CSET PASSING REQUIREMENTS

To pass an examination of the CSET, you must earn a passing score on each of the examination's required subtests, which are listed in "Certification Requirements." Each CSET subtest is scored separately. For each CSET subtest, an individual's performance is evaluated against an established standard. The passing score for each subtest was established by the CTC based on the professional judgments and recommendations of California educators. Passing status is determined on the basis of total subtest performance. The total subtest score is based on the number of raw score points earned on each section (multiple-choice section and/or constructed-response section), the weighting of each section, and the scaling of that score. Raw scores are converted to a scale of 100 to 300, with the scaled score of 220 representing the minimum passing score.

A passing score on a CSET subtest must be achieved at a single CSET administration; performance on sections of subtests cannot be combined across administrations. Once you pass a subtest, you do not have to take that subtest again as long as you use the score to earn certification within five years of the test date on which it was achieved.

Examinees seeking to satisfy the basic skills requirement using the CSET must obtain passing scores on all three subtests of CSET: Multiple Subjects and a passing score on CSET: Writing Skills. Passing scores on CSET: Multiple Subjects and CSET: Writing Skills may be used indefinitely to satisfy the basic skills requirement. To satisfy the subject matter requirement, a passing score on each of the subtests of CSET: Multiple Subjects must be used toward certification within five years of the test date on which it was achieved.

Examinees registered for CSET: Art Subtest II are required to submit photographs of their artwork at the test center when they sign in to take the test. The CTC requires that examinees submit six photographs in order for CSET: Art Subtest II to be scored. If one or more of your photographs do not meet the requirements specified in the CSET: Art Subtest II Portfolio Procedures Manual, you will receive a rating of "Unscorable" on the portfolio component written assignment(s). If one or more of your written assignments are rated as "Unscorable," you may not receive a passing score on the subtest and may need to retake it. Furthermore, if you do not submit six photographs at the administration (as described in the CSET: Art Subtest II Portfolio Procedures Manual), you will not have satisfied the CSET: Art Subtest II testing requirements; you will not pass the subtest; and you will need to retake the entire subtest. For more information about the examination, refer to the Art test information table in "Test Selection."

Examinees registered for CSET: Music Subtest II are required to submit video-recorded materials at the test center when they sign in to take the multiple-choice section of the test. The CTC requires that examinees submit two video recordings in order for CSET: Music Subtest II to be scored. You are required to submit two video recordings of yourself performing the assigned selections designated for the test date. If one or both of your submitted video recordings do not meet the requirements specified in the CSET: Music Subtest II Video Performance Procedures Manual, you will receive a rating of "Unscorable" on the assignment(s). If your video recordings are rated as "Unscorable," you may not receive a passing score on the subtest and may need to retake it. Furthermore, if you do not submit two video recordings at the administration, or if one or both of your submitted video recordings do not contain audio and video within the first three minutes, you will not have satisfied the CSET: Music Subtest II testing requirements; you will not pass the subtest; and you will need to retake the entire subtest. For more information about the examination, refer to the Music test information table in "Test Selection."

Retaking the CSET

If you do not pass one or more subtests, you may register for and retake the subtests that you have not passed. There is no limit to the number of times you may take any subtest that you have not passed; however, each time you retake one or more subtests, you must re-register. Please note that you must wait at least 45 calendar days before retaking a computer-based test.

Period of Score Validity

Passing scores on a CSET examination must be applied toward California certification within five (5) years of the test date.

Top of Page