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Test Structure
English (105/106/107/108) 

Introduction

CSET: English consists of four separate subtests, each composed of either multiple-choice or constructed-response questions. Each subtest is scored separately.

The structure of the examination is shown in the tables below. 

Table outlining the test format, number of questions, time, and passing score.
Test Name CSET: English
Test Code
  • Subtest I (test code 105)
  • Subtest II (test code 106)
  • Subtest III (test code 107)
  • Subtest IV (test code 108)
Time
  • Subtest I: 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Subtest II: 1 hour
  • Subtest III: 2 hours
  • Subtest IV: 1 hour and 30 minutes
    or
  • All 4 subtests in a single session: 6 hours
Number of Questions
  • Subtest I: 50 multiple-choice questions
  • Subtest II: 50 multiple-choice questions
  • Subtest III: 2 constructed-response questions
  • Subtest IV: 4 constructed-response questions
Proportions of subtest sections used to determine overall score
  • Subtest I: 100% multiple-choice questions
  • Subtest II: 100% multiple-choice questions
  • Subtest III: 100% constructed-response questions
  • Subtest IV: 100% constructed-response questions
Format Computer-based test (CBT) 

Test Structure

Table outlining test content subject weighting by domain.
Subtest Domain Number of Multiple-Choice Questions Number of Constructed-Response Questions
I* Reading Literature and Informational Texts  40 none
I* Composition and Rhetoric 10 none
Subtest I Total 50 none
II Language, Linguistics, and Literacy  50 none
Subtest II Total 50 none
III Composition and Rhetoric and Reading Literature and Informational Texts none Subtest III consists of 2 constructed-response questions—1 based on literary text, 1 on nonliterary text. (extended responses)
Subtest III Total none 2 extended
IV Communications: Speech, Media, and Creative Performance none 4 (short [focused] responses)
Subtest IV Total none 4 (short [focused] responses)

*Subtest I is a multiple-choice test that covers the two domains of Reading Literature and Informational Texts and Composition and Rhetoric. Subtest III is a constructed-response test that covers the same domains.

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