CSET and CBEST Preparation Tips
The CSET/CBEST are standardized tests that are required for any Teacher Credentialing program in the state of California. There is a lot of questions that come up about how to prepare for the tests (especially the CSET's which are subject specific tests).
Here are some tips offered by students who have taken and passed the CSET:
• Complete the sample tests from the CSET website:
• Use a study book-there are many different options, here are some recommendations:
- Study book from the public library
- Kaplan Study Book
- Cliff Notes study book
• UC Irvine’s website has a number of CSET test prep suggestions:
• Specifically for the math and science CSET, see the UCI free online courses (Click on the Education tab on the left).
• CSU-East Bay test preparation courses
Websites for CSET preparation programs and practice tests (we are listing the sites below for your exploration only. SFTR has not evaluated these services and does not have any information about the success rate for these programs. We do not endorse any of the sites listed below and offer them only for your information):
• Teaching Solutions: This site offers a 7-day quick program with guaranteed passing results.
• CSET Online Test Prep: you can sign up for an online test prep classes and download practice tests.
• CSET Exam Overview: This site has preparation advice, practice tests, test reviews.
• Test Prep Review: This site has more practice questions and other resources for studying for the exam.
Sources: UC Davis School of Education/UC Irvine School of Education
SFTR Testing Requirements
Math: We require you to take all three of the subtests for math (complete by Feb. 7th, 2014).
• Subtest I (test code 110), Subtest II (test code 111), Subtest III (test code 112).
Science: We require you to take all three of the subtests for science (complete by Jan. 11th).
- Subtest I (test code 118), Subtest II (test code 119), Subtest III in your specialty area (test codes 120-123).
- Subtest III: Biology/Life Science (test code 120), Chemistry (test code 121), Physics (test code 123).
Multiple Subjects: We require you to take all three of the subtests (complete by Feb. 7th, 2014).
- Subtest I (test code 101), Subtest II (test code 102), Subtest III (test code 103).
Applicants must pass and submit scores from CSET and CBEST.
Please note: For your application to be reviewed on time it is suggested that you take the CSET and CBEST exams by the following dates:
CSET
January 11, 2014 (paper-based tests in science)
February 7, 2014*-Computer-based tests (math, multiple subjects) have a 3-4 week reporting timeline
CBEST
February 7, 2014*
*Please contact us if you anticipate not being able to take the tests by this date.
CSET waiver
If you had either a math or science background for your undergraduate degree you can see if you qualify for a CSET waiver. San Francisco State University will review outside transcripts for Single Subject waivers. See the link below for SFSU's equivalency review process to see if you qualify.
CSET Waiver Application Link (click on the share link on the page to download)
*please contact the advisors listed to see if the waiver request can be processed through SF-State.