CSET®: Science — Subtest I General Science (215) and Subtest II Life Sciences (217)
California's NGSS-aligned science exam — general science for every science teacher, plus the Life Sciences subtest for the Biological Sciences credential.
About the exam
The CSET: Science is built on the Next Generation Science Standards. Subtest I (General Science, 215) on its own earns the Foundational-Level General Science credential; Subtest I plus a Subtest II concentration earns a Single Subject Science credential. This prep covers Subtest I and the Life Sciences concentration (217), which leads to the Biological Sciences credential.
Subtest I has 100 multiple-choice questions and four short written responses in 4 hours across scientific and engineering practices, physical sciences, life sciences and Earth and space sciences. Subtest II Life Sciences has 50 multiple-choice questions and three short written responses in 2 hours.
Our practice covers all eight domains with data, models and investigations like the real test — plus flashcards, lab and classroom cases, and illustrated guides to the big ideas.
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
NGSS-aligned Science Subject Matter Requirements — Subtest I General Science (4 domains) plus Subtest II Life Sciences (4 domains). Tap a domain to see its topics.
1 Scientific Practices, Engineering, and Crosscutting Concepts Subtest I · 33 MC of the exam
99 practice questions in this domain so far
2 Physical Sciences Subtest I · 23 MC of the exam
69 practice questions in this domain so far
3 Life Sciences Subtest I · 22 MC of the exam
66 practice questions in this domain so far
4 Earth and Space Sciences Subtest I · 22 MC of the exam
66 practice questions in this domain so far
5 Life Sciences II: From Molecules to Organisms Subtest II (217) of the exam
39 practice questions in this domain so far
6 Life Sciences II: Ecosystems Subtest II (217) of the exam
36 practice questions in this domain so far
7 Life Sciences II: Heredity Subtest II (217) of the exam
39 practice questions in this domain so far
8 Life Sciences II: Biological Evolution Subtest II (217) of the exam
36 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: Science content area and topic — investigations and data, physics and chemistry, biology, Earth and space science.
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 — 150 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 150 multiple-choice questions.
Pacing checkpoints
Checkpoints assume both subtests. Subtest I alone: 100 questions in about 3 hours, leaving time for four short written responses.
The week before
- Take one full-length timed practice exam 3–5 days out, then rest.
- Review the NGSS science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts — they appear in every domain.
- Refresh core equations (motion, energy, waves, gas laws, stoichiometry) and how to read graphs and data tables.
- 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.
- Read data displays first: axes, units, trends — many questions are answered there.
- On written responses, name the concept, apply it to the data, and explain your reasoning.
- 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®: Science — Subtest I General Science ↗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.