The examinations of the CSET are criterion referenced and based on CCTC-approved subject matter requirements (also called content specifications). A criterion-referenced test is designed to measure a candidate’s knowledge and skills in relation to an established standard rather than in relation to the performance of other candidates.

The tests are designed to measure domains of subject-matter content knowledge. Within each domain, a set of subject matter requirements, which are statements of important knowledge and skills, defines the content of the test. All subject matter requirements were developed for the CSET program by committees of California educators and approved by the CCTC.

Test questions matched to the subject matter requirements were developed using, in part, textbooks, California curriculum syllabi, teacher education curricula, and teacher credentialing standards. The questions were developed in consultation with and approved by committees of educators, teacher educators, and other content and assessment specialists in California.

The CSET program currently includes CSET: Multiple Subjects, CSET: Preliminary Educational Technology, and CSET: Single Subjects. CSET: Multiple Subjects consists of three separate subtests, each of which is composed of both multiple-choice and constructed-response questions. CSET: Preliminary Educational Technology consists of two subtests, each of which is composed of both multiple-choice and constructed-response questions.