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100+ Free CSET: Agriculture (172/173/174) Practice Questions

Pass your CSET California Subject Examinations for Teachers: Agriculture exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Soil pH most directly affects crop growth by influencing which of the following?

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B
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ArticleFREE CSET Exam Guide 2026: California Teacher Subject Prep6 min read
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CSET: Agriculture (172/173/174) Exam

3 subtests

CSET Agriculture codes 172, 173, and 174

Official CSET: Agriculture test structure

40 MC + 3 CR

Questions per subtest

Official CSET: Agriculture test structure

220

Scaled passing score per subtest

Official CSET score-report guidance

1h 45m

Time allotted per subtest

Official CSET: Agriculture test page

$99 / $297

Fee per subtest or for all three

Official CSET: Agriculture fee information

6 domains

Content domains across the three subtests

Official CSET: Agriculture test structure

5h 15m

Total time for all three subtests in one session

Official CSET: Agriculture test page

2026

Alternative competency pathways still active

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing guidance

For 2026 planning, CSET: Agriculture has three separately scored subtests. Subtest I (172) covers Plant and Soil Science and Ornamental Horticulture, Subtest II (173) covers Animal Science and Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management, and Subtest III (174) covers Agricultural Business and Economics and Agricultural Systems Technology. Each subtest has 40 multiple-choice questions plus 3 constructed-response questions and is allotted 1 hour 45 minutes; all three together run 5 hours 15 minutes. Official pages list a 220 scaled passing score per subtest and a fee of $99 per subtest or $297 for all three. California also continues to allow alternative subject-matter-competence pathways in some credential routes, so verify whether you need CSET before registering.

Sample CSET: Agriculture (172/173/174) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CSET: Agriculture (172/173/174) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which soil texture class has roughly equal proportions of sand, silt, and clay and is generally considered ideal for most crop production?
A.Loam
B.Pure sand
C.Heavy clay
D.Silt
Explanation: Loam contains a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, giving it good drainage, aeration, water-holding capacity, and nutrient retention. This balance makes loam the preferred texture for most agricultural crops. Extreme textures such as pure sand or heavy clay create drainage or aeration problems.
2During photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose using energy from sunlight. What gas is released as a byproduct of this process?
A.Oxygen
B.Nitrogen
C.Carbon monoxide
D.Methane
Explanation: Photosynthesis splits water molecules and releases oxygen as a byproduct while fixing carbon dioxide into glucose. The overall reaction is 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy yielding C6H12O6 + 6O2. Oxygen released from the light reactions diffuses out of the leaf.
3Soil pH most directly affects crop growth by influencing which of the following?
A.The availability of nutrients to plant roots
B.The color of plant flowers in all species
C.The number of chromosomes in plant cells
D.The wavelength of light absorbed by leaves
Explanation: Soil pH controls the chemical form and solubility of nutrients, determining how readily roots can absorb them. Most nutrients are most available in slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6.0-7.0). At extreme pH values, nutrients such as phosphorus, iron, and manganese become locked up or toxic.
4Which macronutrient is most directly associated with promoting vegetative leaf growth and the green color of plants because it is a key component of chlorophyll and proteins?
A.Nitrogen
B.Phosphorus
C.Potassium
D.Calcium
Explanation: Nitrogen is a central component of chlorophyll, amino acids, and proteins, driving vigorous leafy vegetative growth and dark-green color. Nitrogen deficiency causes yellowing (chlorosis) of older leaves first. It is one of the three primary macronutrients in fertilizers.
5A fertilizer bag is labeled 10-20-10. What do these three numbers represent?
A.The percentages of nitrogen (N), phosphate (P2O5), and potash (K2O)
B.The pounds of seed, lime, and water per acre
C.The pH, salinity, and moisture targets for soil
D.The percentages of calcium, magnesium, and sulfur
Explanation: The three-number guaranteed analysis on a fertilizer label always lists the percentage by weight of nitrogen (N), available phosphate (P2O5), and soluble potash (K2O), in that order. A 10-20-10 product is therefore 10% N, 20% P2O5, and 10% K2O. The remaining weight is carrier and other nutrients.
6Legume crops such as soybeans and alfalfa improve soil fertility primarily because they form a symbiotic relationship with which type of organism?
A.Nitrogen-fixing Rhizobium bacteria in root nodules
B.Mycorrhizal fungi that produce chlorophyll
C.Earthworms that secrete nitrate
D.Pathogenic nematodes in the soil
Explanation: Legumes host symbiotic Rhizobium (and related) bacteria in root nodules that convert atmospheric nitrogen gas into plant-usable ammonia through biological nitrogen fixation. This reduces the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizer and enriches soil when residue is incorporated. The relationship is mutualistic: the plant supplies carbohydrates, the bacteria supply nitrogen.
7Which practice is most effective at reducing soil erosion on sloping cropland?
A.Contour plowing and planting across the slope
B.Plowing straight up and down the slope
C.Leaving soil bare year-round
D.Removing all crop residue after harvest
Explanation: Contour farming follows the natural contour lines of a slope so that rows and tillage marks run across rather than up and down the hill. This creates small ridges that slow water runoff, increase infiltration, and trap sediment, greatly reducing erosion. It is a core soil conservation practice.
8In a plant cell, where does the light-independent reaction (Calvin cycle) of photosynthesis take place?
A.The stroma of the chloroplast
B.The thylakoid membrane
C.The mitochondrial matrix
D.The cell vacuole
Explanation: The Calvin cycle, or light-independent reactions, occurs in the stroma, the fluid-filled space surrounding the thylakoids inside the chloroplast. There, ATP and NADPH from the light reactions are used to fix carbon dioxide into sugar. The light-dependent reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes.
9Which plant tissue is responsible for transporting water and dissolved minerals upward from the roots to the leaves?
A.Xylem
B.Phloem
C.Cambium
D.Epidermis
Explanation: Xylem is the vascular tissue that conducts water and dissolved minerals upward from roots to the rest of the plant, driven largely by transpiration pull. Mature xylem cells are dead and hollow, forming continuous tubes. Phloem, by contrast, moves sugars produced in photosynthesis.
10A soil test reports a cation exchange capacity (CEC) of 25 meq/100g. What does a higher CEC value generally indicate about a soil?
A.A greater ability to hold and supply nutrient cations
B.A faster drainage rate and lower water retention
C.A higher likelihood of wind erosion
D.A complete absence of clay and organic matter
Explanation: Cation exchange capacity measures a soil's ability to hold positively charged nutrient ions such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and ammonium on clay and organic matter surfaces. Higher CEC soils retain more of these nutrients against leaching and supply them to plants. Clay and organic matter increase CEC.

About the CSET: Agriculture (172/173/174) Exam

CSET: Agriculture is the California subject-matter exam used to demonstrate competence for a Single Subject teaching credential in Agriculture. It is organized into three separately scored subtests (test codes 172, 173, and 174) spanning plant and soil science, ornamental horticulture, animal science, environmental science and natural resource management, agricultural business and economics, and agricultural systems technology.

Questions

120 scored questions

Time Limit

1h 45m per subtest (5h 15m for all three)

Passing Score

220 scaled on each subtest

Exam Fee

$99 per subtest or $297 for all three (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing / Pearson Evaluation Systems)

CSET: Agriculture (172/173/174) Exam Content Outline

25 MC + 2 CR (Subtest 172)

Plant and Soil Science

Plant anatomy and physiology, photosynthesis, soil texture, horizons, pH, cation exchange capacity, plant nutrition and fertilizers, propagation, breeding and biotechnology, irrigation, and integrated pest management.

15 MC + 1 CR (Subtest 172)

Ornamental Horticulture

Greenhouse and nursery production, grafting and propagation, landscape design principles, xeriscaping, pruning, potting media, postharvest care of cut flowers, mulching, and ornamental plant disease management.

25 MC + 2 CR (Subtest 173)

Animal Science

Ruminant and monogastric digestion, animal nutrition and rations, reproduction and gestation, artificial insemination, genetics and EPDs, biosecurity and vaccination, livestock terminology, grazing management, and meat science.

15 MC + 1 CR (Subtest 173)

Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management

Ecology and food chains, nitrogen and water cycles, water quality and eutrophication, conservation tillage and cover crops, renewable resources, wetlands, biodiversity, salinity, groundwater management, and conservation agencies.

20 MC + 2 CR (Subtest 174)

Agricultural Business and Economics

Supply and demand, farm financial statements and the accounting equation, fixed and variable costs, break-even and cash flow, risk management and futures, cooperatives, value-added agriculture, credit, trade, and marketing.

20 MC + 1 CR (Subtest 174)

Agricultural Systems Technology

Internal combustion engines and the four-stroke cycle, electricity and Ohm's law, welding and shop safety, hydraulics, simple machines, power take-off, precision agriculture, blueprint reading, grain storage, and equipment maintenance.

How to Pass the CSET: Agriculture (172/173/174) Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 220 scaled on each subtest
  • Exam length: 120 questions
  • Time limit: 1h 45m per subtest (5h 15m for all three)
  • Exam fee: $99 per subtest or $297 for all three

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CSET: Agriculture (172/173/174) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study by subtest: 172 (plant/soil and horticulture), 173 (animal and environmental science), 174 (ag business and systems technology), since each is scored separately
2Do not ignore the constructed-response questions; each subtest has 3 short focused written items that count toward your score
3Master core science: photosynthesis, soil pH and CEC, ruminant digestion, the nitrogen and water cycles, and Ohm's law for the mechanics section
4For the business subtest, practice the accounting equation, fixed vs. variable costs, break-even, and how supply and demand move prices
5Review California-specific context such as Central Valley irrigation, groundwater (SGMA), and dairy heat stress, which can appear in scenario items
6If your credential program may allow a coursework-based subject-matter route, confirm that before scheduling expensive retakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CSET: Agriculture exam?

CSET: Agriculture is the California subject-matter exam used to demonstrate competence for a Single Subject teaching credential in Agriculture. It is divided into three separately scored subtests (test codes 172, 173, and 174) covering plant and soil science, ornamental horticulture, animal science, environmental science, agricultural business and economics, and agricultural systems technology.

How many questions are on CSET: Agriculture?

Each of the three subtests contains 40 multiple-choice questions plus 3 constructed-response questions, for 120 multiple-choice and 9 constructed-response questions across the full exam. The subtests are taken and scored separately.

What passing score do I need for CSET: Agriculture?

The official passing standard is a scaled score of 220 on each subtest. Because the subtests are scored separately, passing one subtest does not pass the others; you must reach 220 on all three to satisfy the full subject-matter requirement.

How much does CSET: Agriculture cost in 2026 planning?

The current official fee is $99 for each individual subtest or $297 to register for all three Agriculture subtests. Always confirm the fee in your registration cart before checkout, since fees can change.

How long is each CSET: Agriculture subtest?

Each subtest is allotted 1 hour 45 minutes. If you schedule all three subtests in a single session, the total testing time is 5 hours 15 minutes, plus check-in time at the test center.

Do I still need CSET: Agriculture in 2026 to show subject-matter competence?

Not always. California Commission on Teacher Credentialing guidance continues to allow alternative pathways that can satisfy subject-matter competence through an approved subject-matter program or coursework in some cases. Verify your specific credential route before paying for the exam.