So you’re taking the CSET Mathematics (211, 212, 213) exam and you’re asking some of the following questions: Where do I find a free practice test? An exam breakdown? How do I register for the test?

  • Where do I find a free practice test?
  • An exam breakdown?
  • How do I register for the test?

These are all great questions, and you’ve found the right place to get them answered!

My name is Kayman McIver, and at Best in Class we are here to help you get familiar with everything you need to know about the CSET Math exam!

CSET Mathematics Video Overviews

This video provides general testing tips and strategies for passing your teacher certification exam. While it is not specific to the CSET Mathematics test, it does provide helpful hints that will apply to any teacher certification exam you plan on taking.

These three videos provide information on a few concepts that might be covered in the CSET Mathematics subtests. These videos are by no means all-encompassing explanations of every exam topic, but they do provide easy-to-understand lessons on a few select concepts.

First Thing to Know

CSET stands for California Subject Examinations for Teachers. These tests were developed and implemented by the state of California to ensure that teachers are adequately prepared to provide classroom instruction. The CSET Math exam is designed to evaluate a teacher’s knowledge of math — both the ability to perform mathematical operations and the ability to teach math concepts to a variety of ability levels. After passing this exam, you will be certified to teach all secondary mathematics courses offered by the California public school system.

There are three identification numbers for the subtests of the CSET Math exam: 211, 212, and 213. Every test is assigned an arbitrary number that allows for better record-keeping by the state. Many tests have similar names, so the number ensures that the correct test is taken and scored. This particular test includes three subtests, each with its own number. The subtests can be taken collectively or individually, and you must pass each one before you can pass overall.

CSET Mathematics Exam Breakdown

The CSET Math exam is made up of three subtests. This means you must pass each individual subtest to pass the entire CSET Mathematics (211, 212, 213) exam.

Subtest I (211)
Domain Multiple-Choice Questions Constructed-Response Questions
Number and Quantity 10 1
Algebra 25 2
Subtest Total 35 3
Subtest II (212)
Domain Multiple-Choice Questions Constructed-Response Questions
Geometry 25 2
Probability and Statistics 10 1
Subtest Total 35 3
Subtest III (213)
Domain Multiple-Choice Questions Constructed-Response Questions
Calculus 30 2
Subtest Total 30 2

You have the option of taking the subtests separately or together. In order to be certified, you will need to pass all three within 10 years of each other. This gives you the option of focusing on one test, preparing for it, and taking it before moving on to the next test. The tests focus on different components of math, so dividing up the tests may help you. Alternatively, you can try taking all of the subtests together and then retake only the subtests that you do not pass. Keep in mind that you probably only want to do this if you think you can pass all three. I’m going to discuss preparation materials that can help you determine whether you should take the subtests all at once or separately.

What is a Passing Score

The passing score for all three tests is 220 out of 300, meaning that you must achieve a score of at least 220 on each subtest in order to pass. You cannot average the scores together to achieve a passing score. The score for each subtest is derived from a raw score of correct answers that is converted to a scaled score. This method of weighted scoring takes into account the difficulty level of each question.

How to Register for the CSET Mathematics Exam

Begin by visiting the CTC testing website. 

  • Create an account or log in.
  • Verify that you will be taking the test.
  • Click on CSET (fifth option).
  • Use the drop-down menu to select “Mathematics: Subtest I”.
  • Click “Add”.
  • Repeat to add Subtests II and III.
  • Answer the remaining questions about where to send results, background info, etc.

Once you pass the exam, you are qualified to teach math in the state of California!

Yay!

CSET Mathematics (211, 212, 213) Free Practice Test

You’re taking the CSET Mathematics (211, 212, 213) exam and wondering if you’ll be able to pass. Not only do you want to know if you’ll pass, but you also want to know what kinds of questions to expect on the real exam.

Great news … you’ve made it to the right place. We are going to tell you about the absolute best practice tests for the CSET Mathematics test.

Best Free Practice Test

240 Tutoring’s CSET Math Practice Test

240 Tutoring has been helping teachers pass their exams since 2011. They offer an online, completely free practice test for CSET Mathematics that covers all three subtests. The practice test will give you a free score breakdown so you can see exactly what you need to study.

CSET Mathematics (211, 212, 213) Paid Practice Test

Best Paid Practice Test

240 Tutoring’s CSET Math Study Guide and Practice Test

240 Tutoring’s CSET Math Subtest I Study Guide and Practice Test

240 Tutoring’s CSET Math Subtest II Study Guide and Practice Test

240 Tutoring’s CSET Math Subtest III Study Guide and Practice Test

240 Tutoring also offers a full study guide and practice test. The CSET Math Study Guide includes more than 300 questions, 150 pages of content, and flash cards to help with studying.

One of my favorite parts is the guarantee: the study guide comes with a money-back guarantee that you will pass the test.

So while it is a paid practice test, it offers a lot more.

BONUS: 240 Tutoring is a month-to-month subscription. You get all of the CSET Math study guides — including the three subtests — for just one monthly price of $39.99. So simply subscribing to one study guide gives you access to all study guides. You decide how long you need to subscribe.

Runner-Up for Practice Test

Teachers Test Prep

Teachers Test Prep offers a free practice test for each of the subtests. These are intended to help you determine what you need to study, and they include breakdowns of your weaknesses based on the test. There are also additional resources to purchase after you take the free diagnostic test.

Teachers Test Prep Practice Test

Honorable Mention

Study.com

Study.com offers a free practice test for CSET Math, divided by subtests. Each test includes only 15 questions, but they may provide some insight into areas that you need to study. Study.com also offers video lessons for each topic that accompany the study guide and practice questions.

Study.com CSET Math Subtest I Practice Test

CSET Mathematics (211, 212, 213) Free Study Guide

So you’re taking the CSET Mathematics (211, 212, 213) exam and you want to know if you’ll pass.

Beyond that, you want to know exactly what you need to study to be successful. You need to know your own strengths and needs to be fully prepared.

You’re at the right place. We are going to tell you about the absolute best study guides for the CSET Math exam.

Best Free Study Guide

240 Tutoring’s CSET Mathematics Ultimate Guide

The Ultimate Guide by 240 Tutoring is a great introduction to what you need to study. This guide covers a few topics from each domain and provides insight into what a full study guide looks like. While not every topic is covered, it does cover some information from each area.

CSET Mathematics (211, 212, 213) Paid Study Guide

Best Paid Study Guide

240 Tutoring’s CSET Math Study Guide

240 Tutoring’s CSET Math Subtest I Study Guide

240 Tutoring’s CSET Math Subtest II Study Guide

240 Tutoring’s CSET Math Subtest III Study Guide

240 Tutoring also offers a full study guide. The CSET Math Study Guide includes more than 300 questions, 150 pages of content, and flash cards to help with studying.

My favorite part is the guarantee: the study guide comes with a money-back guarantee that you will pass the test.

So while it is a paid practice test, you know you’re getting your money’s worth.

BONUS: 240 Tutoring is a month-to-month subscription. You get all of the CSET Math study guides — including the three subtests — for just one monthly price of $39.99. So simply subscribing to one study guide gives you access to all study guides.

Runner-Up for Study Guide

MathHelp.com

MathHelp.com offers a study guide with videos covering each topic on the test. After you have watched the lesson, there are practice questions with explanations. If you think that you know the topic already, you can take a diagnostic test and then choose to move on. You will have to take a diagnostic test for each topic rather than one comprehensive test, which means that there are 288 of them!

Math Help Study Guide

Honorable Mention

Exam Edge

Exam Edge offers practice tests with explanations for each question that are intended to teach you what you need to know. You have the option of purchasing 1, 5, 10, or 15 tests. (Only the single test is less expensive than 240 Tutoring’s entire study guide, which includes flash cards and hundreds of practice problems.) You can choose to see explanations of each question as you go or after you have completed the entire test.

Exam Edge Study Guide

About the Author

Kayman McIver

Kayman McIver has taught math and science for 13 years to all ability levels. Her favorite students are awkward middle schoolers with a great sense of humor.

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