CSET®: Mathematics (Subtests 211, 212, 213)
California's subject-matter exam for secondary math teachers — from number theory and algebra to geometry, statistics and calculus.
About the exam
The CSET: Mathematics verifies subject-matter competence for the California Single Subject Teaching Credential in Mathematics. Subtests I and II alone qualify you for the Foundational-Level Mathematics credential; all three are required for the full Mathematics credential.
Subtest I covers Number and Quantity and Algebra; Subtest II covers Geometry and Probability and Statistics (a graphing calculator is allowed on this subtest only); Subtest III covers Calculus. Each subtest mixes multiple-choice questions with extended written solutions.
Our practice covers every domain with multi-step problems, proofs in multiple-choice form and the reasoning behind each answer, plus 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
Mathematics Subject Matter Requirements (CTC, 2014, Common Core-aligned) — 3 subtests — number and algebra, geometry and statistics, calculus. Tap a domain to see its topics.
1 Number and Quantity Subtest I · 10 MC of the exam
45 practice questions in this domain so far
2 Algebra Subtest I · 25 MC of the exam
112 practice questions in this domain so far
3 Geometry Subtest II · 25 MC of the exam
112 practice questions in this domain so far
4 Probability and Statistics Subtest II · 10 MC of the exam
45 practice questions in this domain so far
5 Calculus Subtest III · 30 MC of the exam
136 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: Math content area and topic — number theory, abstract and linear algebra, proof, geometry, statistics and calculus.
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 — 100 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 100 multiple-choice questions.
Pacing checkpoints
Our checkpoints cover multiple choice. Each real subtest adds two or three extended written solutions.
The week before
- Take one full-length timed practice exam 3–5 days out, then rest.
- Rework classic proofs (irrationality of √2, triangle congruence, the Fundamental Theorem) until you can explain each step.
- Practice with the on-screen graphing calculator for Subtest II — and without one for Subtests I and III.
- 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.
- Estimate or test a value before committing — many wrong answers come from one sign or domain error.
- On written responses, show every step and state the theorem you're using.
- 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®: Mathematics ↗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.