CSET: Social Science: Subtest III (116) Exam Overview

Looking to teach upper-level social studies in California? You’ll likely need to pass the CSET: Social Science test. This exam consists of three separate subtests, including the CSET: Social Science: Subtest III (116).

The extent of the CSET: Social Science exam may feel overwhelming, but don’t stress—you’re in the right place. The following article will detail the structure of the CSET: Social Science: Subtest III (116) exam and offer valuable tips and resources to help you ace it.

The CSET: Social Science: Subtest III (116)  exam gauges your knowledge of civics, economics, and California history. 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: Social Science: Subtest III (116) test.

With that in mind, let’s delve into the details of the CSET: Social Science (116) 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 Social Science: Subtest III exam with confidence. Let’s get to work!

Overview of the CSET: Social Science: Subtest III (116) exam

Knowing what to expect can help ease your nerves on test day. Let’s take a broad look at the CSET: Social Science: Subtest III (116) exam to understand what it covers.

The Social Science: Subtest III exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and three short responses, which you will have 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete. This test covers the following content domains (and associated competencies):

• Principles of American Democracy
  • American Democracy: U.S. Constitution and Essential Documents
  • Fundamental Values and Principles of Civil Society
  • The Three Branches of Government
  • Landmark U.S. Supreme Court Cases
  • Issues Regarding Campaigns for National, State, and Local Elective Offices
  • Powers and Procedures of the National, State, Local and Tribal Governments
  • The Media in American Political Life
  • Political Systems
  • Tensions Within Constitutional Democracy
• Principles of Economics
  • Economic Terms/Concepts and Economic Reasoning
  • Elements of America’s Market Economy in a Global Setting
  • Relationship between Politics and Economics
  • Elements of the U.S. Labor Market in a Global Setting
  • Aggregate Economic Behavior of the American Economy
  • International Trade and the American Economy
• California History
  • Pre-Columbian Period Through the End of Mexican Rule
  • From the Gold Rush to the Present

Familiarizing yourself with these content expectations should help you allocate study time. As you begin preparing for the CSET: Social Science (116) exam, prioritize topics you know will be challenging.

Overall, a balanced approach to studying the content domains listed above will set you up for success on the CSET: Social Science: Subtest III exam.

Time Limit

You will have 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete the CSET: Social Science: Subtest III (116) exam.

Passing Score

You must score 220 or higher on the Social Science: Subtest III (116) exam to pass.

Number of Questions

The CSET: Social Science: Subtest III (116) test has 40 multiple-choice questions and three written responses that address Civics, Economics, and California History.

Cost

The CSET: Social Science: Subtest III (116) test costs $99. If you take all three subtests together, you’ll only pay $247, as opposed to $297. (This option is only available to on-site test takers. If you test remotely, you will need to register and pay separately for all three subtests of the CSET: Multiple Subjects exam.)

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: Social Science (116) exam.

Registration Information

You can register for the CSET: Social Science: Subtest III (116) 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: Social Science: Subtest III as a standalone exam, or you can register for more subtests to be taken on the same day.

If you’re able to abide by online proctoring rules, it’s also possible to take the CSET: Social Science 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: Social Science: Subtest III (116) scores will be released. (Scroll down to “Test Results.”) Typically, you will have access to your scores within seven weeks.

Want to learn more about CSET: Social Science: Subtest III (116) scores? Explore the details with our CSET: Social Science: Subtest III scoring guide! 

Test Preparation Tips

Given its breadth, the CSET: Social Science: Subtest III (116) 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 Social Science: Subtest III (116) exam 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.

Review Key Facts and Terms

• Before you begin studying for the Social Science (116) test, take some time to refresh your basic vocabulary. Many social studies terms sound uncomfortably similar to one another, and it’s easy to forget precise definitions or mix up ideas. On test day, you don’t want to be getting tripped up on sectionalism vs. separatism.
• With a time limit of just 1 hour and 45 minutes, the CSET: Social Science: Subtest III exam will require some speedy writing. To put yourself in the best position possible, this is a great time to brush up on your brainstorming, outlining, and composition skills.

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 social studies, 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 1 hour and 45 minutes, avoid attempting a drastic time cut. Try gradually accelerating your pace instead.
• Use official CSET: English: Subtest III 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.
• Use timelines, charts, and flashcards to organize events and terms. Visualizing complex ideas can make them easier to remember.
• Engage in active learning techniques, such as defining terms in your own words, explaining a concept 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: Social Science: Subtest III 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: Social Science: Subtest III (116) 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 45 minutes to answer all 40 multiple-choice questions and complete three written responses. 
• 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 Social Science: Subtest III (116) exam within 1 hours and 45 minutes. The following tips can help you manage your time effectively.

• Read and understand the instructions: Take a moment at the beginning of each section to go over all instructions thoroughly. This will help prevent errors and wasted time. 
• Pace yourself: Don’t spend an excessive length of time on the multiple-choice section and then leave yourself scrambling to complete the three written responses. When you’re in a rush, it’s very hard to outline and write thoughtful answers.
• Know when to move on: There is no guessing penalty on the CSET: Social Science: Subtest III 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: Social Science (116) test.

Conclusion

The Subtest III (116) exam is a crucial part of the CSET: Social Science test, which in turn is very important to your future career. To pass this test, you’ll need to show proficiency in content areas such as democracy and civic values, the American political system, branches of government, the U.S. economy and labor market, and California history.

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: Social Science: Subtest III (116) exam with confidence, increasing your chances of success.

More CSET: Social Science: Subtest III Resources

• Kick off your exam prep with a free CSET: Social Science (116) practice test
• Questions about your scores? Our CSET: Social Science: Subtest III (116) scoring guide is here to help.
• Looking for even more prep tools? Check out our study guide for the CSET: Social Science: Subtest III exam.