CSET: English: Subtest I (105) Exam Overview

Looking to teach upper-level English in California? You’ll likely need to pass the CSET: English test. This exam consists of four separate subtests, including CSET: English: Subtest I (105).

The extent of the CSET: English exam may feel overwhelming, but don’t stress—you’re in the right place. The following article will detail the structure of the CSET: English: Subtest I (105) exam and offer valuable tips and resources to help you ace it.

The CSET: English: Subtest I (105)  exam gauges reading comprehension skills and your understanding of composition and rhetoric. Given its importance, it’s natural to feel some anxiety about this exam, but there are ways to take charge of your testing experience. For instance, getting familiar with the exam structure can boost your confidence. A suite of effective study tools will also set you up for success on the CSET: English: Subtest I (105) test.

With that in mind, let’s delve into the details of the CSET: English (105) exam and explore some strategies for preparation. Whether you’re taking a CSET exam for the first time or gearing up for a retake, this article will empower you to tackle the English: Subtest I exam with confidence. Let’s get to work!

Overview of the CSET: English: Subtest I (105) exam

Knowing what to expect can help ease your nerves on test day. Let’s take a broad look at the CSET: English: Subtest I (105) exam to understand what it covers.

The CSET English exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, which you will have 1 hour and 30 minutes to answer. This test assesses the following content domains (and associated competencies):

• Reading Literature and Informational Texts
  • Reading Literature
  • Craft and Structure of Literature
  • Reading Informational Texts
  • Craft and Structure of Informational Texts
  • Integration of Knowledge and Ideas in Informational Texts
  • Text Complexity
• Composition and Rhetoric
  • Writing Processes (Individual and Collaborative)
  • Text Types and Purposes
  • Production and Distribution of Writing
  • Conventions of Oral and Written Language
  • Research to Build and Present Knowledge

Familiarizing yourself with these content expectations should help you allocate study time. As you begin preparing for the CSET: English (105) exam, prioritize areas you know will be challenging.

Your study plan might also consider the balance of subject matter on this test. Content domains related to Composition and Rhetoric account for only 20% of exam questions. If you’re already proficient in this area, it would be logical to dedicate considerably more time to the other domains.

Overall, a well considered and balanced approach to studying the topics listed above will set you up for success on the CSET: English: Subtest I exam.

Time Limit

You will have 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete the CSET: English: Subtest I (105)  exam.

Passing Score

You must score 220 or higher on the English: Subtest I (105) exam to pass.

Number of Questions

The CSET: English: Subtest I (105) test has 50 multiple-choice questions that cover content related to reading comprehension, composition, and rhetoric.

Cost

You will need to register and pay separately for all four subtests of the CSET exam. The CSET: English: Subtest I (105) test costs $72, and the other subtests cost $75.

Visit the CTC website for more information on fees and payment. Be sure to check whether you are eligible for a fee waiver for the CSET: English (105) exam.

Registration Information

You can register for the CSET: English: Subtest I (105) test year round. Start the registration process by creating an account, and then choose a convenient time and place to test. You can take the CSET: English: Subtest I as a standalone exam, or you can register for more subtests to be taken on the same day.

If you’re willing to abide by online proctoring rules, it’s also possible to take the CSET: English subtests at home. Learn more about the remote testing option for CSET exams.

Scoring Information

Visit the CTC website to find the day your CSET: English: Subtest I (105) scores will be released. (Scroll down to “Test Results.”) Typically, you will have access to your scores within five weeks of testing.

Want to learn more about CSET: English: Subtest I (105) scores? Explore the details with our CSET: English: Subtest I scoring guide! 

Test Preparation Tips

Given its importance, the CSET: English: Subtest I (105) exam may feel intimidating. However, the right strategies and mindset will give you the boost you need to succeed. Here are some preparation tips to make the most of your study time:

Take a Proactive Approach

• Get familiar with the format and content of the English: Subtest I (105) test as soon as you can. The longer you put off studying, the more anxiety you’ll feel. (Reading this article is a great start!)
• Avoid procrastination by using a calendar app to schedule study time. When you’ve made a formal appointment to study, it’s harder to skip.
• Allot study time for all content areas, and consider setting a timer to stay on track. It’s important that you be ready for every topic that appears on this exam.

Review Key Facts and Skills

• In the months preceding the CSET: English: Subtest I (105) test, try to read as much as you can. If you don’t regularly consume classic novels, poetry, or other complex material, this is the time to refamiliarize yourself with their cadences and literary context.
• Before you begin studying, take some time to refresh your literary vocabulary. If you dive straight into practice tests, you might find yourself discouraged by an onslaught of half-remembered terms! Make an extra effort on Greek words and all those “-ism” movements; they’re easy to mix up. Don’t wait until exam day to realize you can’t distinguish a synecdoche from an apostrophe or sit there wondering if Symbolism is the same as Imagism (for the record: it is not).

Study Sample Questions and Take Practice Tests

• Attempt sample questions of all types. While you may already have a sense of your strengths and weaknesses in English, you should test those assumptions against exam materials.
• Take full-length practice tests on a regular basis to ensure you’re comfortable with the exam’s format and timing. If you’re unable to finish tests within 90 minutes, avoid attempting a drastic time cut. Try gradually accelerating your pace instead.
• Use official CSET: English: Subtest I exam preparation materials. Studying content that aligns with the real CSET will help prevent surprises on test day.

Develop Effective Study Strategies

• Whenever you miss a practice question, don’t just move on. Read the explanation behind each answer and ensure it makes sense.
• Break down your study routine into manageable chunks. It’s better to dedicate 20 minutes to studying every night than to burn out after 10 hours of nonstop prep.
• Engage in active learning techniques, such as explaining a passage to someone else or participating in study groups. These strategies will help ensure you’re truly mastering the material, as opposed to memorizing surface details.

Important Exam Day Instructions

On the day of your CSET: English: Subtest I exam, read all pre-test instructions carefully. Allow ample time for travel—and verify that you’re headed to the location named in your confirmation email. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes before the time of your exam.

If you’re taking your exam at home, read all instructions carefully to understand how and when you need to sign in.

Check Required Items

Before your exam, double-check that you have all you need. Essential items can include:

• Valid identification: You must present a current, government-issued ID that bears your photo and signature. Examples of acceptable ID include driver’s licenses and passports. 
• Sensible clothing: If you’ll be at a test site, the CTC website recommends bringing clothes that you can layer. You should also be sure to wear soft-soled shoes to keep the testing space quiet.
• Equipment and workspace: If you’re testing at home, you must have access to a desktop or laptop computer. You also need a quiet, private, and well lit workspace that is free of prohibited items.

Read the official instructions to learn more about testing policies and what to bring to the exam site.

If you are taking the exam at home, make sure that you’re viewing the tab that reads “Online Proctoring” when you browse the link above. Test takers who plan to use online proctoring should pay special attention to these requirements. The rules for remote testing are very strict, and a violation will cancel your score.

Understand Exam Format and Instructions

To prevent confusion on test day, familiarize yourself with the format and basic instructions of the CSET: English: Subtest I (105) exam well in advance. Key things to remember include:

• Time limits: Be aware of the time limit and set your pace accordingly. You will have 1 hour and 30 minutes to answer all 50 multiple-choice questions.
• Marking scheme: Make sure you know how to mark selections properly on your screen. Whether you are at a testing center or at home, CSET exams take place exclusively via computer.
• Special instructions: Pay attention to any special instructions provided by the exam proctors, especially if you’re testing remotely. Rules for remote tests are very strict.

Manage Time Effectively

Time management is crucial to finishing the English: Subtest I (105) exam within 90 minutes. The following tips can help you manage your time effectively.

• Read and understand the instructions: Take a moment at the beginning of the test to go over all instructions thoroughly. This will help prevent errors and wasted time. 
• Pace yourself: On average, you will have 1.5-2 minutes for each question. But try to work faster than that whenever possible, in order to save time for tough questions or checking answers.
• Know when to move on: There is no guessing penalty on the CSET: English: Subtest I exam, so if you’re stuck on a question, it’s in your best interest to guess. You can always return to the question if you have time.
• On exam day, you can use these tips to streamline your test-taking process and maximize your chances of success. Working efficiently, staying calm, and maintaining your focus are all essential to doing well on the CSET: English (105) test.

Conclusion

The Subtest I (105) exam is a crucial part of the CSET: English test, which is in turn very important to your future career. To pass this test, you’ll need to show proficiency in areas such as reading comprehension, literary analysis, forms and genres, rhetorical devices, literary eras and movements, and research skills.

While the scope of this test is broad, don’t let it intimidate you. If you familiarize yourself with the exam structure, review all content areas, and follow our test prep tips, you can approach the CSET: English: Subtest I (105) exam with confidence, increasing your chances of success.

More CSET: English: Subtest I Resources

• Kick off your exam prep with a free CSET: English (105) practice test
• Questions about your scores? Our CSET: English: Subtest I (105) scoring guide is here to help.
• Looking for even more prep tools? Check out our study guide for the CSET: English: Subtest I exam.