This webpage features some tips and strategies for maximizing your performance on the Social Science component of the C.S.E.T. examination.

This page has been uploaded at the request of students in California State University, Northridge's Integrated Teacher Education Program.

Please be warned! There are loads of commercial websites out there selling miracle methods to help you pass this exam. Don't believe that stuff. These are almost certainly scams designed to take advantage of the desperate, foolhardy and unscrupulous. None of these characteristics should ever describe a school teacher. Hopefully teacher candidates shy from finding ways to "beat the test" and rely instead upon a their work ethic and intelligence as they prepare. Study the material, know your stuff and you'll pass the test.

How many questions are on this portion of the CSET ?

There will be 26 multiple choice questions and two constructed response (essay) questions.

Where should I get started?

The best place to start is probably at the website for the CSET examination itself. There you will find information regarding the mechanics of registering for the exam, preparation materials, how to get your results, etc.

Particularly helpful materials are found at the hyperlinked pages below:

• What you should know or subject matter requirements: http://www.cset.nesinc.com/PDFs/CS_socialscience_SMR.pdf
• Test Guides- or what you need to know about the test itself: http://www.cset.nesinc.com/CS_testguide_MSopener.asp
• Practice Tests: http://www.cset.nesinc.com/CS_viewPT_PDF_opener.asp
  • Hint: Don't take all the practice tests at once....take one as a diagnostic to help you identify your weaknesses.
• Paper versions of the practice test: http://www.cset.nesinc.com/PDFs/CS_PT_subtestI.pdf

ETS/Praxis Materials

Though the Educational Testing Service (E.T.S. or the folks that brought you the S.A.T. and G.R.E.) does not construct or administer the CSET, they do offer some web resources that should prove useful for you. Many teacher candidates outside California take the Praxis exam to demonstrate subject matter competency. You can use some of the tips and practice items for this test to your benefit. See the links below.

General Tips and Strategies:

• General Information and Study Tips (PDF) -http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/PRAXIS/pdf/01361generalinfo.pdf
• Reducing Test Anxiety (PDF) -http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/PRAXIS/pdf/01361anxiety.pdf

Social Studies Content Preparation Materials:

• World and U.S. History (PDF) http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/PRAXIS/pdf/0940.pdf
• World and U.S. History: Content Knowledge (PDF) - http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/PRAXIS/pdf/0941.pdf
• Social Studies: Analytical Essays (PDF) -http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/PRAXIS/pdf/0082.pdf
• http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/PRAXIS/pdf/0081.pdf
• ETS: Geography Practice Test : http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/PRAXIS/pdf/0920.pdf

Other materials

CSETTutor: Practice Test  http://csettutor.com/Subtest_1_Practice_Test.htm

http://www.testprepreview.com/modules/socialstudies.htm

Books: http://www.amazon.com/CSET-Multiple-Subjects-Cliffs-Test/dp/0764539833

Other Misc. Preparation Resources:

American History: http://www.polytechnic.org/faculty/gfeldmeth/USHistory.html

World History:

• http://www.hyperhistory.com/
• http://www.hyperhistory.com/online_n2/History_n2/a.html
•  
• California History/Geography:
  • http://www.californiahistory.net/
  • *http://www.csun.edu/~sg4002/courses/417/417_home.html
  • *http://www.csun.edu/~cfe/
    http://www.flashcardexchange.com/flashcards/list/481128

FactMonster:
http://www.factmonster.com/

Other useful links: (Helpful suggestions, warnings)

• http://www.simpsonuniversity.edu/faculty/arocca/cset.html
• http://www.uweb.ucsb.edu/~kara_wilson/book_material.html
• http://ezinearticles.com/?acing-cset&id=641361