Read an Excerpt
Passing the CSET Mathematics Test
Congratulations! By taking the CSET Mathematics test, you’re on your way to a rewarding career as a teacher of secondary mathematics in California. Our book, and the online tools that come with it, give you everything you need to succeed on this important exam, bringing you one step closer to being certified to teach in California.
This CSET Mathematics test prep package includes:
• A complete overview of the CSET Mathematics test
• A comprehensive review for all three subtests in the CSET Mathematics test battery:
Subtest I (211): Algebra and Number Theory
Subtest II (212): Geometry and Probability and Statistics
Subtest III (213): Calculus
• End-of-chapter review questions
• An online diagnostic test to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses and focus your study
• Two full-length practice tests: one in the book and an additional test online that comes with powerful diagnostic tools to help you personalize your prep
How to Use This Book + Online Prep
About Our Review
The review chapters are designed to help you sharpen the skills you’ll need to pass the CSET Mathematics test. The test is composed of three subtests that focus on specific competencies. Each of the skills required for all of the competencies is discussed at length to optimize your understanding of what the test covers.
Keep in mind that your schooling has taught you most of what you need to know to answer the questions on the test. Our content review will reinforce what you have learned and show you how to relate that information to the specific competencies on the test. Studying your class notes and textbooks together with our review chapters will give you an excellent foundation for passing the test.
About Our Practice Tests and the REA Study Center
We know your time is valuable and you want an efficient study experience. Our test prep package includes these features:
• Diagnostic Test—Before you review with the book, take our online diagnostic test. Your score report will pinpoint topics for which you need the most review, to help focus your study.
• 2 Full-Length Practice Tests (1 in the book and 1 online)—These practice tests give you the most complete picture of your strengths and weaknesses. After you’ve studied with the book, test what you’ve learned by taking the practice exam in the book. Review your answers, then go back and study any topics you missed. Take the second practice test online to ensure you’ve mastered the material.
At the REA Study Center (www.rea.com/studycenter), you will get feedback right from the start on what you know and what you don’t to help make the most of your study time.
Our online practice exam simulates the computer-based format of the actual CSET Mathematics test and comes with:
• Automatic scoring—Find out how you did on your test, instantly.
• Diagnostic score reports—Get a specific score tied to each competency, so you can focus on the areas that challenge you the most.
• On-screen detailed answer explanations—See why the correct response option is right, and learn why the other answer choices are incorrect. Our solutions carry you every step of the way, so you’ll never be left wondering how to get the answer.
• Timed testing—Learn to manage your time as you practice, so you’ll feel confident on test day. To achieve the best results, we recommend you take both the printed and online exams. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will be with the format of the CSET Mathematics test—helping you to score higher!
An Overview of the Test
Who Takes the CSET Mathematics Test and What Is it Used for?
The CSET Mathematics test is part of a battery of teacher certification examinations offered by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing in partnership with Pearson Education, Inc. These tests satisfy the subject-matter competence requirements by assessing the abilities required of entry-level teachers seeking a teaching credential or authorization.
People who are interested in teaching secondary mathematics (generally grades 6 through 12) take the CSET Mathematics test. All three subtests (test codes 211, 212, and 213) must be passed in order to satisfy the mathematics subject-matter requirements for the mathematics teaching credential.
For those candidates interested in teaching lower-level mathematics classes (generally taught in grades 6 through 9), there is a Foundational Level mathematics teaching credential that requires passing scores on subtests 211 and 212 only. Teachers with a Foundational Level mathematics credential are limited to teaching the following courses: general mathematics, algebra, geometry, probability and statistics, and consumer mathematics.
When Should the Test be Taken?
Traditionally, teacher preparation programs determine when their candidates take the required tests for teacher certification. These programs will also clear you to take the examinations and make final recommendations for certification to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
In general, candidates should take Subtest I after completing courses on Linear Algebra, Number Theory and Abstract Algebra. For Subtest II, candidates should first complete courses on Geometry, Probability and Statistics. Once a candidate finishes Calculus I, II, and III, Subtest III should be taken.
When and Where Can I Take the Test?
The CSET Mathematics test is offered as a computer-based test year-round, Monday through Saturday (excluding some holidays), at numerous test sites throughout the United States. To find a test center near you, visit: http://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com.
When Will I Receive my Test Results?
About a month after completing any of the three subtests, you will receive your score report via email from Pearson. Your results also will be posted online at the California Educator Credentialing Examinations website at www.ctcexams.nesinc.com where they will remain for 45 days. Your test results will also be reported to California’s Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Can I Retake the Test?
Yes, the CSET Mathematics subtests can be taken as many times as needed to achieve a passing score; however, you have to wait 45 days to retest. Once you pass a subtest, you do not have to take that subtest again, as long as you use the score toward certification within five years of the test date.
Where Can I Get More Information on the CSET Exams?
To obtain more information about the CSET testing program, visit the Pearson Education website at http://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com. This website contains the latest information on the format, content, fees, testing locations, passing scores, and registration details, and also is where you will log in to get your test results.
If you have questions about the program, you can contact Pearson Education by email or phone. Contact information can be found at http://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/contact.asp. Here you will find an email communication form and telephone numbers for CSET offices.
What is Tested on the Exam?
The CSET Mathematics test consists of three subtests, each scored separately and composed of multiple-choice and constructed-response questions. The following chart details the domains for each subtest, along with the number of questions in each section. You will have 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete Subtests I and II, and 2 hours to complete Subtest III.
Calculators
Examinees will need to use a graphing calculator for Subtest II. Calculators are neither required nor allowed for Subtests I and III.
Graphing calculators will not be provided at the test administration, and examinees must bring their own approved graphing calculator. Approved calculator brands and models are subject to change. Check the website http://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/test_info for the most up-to-date list.
How is the CSET Mathematics Test Scored?
The minimum passing score for each subtest is established by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing based on recommendations from California teachers and teacher educators. Passing status is determined on the basis of total subtest performance. Test results are reported as scaled scores.
A scaled score is based on the number of raw score points earned on each section as well as the weighting of each section. For the CSET Mathematics test, the raw scores of each subtest are converted to a scale of 100 to 300, with the scaled score of 220 representing the minimum passing score for each subtest.
Scoring the Multiple-Choice Questions
For each subtest, the multiple-choice section is worth 70% of your total score. The number of raw points awarded on the exams is based on the number of correct answers.
Scoring of the Constructed-Response Questions
For each subtest, the constructed-response section is worth 30% of your total score. Responses to the constructed-response assignments are scored by at least two qualified California educators using standardized procedures based on a four-point rubric. Scorers focus on the extent to which a response fulfills the following performance characteristics:
• Purpose: the extent to which the response addresses the constructed-response assignment’s charge in relation to relevant CSET subject matter requirements or relevant CSET content specifications.
• Subject-Matter Knowledge: the application of accurate subject matter knowledge as described in the relevant CSET subject-matter requirements.
• Support: the appropriateness and quality of the supporting evidence in relation to relevant CSET subject-matter requirements.
• Depth and Breadth of Understanding: the degree to which the response demonstrates understanding of the relevant CSET subject-matter requirements.
Each constructed-response question is assigned a score based on an approved scoring scale ranging from 4 to U (Unscorable). The breakdown is as follows:
A 4-point response demonstrates that you have a thorough understanding of the assignment and the relevant subject matter.
A 3-point response demonstrates that you have an adequate or general understanding of the assignment and the relevant subject matter.
A 2-point response demonstrates that you have a limited or partial understanding of the assignment and the relevant subject matter.
A 1-point response demonstrates that you have little or no understanding of the assignment and the relevant subject matter.
A grade of “U” (Unscorable) is given to responses that are completely unrelated to the assignment, written in a language other than English, illegible, and/or lack a sufficient amount of your original work.
A grade of “B” is given if the response is blank. Never leave a test question blank if at all possible. More specific details on scoring can be found at http://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com.
Studying for the Test
It is never too early to start studying for the CSET Mathematics test. The earlier you begin, the more time you will have to sharpen your skills. Do not procrastinate. Cramming is not an effective way to study, since it does not allow you the time needed to learn the test material.
When you take REA’s diagnostic test and practice tests, simulate the conditions of the actual test as closely as possible. Turn your television and radio off, and go to a quiet place free from distraction. Read each question carefully, consider all answer choices, and pace yourself.
As you complete each test, review your performance, study the diagnostic feedback, and review the explanations to the questions you answered incorrectly. But don’t overdo it. Take one problem area at a time; review it until you are confident that you understand the material. Give extra attention to the areas giving you the most difficulty, as this will help raise your score.
Keep track of your scores. By doing so, you will be able to gauge your progress and discover your strengths and weaknesses. Take notes on material you will want to go over again. Making notecards or flashcards to record information for future review is a good way to study and keep the information at your fingertips.