Subtest I: Reading, Language, and Literature; History and Social Science

Subtest I is divided evenly between:

• Reading, Language, and Literature
• History and Social Science

For literacy, expect questions on:

• Phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics
• Language development and acquisition
• Literacy development, fluency, vocabulary, and assessment
• Writing conventions, composition, speaking/listening, and research
• Literary and informational text analysis

For history and social science, expect questions on:

• Ancient, medieval, and early modern world history
• Early U.S. history through industrialization
• California history from Indigenous societies through modern development
• Geography, civics, economics, timelines, maps, and source evaluation

Subtest II: Science; Mathematics

Subtest II is also split evenly:

• Science
• Mathematics

Science covers:

• Physical science
• Life science
• Earth and space science
• Scientific investigation and engineering design

Mathematics covers:

• Number sense
• Algebra and functions
• Measurement and geometry
• Statistics and probability

The exam rewards reasoning, not just recall. Candidates need to interpret data, models, maps, graphs, equations, and classroom-style examples accurately.