100+ Free CSET Science — Life Sciences (215 & 217) Practice Questions

Pass your CSET California Subject Examinations for Teachers: Science — Life Sciences (Subtest I 215 + Subtest II 217) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Question 1

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Which sequence correctly orders the levels of biological organization in a multicellular organism from smallest to largest?

Tissue, cell, organ system, organ

Cell, tissue, organ, organ system

Organ system, organ, cell, tissue

Organ, organ system, tissue, cell

to track

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

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CSET Science — Life Sciences (215 & 217) Exam

215 and 217

Subtest Codes for Life Sciences

Official CSET Science test structure

100 MC + 4 CR

Subtest I General Science (215) Items

Official CSET Science 215/217 study guide

50 MC + 3 CR

Subtest II Life Sciences (217) Items

Official CSET Science 215/217 study guide

220

Scaled Passing Score Per Subtest

Official CSET score-report guidance

4 domains

Subtest II (217) Life Science Domains

Official CSET Science 217 subtest description

$99 / subtest

Current Registration Fee

Official CSET fee table

4h / 2h

Time Limit for 215 / 217

Official CSET Science test structure

2026

Alternative Competency Pathways Still Active

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing guidance

For 2026 planning, the official CSET: Science structure for the Life Sciences authorization is two separately scored subtests. Subtest I: General Science (215) has 100 multiple-choice and 4 short constructed-response items with a 4-hour limit, and Subtest II: Life Sciences (217) has 50 multiple-choice and 3 short constructed-response items with a 2-hour limit. Each subtest requires a scaled score of 220 to pass, scored separately, and the current fee is $99 per subtest. Subtest I (215) score combines roughly 80% multiple-choice and 20% constructed-response, while Subtest II (217) combines roughly 70% multiple-choice and 30% constructed-response. California also continues to allow approved subject-matter-program pathways for some credential routes, so confirm whether you need CSET before registering.

Sample CSET Science — Life Sciences (215 & 217) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CSET Science — Life Sciences (215 & 217) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A student wants to determine whether the amount of light affects the rate of photosynthesis in elodea. Which variable should the student deliberately change between groups?

A.The intensity of light reaching each plant

B.The number of bubbles produced per minute

C.The species of aquatic plant used

D.The temperature of the water bath

Explanation: The variable that the experimenter deliberately manipulates is the independent variable. Here the question is whether light affects photosynthesis, so light intensity is changed between groups. Bubble count is the dependent (measured) variable, and species and temperature should be held constant.

2Which of the following best describes the purpose of a control group in a controlled experiment?

A.To provide a baseline for comparison with the experimental treatment

B.To increase the number of independent variables tested

C.To guarantee that the hypothesis will be supported

D.To eliminate the need to repeat the experiment

Explanation: A control group does not receive the experimental treatment and provides a baseline against which the treatment group is compared. This isolates the effect of the independent variable. Without a control, observed differences cannot be attributed to the treatment.

3An engineering design team is solving a problem under a strict cost limit and a weight limit. In engineering terms, these limits are best described as which of the following?

A.Constraints

B.Criteria

C.Prototypes

D.Hypotheses

Explanation: In the engineering design process, constraints are the limitations a solution must operate within, such as cost, weight, materials, or time. Criteria are the desired qualities used to judge success. Recognizing constraints versus criteria is part of the NGSS engineering design emphasis on the CSET.

4A measurement of 0.00450 kg is recorded. How many significant figures does this value contain?

A.Three

B.Two

C.Four

D.Five

Explanation: Leading zeros are never significant, while trailing zeros after a decimal point are significant. In 0.00450, the digits 4, 5, and the trailing 0 are significant, giving three significant figures. The leading zeros only set the decimal place.

5Which subatomic particle determines the identity (element) of an atom?

A.The number of protons

B.The number of neutrons

C.The number of electrons

D.The total atomic mass

Explanation: An element is defined by its atomic number, which equals the number of protons in the nucleus. Changing the proton count changes the element. Neutron number creates isotopes, and electron number creates ions, but neither changes the element's identity.

6When table salt (NaCl) forms, a sodium atom transfers an electron to a chlorine atom. What type of bond results?

A.Ionic bond

B.Nonpolar covalent bond

C.Hydrogen bond

D.Metallic bond

Explanation: When electrons are transferred from a metal to a nonmetal, oppositely charged ions form and attract each other in an ionic bond. Sodium becomes Na+ and chlorine becomes Cl-. Covalent bonds, by contrast, involve sharing electrons rather than transferring them.

7A cart accelerates when a constant net force is applied. According to Newton's second law, if the mass of the cart is doubled while the same force is applied, the acceleration will be

A.Halved

B.Doubled

C.Unchanged

D.Quadrupled

Explanation: Newton's second law states F = ma, so acceleration a = F/m. With force constant, acceleration is inversely proportional to mass. Doubling the mass therefore halves the acceleration.

8Which statement best expresses the law of conservation of energy?

A.Energy can be transformed from one form to another but is not created or destroyed

B.Energy is continuously created as systems do work

C.Energy is destroyed whenever friction is present

D.Energy can only exist as kinetic energy

Explanation: The law of conservation of energy states that the total energy of an isolated system remains constant; energy changes form but is neither created nor destroyed. For example, friction converts kinetic energy to thermal energy rather than destroying it.

9Which process is primarily responsible for the rock cycle transforming igneous rock into sedimentary rock?

A.Weathering, erosion, deposition, and compaction

B.Melting and rapid cooling of magma

C.Heat and pressure deep within the crust without melting

D.Radioactive decay of mineral grains

Explanation: Sedimentary rock forms when existing rock is broken down by weathering, transported by erosion, deposited in layers, and then compacted and cemented. Melting and cooling form igneous rock, while heat and pressure without melting form metamorphic rock.

10The theory of plate tectonics best explains which of the following observations?

A.The global distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes along plate boundaries

B.The 24-hour day-night cycle on Earth

C.The phases of the Moon over a month

D.The seasonal change in daylight hours

Explanation: Plate tectonics explains how lithospheric plates move and interact, producing earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain ranges, and ocean trenches concentrated at plate boundaries. The day-night cycle, Moon phases, and seasons arise from Earth's rotation and orbital geometry, not tectonics.

About the CSET Science — Life Sciences (215 & 217) Exam

CSET: Science — Life Sciences is the California subject-matter exam for the Single Subject Science teaching credential in life sciences. Candidates take Subtest I: General Science (215), which covers scientific practices, engineering design, crosscutting concepts, and core physical, earth/space, and life science, plus Subtest II: Life Sciences (217), which covers four life science domains in depth.

Questions

150 scored questions

Time Limit

6h combined (4h for Subtest I 215, 2h for Subtest II 217)

Passing Score

220 scaled on each subtest

Exam Fee

$99 per subtest ($198 for both) (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing / Pearson Evaluation Systems)

CSET Science — Life Sciences (215 & 217) Exam Content Outline

33 MC + 1 CR (215)

Scientific Practices, Engineering Design, and Crosscutting Concepts

Scientific inquiry, experimental design, data analysis, measurement, lab safety, the engineering design process, and crosscutting concepts such as structure and function and matter/energy flow.

23 MC + 1 CR (215)

Physical Sciences (Subtest I)

Atomic structure and elements, chemical bonding and reactions, states and properties of matter, forces and motion, Newton's laws, energy forms, and conservation of energy.

22 MC + 1 CR (215)

Earth and Space Sciences (Subtest I)

Rock cycle and geology, plate tectonics, the water cycle, Earth-Moon-Sun system, and basic astronomy and Earth systems.

Domain 1 (217)

From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes

Cell structure and organelles, membranes and transport, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, enzymes, the cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis, homeostasis, and organism physiology.

Domain 2 (217)

Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

Energy flow and trophic levels, food chains and webs, biogeochemical cycles, population dynamics, carrying capacity, species interactions, succession, biodiversity, and human impact.

Domain 3 (217)

Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits

DNA structure and replication, transcription and translation, gene regulation, Mendelian and molecular genetics, mutations, and biotechnology and genetic engineering.

Domain 4 (217)

Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

Natural and sexual selection, evidence for evolution, common ancestry, speciation, Hardy-Weinberg and population genetics, genetic drift, classification, and the history of life.

How to Pass the CSET Science — Life Sciences (215 & 217) Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 220 scaled on each subtest
Exam length: 150 questions
Time limit: 6h combined (4h for Subtest I 215, 2h for Subtest II 217)
Exam fee: $99 per subtest ($198 for both)

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 Science — Life Sciences (215 & 217) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study by subtest: 215 covers broad science and practices, while 217 goes deep on the four life science domains

2For Subtest II (217), master cell biology, genetics, evolution, and ecology as the core of the test

3Do not ignore constructed responses; they count toward each subtest score (about 20% of 215 and 30% of 217)

4Review crosscutting concepts like structure-and-function and matter/energy flow, which appear throughout the framework

5For genetics, practice Punnett squares, dihybrid 9:3:3:1 ratios, pedigrees, and sex-linked inheritance until they are automatic

6If your credential program may allow an approved subject-matter route, confirm that before scheduling expensive retakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CSET: Science — Life Sciences exam?

CSET: Science — Life Sciences is the California subject-matter exam for a Single Subject Science teaching credential in life sciences. Candidates take Subtest I: General Science (215) and Subtest II: Life Sciences (217), which together cover scientific practices, physical and earth science basics, and in-depth life science.

Which subtests and codes make up CSET Life Sciences?

The Life Sciences authorization uses Subtest I: General Science, code 215, and Subtest II: Life Sciences, code 217. Subtest I covers broad science content and practices, while Subtest II focuses on cell biology, ecosystems, heredity, and evolution.

How many questions are on CSET Science Subtests 215 and 217?

Subtest I (215) has 100 multiple-choice plus 4 short constructed-response items with a 4-hour limit. Subtest II (217) has 50 multiple-choice plus 3 short constructed-response items with a 2-hour limit.

What passing score do I need for CSET Science?

The official passing standard is a scaled score of 220 on each subtest. Because Subtest I (215) and Subtest II (217) are scored separately, passing one does not automatically pass the other.

How much does CSET Science cost in 2026 planning?

The current official fee is $99 for each individual subtest, so taking both Subtest I (215) and Subtest II (217) totals about $198. Always confirm the fee in your registration cart before checkout.

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

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