CSET®: English (Subtests 105, 106, 107, 108)
California's subject-matter exam for secondary English teachers — literature, writing, linguistics and media.
About the exam
The CSET: English verifies subject-matter competence for the California Single Subject Teaching Credential in English. You can also meet the requirement through an approved subject-matter program, a qualifying degree major, coursework, or a mix of coursework and CSET subtests.
There are four subtests: Subtest I (50 multiple-choice: reading literature and informational texts, composition and rhetoric), Subtest II (50 multiple-choice: language, linguistics and literacy), Subtest III (two extended written responses analyzing a literary and a nonliterary text) and Subtest IV (four short written responses on speech, media and creative performance).
Our practice covers every domain — literary periods and analysis, rhetoric, grammar and the history of English, language acquisition, and media and performance — with flashcards, classroom cases and illustrated guides.
How we track your progress
Every blueprint domain moves through five levels as you study:
- Not startedNo questions answered in this domain yet.
- Getting startedFirst questions answered — not enough yet to judge.
- DevelopingAt least 5 answered and 50% or better on your recent questions.
- ProficientAt least 15 answered and 70% or better on your recent questions.
- Exam readyAt least 25 answered, 80% or better recently, and holding up on hard questions.
The exam blueprint
English Subject Matter Requirements (CTC, 2014 — 4 subtests — literature and informational text, composition, language and linguistics, communications. Tap a domain to see its topics.
1 Reading Literature and Informational Texts Subtest I · 40 MC (+ Subtest III) of the exam
167 practice questions in this domain so far
2 Composition and Rhetoric Subtest I · 10 MC (+ Subtest III) of the exam
42 practice questions in this domain so far
3 Language, Linguistics, and Literacy Subtest II · 50 MC of the exam
208 practice questions in this domain so far
4 Communications: Speech, Media, and Creative Performance Subtest IV · written responses of the exam
33 practice questions in this domain so far
What you get when you access this exam
Free with your QuizMe account.
Questions built on the official framework
Every question is tagged to a CSET: English content area and topic — literary analysis, rhetoric, linguistics, language acquisition and media.
Hints that teach
Reveal the principle behind the question when you're stuck. Every answer comes with the full rationale.
Adaptive practice
Questions steer toward your weakest areas, weighted like the real exam, and get harder as you get stronger.
Timed practice exams
Framework-weighted exams at a realistic pace — 108 multiple-choice questions at a realistic pace — with a pacing indicator and full review.
Flashcards, case simulations and guides
120 flashcards, 8 unfolding classroom or school cases where every decision shows its consequence, and interactive illustrated guides you explore hotspot by hotspot.
Progress in every content area
Each area moves from Not started to Exam ready, so you know exactly what to study next.
Test at home or at a center
California educator exams are delivered by Pearson VUE for the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Register on the official CTC Exams site, ctcexams.nesinc.com.
At a Pearson VUE test center
- Computer-based testing by appointment, year-round, Monday–Saturday at most centers.
- Arrive about 30 minutes early with current government-issued photo ID that matches your registration.
- Phones, bags, watches and notes go in a locker.
- Plan for 15 extra minutes for the nondisclosure agreement and tutorial.
Online proctored (where offered)
- Offered for many tests in one-week windows each month — check the test page; not every test or subtest is available online.
- A live proctor watches through your webcam for the whole session.
- Run the system check on the same computer and network well before test day.
- Test alone in a quiet room with a clear desk — no notes, phone or second monitor.
Exam-day game plan
How to walk in ready — and how to pace 108 multiple-choice questions.
Pacing checkpoints
Our checkpoints cover multiple choice. Subtests III and IV are written-response only.
The week before
- Take one full-length timed practice exam 3–5 days out, then rest.
- Review literary periods and movements with two or three representative authors and works each.
- Know the structures of English — phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics — and how English changed from Old to Modern English.
- Confirm your appointment, ID and route — or run the online system check.
During the exam
- Read the whole question and find the cue: best, first, most appropriate, most likely.
- For passage questions, go back to the text; the best answer is supported by specific lines.
- Linguistics questions reward precise terms — know exactly what each one means.
- Pick your best answer, flag it and move on; revisit flags at the end.
- Answer every multiple-choice question — there's no penalty for guessing.
Keep your head
- A few nerves sharpen focus. If you freeze, take three slow breaths and reread the question.
- You're measured against a fixed passing standard, not other test-takers.
- Change an answer only when you find a real reason in the question.
After you pass
- Each passed subtest is banked; you only retake a subtest you didn't pass.
- Passing scores must be used toward a credential within 10 years of the test date.
- You can also meet subject-matter competence through an approved program, a qualifying degree or coursework — or mix coursework with CSET subtests.
Official sources and further reading
- CTC Exams — CSET®: English ↗Official test page, subject matter requirements and study guide.
- CTC — Subject-matter requirement options ↗Ways to meet subject-matter competence besides CSET.
Ready to start?
450 questions and scenarios across the blueprint — and growing.
CSET® is a registered trademark of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Pearson. QuizMe and thinQtank Learning are not affiliated with or endorsed by the CTC or Pearson. Details are summarized from the official CTC Exams site; fees and policies change — always confirm at ctcexams.nesinc.com. Our Exam ready level asks for 80% or better.