CSET®: Social Science (Subtests 114, 115, 116)
California's subject-matter exam for history–social science teachers — world and U.S. history, geography, civics, economics and California history.
About the exam
The CSET: Social Science verifies subject-matter competence for the California Single Subject Teaching Credential in Social Science. 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.
Subtest I covers World History and World Geography; Subtest II covers U.S. History and U.S. Geography; Subtest III covers Civics, Economics and California History. Each subtest mixes multiple-choice questions with short and extended written responses.
Our practice covers every domain with document- and scenario-based questions — causes and consequences, primary sources, landmark Supreme Court cases, economic reasoning and California's own story.
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
Social Science Subject Matter Requirements (CTC, 2002), aligned to 1998 CA History-Social Science Content Standards — 3 subtests — world history and geography, U.S. history and geography, civics, economics and California history. Tap a domain to see its topics.
1 World History Subtest I · 35 MC of the exam
134 practice questions in this domain so far
2 World Geography Subtest I · 4 MC of the exam
15 practice questions in this domain so far
3 U.S. History Subtest II · 35 MC of the exam
133 practice questions in this domain so far
4 U.S. Geography Subtest II · 4 MC of the exam
15 practice questions in this domain so far
5 Civics Subtest III · 18 MC of the exam
69 practice questions in this domain so far
6 Economics Subtest III · 15 MC of the exam
57 practice questions in this domain so far
7 California History Subtest III · 7 MC of the exam
27 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: Social Science content area and topic — world and U.S. history, geography, civics, economics and California history.
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 — 118 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 118 multiple-choice questions.
Pacing checkpoints
Our checkpoints cover multiple choice. Each real subtest adds written responses.
The week before
- Take one full-length timed practice exam 3–5 days out, then rest.
- Build a one-page timeline for each subtest and know the cause and effect of each turning point.
- Review landmark Supreme Court cases and the basic tools of macroeconomics (fiscal and monetary policy, GDP, inflation).
- 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 source-based questions, consider who wrote it, when and why.
- On written responses, use specific names, dates and evidence — not generalities.
- 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®: Social 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.