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100+ Free CSET Science: Chemistry Practice Questions

Pass your CSET California Subject Examinations for Teachers: Science - Chemistry (Subtests 215 and 218) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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

Key Facts: CSET Science: Chemistry Exam

215 and 218

Required Subtest Codes for Chemistry

Official CSET Science test structure

3 domains

Chemistry Content Domains on Subtest 218

Official CSET Chemistry (218) subtest description

50 MC + 3 CR

Items on Subtest II Chemistry (218)

Official CSET Science test structure

100 MC + 4 CR

Items on Subtest I General Science (215)

Official CSET Science test structure

220

Scaled Passing Score Per Subtest

Official CSET score-report guidance

$99

Fee Per Subtest (about $198 total)

Official CSET fee table

Provided

On-Screen Periodic Table and Calculator

Official CSET Science preparation materials

70% MC

Selected-Response Share of the 218 Score

Official CSET Science test structure

For 2026 planning, the CSET: Science - Chemistry pathway requires two separately scored subtests. Subtest I: General Science (215) has 100 selected-response and 4 constructed-response items over 4 hours; Subtest II: Chemistry (218) has 50 selected-response and 3 constructed-response items over 2 hours. The Chemistry subtest covers three domains: Structure and Properties of Matter, Chemical Reactions and Chemical Bonding, and Energy. Current official pages list a 220 scaled passing score per subtest and a $99 fee per subtest, and an on-screen periodic table and scientific calculator are provided. California also allows alternative subject-matter-competence routes in some credential programs, so verify whether you must take CSET before registering.

Sample CSET Science: Chemistry Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CSET Science: Chemistry exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which subatomic particle determines the identity (atomic number) of a chemical element?
A.Proton
B.Neutron
C.Electron
D.Positron
Explanation: The number of protons in the nucleus defines the atomic number, which uniquely identifies an element. Changing the proton count changes the element entirely.
2How many valence electrons does a neutral atom of oxygen (atomic number 8) have?
A.2
B.4
C.6
D.8
Explanation: Oxygen has the electron configuration 1s2 2s2 2p4. The valence shell (n=2) contains 2 + 4 = 6 electrons, consistent with its position in Group 16 (VIA).
3Moving from left to right across a period in the periodic table, atomic radius generally:
A.Increases due to added electron shells
B.Decreases due to increasing nuclear charge
C.Stays constant
D.Increases then decreases
Explanation: Across a period, protons are added to the nucleus while electrons fill the same principal shell. The growing effective nuclear charge pulls electrons inward, shrinking the atomic radius.
4Which of the following correctly describes an isotope?
A.Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons
B.Atoms of the same element with different numbers of protons
C.Atoms of different elements with the same mass number
D.Charged atoms with extra or missing electrons
Explanation: Isotopes are atoms of the same element (same proton number) that differ in neutron number, and therefore in mass number. Carbon-12 and carbon-14 are classic examples.
5Which element has the highest first ionization energy?
A.Sodium
B.Cesium
C.Fluorine
D.Aluminum
Explanation: Ionization energy increases up a group and across a period toward the upper right (excluding noble gases). Fluorine, high and far right among these choices, holds its electrons most tightly.
6An atom of chlorine-37 contains how many neutrons? (Chlorine has atomic number 17.)
A.17
B.18
C.20
D.37
Explanation: Neutron number equals mass number minus atomic number: 37 - 17 = 20 neutrons. The mass number 37 is the sum of protons and neutrons.
7Which quantum-mechanical principle states that no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of four quantum numbers?
A.Hund's rule
B.The Pauli exclusion principle
C.The Aufbau principle
D.Heisenberg uncertainty principle
Explanation: The Pauli exclusion principle forbids any two electrons in the same atom from sharing all four quantum numbers, so an orbital holds at most two electrons with opposite spins.
8Which type of bond forms when electrons are transferred from a metal to a nonmetal?
A.Covalent bond
B.Ionic bond
C.Metallic bond
D.Hydrogen bond
Explanation: An ionic bond results from the transfer of electrons, typically from a metal to a nonmetal, producing oppositely charged ions held together by electrostatic attraction, as in NaCl.
9According to VSEPR theory, what is the molecular geometry of a molecule of methane (CH4)?
A.Trigonal planar
B.Bent
C.Tetrahedral
D.Linear
Explanation: Carbon in CH4 has four bonding pairs and no lone pairs. To minimize electron-pair repulsion, the four bonds point toward the corners of a tetrahedron with bond angles of about 109.5 degrees.
10In the balanced equation 2 H2 + O2 yields 2 H2O, how many moles of water form from 4 moles of hydrogen gas (with excess oxygen)?
A.2 moles
B.4 moles
C.6 moles
D.8 moles
Explanation: The mole ratio of H2 to H2O is 2:2, or 1:1. Therefore 4 moles of H2 produce 4 moles of H2O when oxygen is in excess.

About the CSET Science: Chemistry Exam

CSET: Science - Chemistry is the California subject-matter exam used to demonstrate competence for a Single Subject teaching credential in Chemistry. Candidates take Subtest I: General Science (test code 215) plus Subtest II: Chemistry (test code 218). Subtest I covers scientific practices, engineering design, and the physical, life, and earth/space sciences, while Subtest II concentrates on chemistry across three domains.

Questions

150 scored questions

Time Limit

6h combined (215: 4h, 218: 2h) or each subtest separately

Passing Score

220 scaled on each subtest

Exam Fee

$99 per subtest ($198 for both 215 and 218) (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing / Pearson Evaluation Systems)

CSET Science: Chemistry Exam Content Outline

215: 33 MC + 1 CR

Scientific Practices, Engineering Design, and Crosscutting Concepts (Subtest I)

Scientific inquiry and the nature of science, experimental design and variables, measurement, significant figures, SI units, data analysis and graphing, engineering design, and crosscutting concepts.

215: 67 MC + 3 CR

Physical, Life, and Earth/Space Sciences Core (Subtest I)

Foundational physical science (matter, energy, forces, motion), life science, and earth and space science content shared across the general-science teaching base.

218: ~20 MC + 1 CR

Structure and Properties of Matter (Subtest II)

Atomic structure and subatomic particles, electron configuration and quantum numbers, periodic table and periodic trends, valence electrons, states of matter and gas laws, solutions and concentration, acids and bases, mixtures and separations, and nuclear processes.

218: ~20 MC + 1 CR

Chemical Reactions and Chemical Bonding (Subtest II)

Reaction types and products, chemical bonding (ionic, covalent, metallic), Lewis structures and VSEPR molecular geometry, stoichiometry and conservation of matter, balancing equations, reaction rates, equilibrium, and organic and biochemistry basics.

218: ~10 MC + 1 CR

Energy (Subtest II)

Forms of energy and energy transfer, thermodynamic concepts, bond energy and thermochemistry, energy in chemical processes, fossil fuels and alternative energy, nuclear power, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration.

How to Pass the CSET Science: Chemistry Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 220 scaled on each subtest
  • Exam length: 150 questions
  • Time limit: 6h combined (215: 4h, 218: 2h) or each subtest separately
  • Exam fee: $99 per subtest ($198 for both 215 and 218)

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: Chemistry Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study by official domain: master the 218 Chemistry domains (matter, reactions and bonding, energy) and the 215 general-science core separately
2Practice stoichiometry, molarity, gas-law, and percent-composition calculations until they are fast and reliable
3Use the provided periodic table to reason through periodic trends rather than memorizing every value
4Do not ignore constructed responses; they are 30% of the 218 score and 20% of the 215 score, so practice writing clear, accurate explanations
5For bonding questions, be precise about ionic vs. covalent vs. metallic bonds and use VSEPR to predict molecular geometry
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 Science Chemistry exam?

CSET: Science - Chemistry is the California subject-matter exam used to qualify for a Single Subject teaching credential in Chemistry. Candidates take Subtest I: General Science (test code 215) plus Subtest II: Chemistry (test code 218), each scored separately.

Which subtests do I take for CSET Science Chemistry?

You take Subtest I: General Science (215), which covers scientific practices and the physical, life, and earth/space sciences, plus Subtest II: Chemistry (218), which covers chemistry across three domains: structure and properties of matter, chemical reactions and bonding, and energy.

How many questions are on the CSET Chemistry subtests?

Subtest I (215) has 100 selected-response and 4 constructed-response items. Subtest II Chemistry (218) has 50 selected-response and 3 constructed-response items. The selected-response questions are multiple choice.

What passing score do I need for CSET Science Chemistry?

The official passing standard is a scaled score of 220 on each subtest. Because Subtest I and Subtest II are scored separately, you must reach 220 on each one individually to pass.

How much does the CSET Science Chemistry exam cost in 2026?

The current official fee is $99 for each subtest, so taking both Subtest I (215) and Subtest II Chemistry (218) totals about $198. Always confirm the fee in your registration cart before checkout.

Are a periodic table and calculator provided on the test?

Yes. Official CSET Science materials state that an on-screen scientific calculator is provided and a periodic table is available to examinees, so you do not need to memorize the full table or bring your own calculator.