests in one sitting for some tests. For example, for the Multiple Subject computer-based tests, you'll get 5 hours to take all subtests in a single session. Individually, Subtests I and II get 3 hours per subtest, while Subtest III gets 2 hours and 15 minutes
The cost for taking the CSET varies for each specific exam. Exams that have multiple subtests generally have a fee associated for each subtest. Testing in-person at a test center may help students save money, as they can take all the subtests together in one sitting, typically at a discounted rate. For example, the test for CSET Multiple Subject which consists of 3 subtests, cost $99 each. However, students who test at a test center can take all subtests together for $247. Those who choose online proctoring (when available) will have to pay for each subtest individually. Students need to carefully examine the fees associated with each exam, as some exams with multiple subtests may have different costs associated with each one. For instance, the CSET English costs $72 for subtest I; $75 for subtests II, III, and IV; and $297 if all the subtests are taken at one time.
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Create AccountCSET registration dates are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Students can register at any time online but need to be sure it is at least 3 days prior to their desired test date. Students are encouraged to register as early as possible for their exam. Registration also lasts for 1 year before becoming invalid. Test dates and locations vary. Students can search CSET test dates for their desired test center when they register. Those who register are allowed to change the time, date, and/or location of their exam up to 24 hours prior to their chosen appointment.
Prior to registering for the CSET, students should be sure to know which exam or exams they need to take. They should also be sure to see if their chosen test includes multiple subtests or not. Students should also compare and think about whether they would like to test in-person at a test center or remotely with online proctoring. It is also important to have an idea of when they would like to test so they can check availability and ensure that they register with enough time, as seats are first-come, first-serve at test centers.
Students who believe they have met the requirements for taking a CSET exam through coursework may apply for a CSET waiver. This means that they would not need to take the CSET exam, but they will be required to go through a detailed waiver application process. Some schools in California offer programs that have a CSET waiver embedded in them or allow students to complete the courses required for a waiver.
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Create AccountThe available test dates for CSET exams vary primarily by testing format. Dates are typically available Monday through Saturday all year for those who choose to test at a test center. However, students will need to check the availability of their desired test date, as seating is limited. Those who choose to participate in online proctoring (when available) typically have a smaller testing window. Generally, there are 1-week testing windows each month for remote testers. Students should be sure to check the calendar to ensure they get their test scores back when they need them because online proctoring usually sends score reports back about a month after testing.
When students are ready to search for test dates and locations, they can check appointment availability using the Pearson Vue website. Students select the CSET and their desired exam or subtest. Following prompts, students can then search by location to find a testing center near them. Available appointment dates and times will then be displayed, and students can search different dates and times for availability at their desired location. However, students must be sure to actually schedule their appointment through the registration process.
Other than studying and preparing for their exams, there are a few things students should do to prepare for their test date. Prior to taking their CSET, online proctoring students should be sure that they have equipment that meets the system requirements, as well as testing environment requirements. In-person test takers at a test center need to be sure to bring a valid form of identification. Students will need to provide a digital signature and may need to undergo a palm scan or have their photograph taken for identification verification. Students do not need to bring any pens or pencils with them, as a pen and booklet with erasable sheets will be provided to students for taking notes and developing their responses. Students are prohibited from bringing any electronic devices, cellphones, or calculators into the testing room, as well as any personal belongings, so they should plan to store all items in a locker provided by the testing center.
Lindsey Seril, M.Ed. has worked as a teacher for 8 years. She passed the CSET and CBEST exams while obtaining her license. Lindsey also holds Montessori teacher certifications for early childhood and elementary school. She earned her M.Ed. from St. Catherine's University and her Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies from Sonoma State University.
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Students can register online for the CSET through their account with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. They will need to provide some background information, select their exam, and schedule their testing appointment.
Students can register for the CSET right now online at any time, but must find an available test date. Although students should register as soon as possible, it is suggested to be sure to register at least 3 days prior to a desired test date.
Some CSET exams are available online through online proctoring. However, not all of the CSET exams offer this format, so some students may need to test in-person at a test center.
