California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET)

The California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) is a set of tests created by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). These exams test the knowledge, skills and competency of prospective teachers who choose to or are required to meet specific requirements in order to be certified to teach in the state of California. Passing these exams can allow teachers to meet requirements in several areas, such as:

Basic Skills Requirement
Subject matter competence requirement
No Child Left Behind subject matter requirement
Educational technology requirement
Competence requirement for effective teaching of English learners

For more information on the various components of the CSET required to establish competency in these areas, see the CSET Program Overview.

Most of these certifications require a number of subtests to be completed and passed; however, it is important to note that, in contrast to the CBEST passing requirements, the CSET mandates that each subtest be passed in the same sitting in order to receive certification.

CSET Test Dates

Test Date	Regular Registration Ends	Late Registration Ends	Emergency Registration Ends	Scores Given*
January 12, 2013	December 14, 2012	January 1, 2013	January 8, 2013	February 11, 2013
March 9, 2013	February 8, 2013	February 26, 2013	March 5, 2013	April 8, 2013
May 4, 2013	April 5, 2013	April 23, 2013	April 30, 2013	June 3, 2013
July 13, 2013	June 14, 2013	July 2, 2013	July 9, 2013	August 12, 2013

* Multiple Subjects test scores are released approximately one week earlier than the dates shown here.
Registration

Before registering, make sure you have all the information you will need by navigating to the CSET Registration Checklist. This page has a detailed list of all the information that will be required during the registration process.

There are two ways to register for the CSET: online, or by phone. To register before the regular deadline, candidates must register online, and for the late and emergency deadlines, registering by phone is an option.

To register by phone, call (800) 205-3334 or (916) 928-4003, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pacific Time. Operators take holidays on December 24, 2010, January 3, 2011, and July 4, 2011.

by Alanna Traylor
Last Updated: 04/16/2013

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