CSET Science
This page provides access to all the key info you need as a CSET Science test-taker, including 2025 exam dates, testing center locations, fees, registration info and prep resources.
You can view our free CSET Science Study Guides for a concise, bullet-pointed listing of exactly which topics appear on your exam. You can also take our free CSET Science Practice Tests to see your current likelihood of passing and a breakdown of your individual strengths and weaknesses.
Need help preparing? We offer Self-paced Online Prep Courses that teach you all the content knowledge and test strategies you need to pass.
| CSET Science Quick Facts | |
| Subtest 1: | Scientific Practices, Engineering Design and Applications, and Crosscutting Concepts; Physical Sciences; Life Sciences; Earth and Space Sciences (Test Code 215) |
| Subtest 2: | Life Sciences (Test Code 217); Chemistry (Test Code 218); Earth and Space Sciences (Test Code 219); Physics (Test Code 220) |
| Number of questions: | 100 multiple-choice and 4 constructed-responses for Subtest 1; 50 multiple-choice and 3 constructed-responses for each Subtest 2 exam |
| Time to complete: | 4 hours for Subtest 1; 2 hours for each Subtest 2 exam |
| Passing score: | 220 per subtest (scaled score) |
CSET Science Overview
California educators planning to teach science at the secondary school level typically must pass the CSET Science exam. CSET Science consists of two subtests. Each CSET Science subtest may be taken and passed separately.
Subtest 1 (test code 215) covers Scientific Practices, Engineering Design and Applications, and Crosscutting Concepts; Physical Sciences; Life Sciences; and Earth and Space Sciences.
Subtest 2 exams are specialized exams offered in four areas of concentration: Life Sciences (217); Chemistry (218); Earth and Space Sciences (219); and Physics (220).
Candidates seeking a foundational-level general science certification need only pass subtest 1. Candidates seeking the Single Subject Credential in a specific science area must pass subtest 1 plus the subtest 2 exam corresponding to their specific area of concentration.
All subtests consist of both multiple-choice and constructed-response questions. An on-screen scientific calculator is provided.
2025 CSET Science Testing Costs*
Below is an overview of the 2025 CSET Science testing fees for computer-based testing.
| Service | Fees |
|---|---|
| Registration for Subtest 1 (215) | $133 test registration fee |
| Registration for Subtest 2 (217-220) | $134 test registration fee |
| Registration for Combined Test (Subtests 1 and 2) | $267 test registration fee |
| Change of registration | No fee |
| Additional copy of test results | $10 per copy |
| Score verification for constructed-response (CR) section | $50 per subtest |
| Fee to clear an account | $20 |
2025 CSET Science Test Dates*
Computer-based testing for the CSET Science exam is available year-round by appointment, Monday through Saturday (excluding some holidays), on a first-come, first-served basis during the testing windows listed below.
| CSET Science Test Dates | Results Release Date |
|---|---|
| 3/10/25 - 4/6/25 | 4/25/25 |
| 4/7/25 - 5/4/25 | 5/23/25 |
| 5/5/25 - 6/1/25 | 6/20/25 |
| 6/2/25 - 6/29/25 | 7/18/25 |
| 6/30/25 - 7/27/25 | 8/15/25 |
| 7/28/25 - 8/24/25 | 9/12/25 |
| 8/25/25 - 9/21/25 | 10/10/25 |
| 9/22/25 - 10/19/25 | 11/7/25 |
| 10/20/25 - 11/16/25 | 12/5/25 |
*This information is subject to change. All test-takers should visit the official CSET website at https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com to confirm fees, registration, and testing requirements before enrolling.
Free Tools to Help You Get Started
Not sure how you’ll perform on the exam? Start by viewing our free CSET Science Study Guide to get a concise overview of exactly what subject matter will appear on your exam. Then take our free, full-length CSET Science Practice Test with diagnostics to see your overall likelihood of passing and identify any areas in which you may need to improve.
Online Prep Programs That Guarantee You'll Pass
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- instructional videos that teach you the exact content you need to pass
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