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Test Structure
Social Science (114/115/116) 

Introduction

CSET: Social Science consists of three separate subtests, each composed of both multiple-choice and 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: Social Science
Test Code
  • Subtest I (test code 114)
  • Subtest II (test code 115)
  • Subtest III (test code 116)
Time
  • Subtest I: 2 hours and 15 minutes
  • Subtest II: 2 hours and 15 minutes
  • Subtest III: 1 hour and 45 minutes
    or
  • All 3 subtests in a single session: 6 hours and 15 minutes
Number of Questions
  • Subtest I: 39 multiple-choice questions and 3 constructed-response questions
  • Subtest II: 39 multiple-choice questions and 3 constructed-response questions
  • Subtest III: 40 multiple-choice questions and 3 constructed-response questions
Proportions of subtest sections used to determine overall score
  • Subtest I: 70% multiple-choice questions and 30% constructed-response questions
  • Subtest II: 70% multiple-choice questions and 30% constructed-response questions
  • Subtest III: 70% multiple-choice questions and 30% 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 World History 35 1 extended
1 short (focused)
I World Geography 4 1 short (focused)
Subtest I Total 39 1 extended
2 short (focused)
II U.S. History 35 1 extended
1 short (focused)
II U.S. Geography 4 1 short (focused)
Subtest II Total 39 1 extended
2 short (focused)
III Civics 18 1 short (focused)
III Economics 15 1 short (focused)
III California History 7 1 short (focused)
Subtest III Total 40 3 short (focused)
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