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100+ Free CSET Earth & Space Sciences (219) Practice Questions

Pass your CSET: Science — Earth and Space Sciences (Subtest I 215 and Subtest II 219) 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 Earth & Space Sciences (219) Exam

215 + 219

CSET Science Subtest Codes for This Pathway

Official CSET Science test pages

50 MC + 3 CR

Subtest II (219) Question Format

Official CSET Earth and Space Sciences test guide

100 MC + 4 CR

Subtest I (215) Question Format

Official CSET Foundational-Level General Science test page

220

Scaled Passing Score Per Subtest

Official CSET score-report guidance

$133 / $99

Fee for Subtest I / Subtest II

Official CSET fee information

3 domains

Subtest II Content Areas (Universe, Systems, Human Activity)

Official CSET 219 test guide

2 hours

Subtest II (219) Testing Time

Official CSET Earth and Space Sciences test page

Grade 8

Integrated-Science Limit of the Foundational-Level Authorization

Official CSET Foundational-Level General Science test page

For 2026 planning, a single-subject science authorization in Earth and Space Sciences uses two CSET Science subtests. Subtest I, Foundational-Level General Science (test code 215), has 100 multiple-choice and 4 constructed-response questions in a 4-hour computer-based session and covers scientific practices, physical science, life science, and earth/space basics. Subtest II, Earth and Space Sciences (test code 219), has 50 multiple-choice and 3 constructed-response questions in a 2-hour session organized around three domains: Earth's Place in the Universe, Earth's Systems, and Earth and Human Activity. Each subtest is scored separately with a 220 scaled passing score; current fees are $133 for Subtest I and $99 for Subtest II. California also allows alternative subject-matter pathways in some routes, so verify your requirement before registering.

Sample CSET Earth & Space Sciences (219) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CSET Earth & Space Sciences (219) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which scientific practice is best described as proposing a tentative, testable explanation for an observed phenomenon?
A.Forming a hypothesis
B.Recording a measurement
C.Calibrating an instrument
D.Publishing a conclusion
Explanation: A hypothesis is a tentative, testable explanation or prediction about a phenomenon that can be supported or refuted through investigation. It guides the design of controlled experiments. The other options are procedural steps rather than explanatory claims.
2In a controlled experiment, the variable that the researcher deliberately changes is called the:
A.Independent variable
B.Dependent variable
C.Controlled variable
D.Confounding variable
Explanation: The independent variable is the factor intentionally manipulated by the experimenter to observe its effect. The dependent variable is what is measured in response. Controlled variables are held constant.
3A student measures the mass of a sample as 24.50 g using a balance that reads to 0.01 g. How many significant figures does this measurement have?
A.Four
B.Two
C.Three
D.Five
Explanation: The digits 2, 4, 5, and 0 are all significant; the trailing zero after the decimal point indicates precision to the hundredths place. Therefore the measurement 24.50 g has four significant figures.
4Which SI base unit is used to express the amount of a substance?
A.Mole
B.Gram
C.Liter
D.Kelvin
Explanation: The mole is the SI base unit for amount of substance, defined by Avogadro's number of particles. The gram measures mass, the liter measures volume, and the kelvin measures thermodynamic temperature.
5According to Newton's second law, if the net force on an object doubles while its mass stays the same, its acceleration will:
A.Double
B.Halve
C.Remain unchanged
D.Quadruple
Explanation: Newton's second law states F = ma, so acceleration is directly proportional to net force when mass is constant. Doubling the force doubles the acceleration. This relationship underlies orbital and tectonic dynamics alike.
6Which subatomic particle determines the identity (atomic number) of an element?
A.Proton
B.Neutron
C.Electron
D.Positron
Explanation: The number of protons in the nucleus defines the atomic number and therefore the element's identity. Changing the proton count changes the element. Neutron count changes the isotope, and electron count changes the ion charge.
7Heat transfer through the direct contact of particles, without bulk movement of the material, is called:
A.Conduction
B.Convection
C.Radiation
D.Advection
Explanation: Conduction transfers thermal energy through particle collisions in direct contact, without the material itself flowing. Convection involves bulk movement of fluid, and radiation transfers energy by electromagnetic waves. This distinction is central to Earth's internal heat flow.
8A wave's frequency is 50 Hz and its wavelength is 4 m. What is its speed?
A.200 m/s
B.12.5 m/s
C.54 m/s
D.0.08 m/s
Explanation: Wave speed equals frequency multiplied by wavelength: v = f x lambda = 50 Hz x 4 m = 200 m/s. This relationship applies to seismic waves, sound, and light.
9Which process in plants converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose using light energy?
A.Photosynthesis
B.Cellular respiration
C.Transpiration
D.Fermentation
Explanation: Photosynthesis uses light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, forming the base of most food chains and influencing the carbon cycle. Respiration and fermentation release energy from glucose instead.
10In the carbon cycle, which process removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it long-term in rock?
A.Carbonate sedimentation in oceans
B.Volcanic outgassing
C.Combustion of fossil fuels
D.Cellular respiration
Explanation: Marine organisms build calcium carbonate shells that settle and lithify into limestone, locking carbon in rock for millions of years. Outgassing, combustion, and respiration all release carbon dioxide instead of sequestering it.

About the CSET Earth & Space Sciences (219) Exam

The CSET Earth and Space Sciences pathway pairs the general science core in Subtest I (215) with the Earth and Space Sciences concentration in Subtest II (219). Together they verify the subject-matter competence needed for a California single-subject science credential, spanning geology and plate tectonics, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy alongside scientific practices.

Questions

150 scored questions

Time Limit

Subtest I (215): 4h; Subtest II (219): 2h

Passing Score

220 scaled on each subtest

Exam Fee

$133 (Subtest I) + $99 (Subtest II) (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing / Pearson Evaluation Systems)

CSET Earth & Space Sciences (219) Exam Content Outline

33 MC + 1 CR (215)

Scientific Practices, Engineering & Crosscutting Concepts

Asking scientific questions, planning and conducting investigations, lab safety, using mathematics and statistics, engineering design, and crosscutting concepts on Subtest I.

23 MC + 1 CR (215)

Physical Sciences (Core)

Structure and properties of matter, chemical reactions, motion and forces, energy, waves, and electricity and magnetism on Subtest I.

22 MC + 1 CR (215)

Life Sciences (Core)

Cell structure, ecosystems, heredity, biological evolution, and molecular processes such as photosynthesis on Subtest I.

~33% of 219

Earth's Place in the Universe

Stars and stellar evolution, the solar system, gravity and Kepler's laws, the Big Bang, galaxies, and the origin and scale of the universe.

~33% of 219

Earth's Systems

Earth's interior and plate tectonics, the rock and minerals cycle, earthquakes and volcanoes, oceanography and the hydrosphere, and meteorology and climate.

~33% of 219

Earth and Human Activity

Natural and energy resources, climate change and human impact, ocean acidification, and California's natural hazards and water resources.

How to Pass the CSET Earth & Space Sciences (219) Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 220 scaled on each subtest
  • Exam length: 150 questions
  • Time limit: Subtest I (215): 4h; Subtest II (219): 2h
  • Exam fee: $133 (Subtest I) + $99 (Subtest II)

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 Earth & Space Sciences (219) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study the general science core (Subtest I 215) and the earth/space concentration (Subtest II 219) as two separate but related blocks
2For Subtest II, organize review around the three domains: Earth's Place in the Universe, Earth's Systems, and Earth and Human Activity
3Master plate tectonics deeply, including boundary types, the rock cycle, earthquakes, and seismic-wave evidence for Earth's interior
4Know California-specific content such as the San Andreas Fault, the Sierra Nevada batholith, coastal upwelling, and state water resources
5Practice quantitative skills used across earth science such as half-life dating, wave speed, and Kepler's laws of orbital motion
6Do not skip the constructed-response items; they require organized written explanations and count toward each subtest score

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CSET Earth and Space Sciences exam?

It is the California subject-matter exam for a single-subject science credential in Earth and Space Sciences. The pathway uses CSET Science Subtest I, Foundational-Level General Science (215), for the general science core and Subtest II, Earth and Space Sciences (219), for the concentration covering geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy.

How many questions are on the CSET Earth and Space Sciences subtests?

Subtest I (215) has 100 multiple-choice questions plus 4 constructed-response questions. Subtest II Earth and Space Sciences (219) has 50 multiple-choice questions plus 3 short constructed-response questions. Each subtest is scored separately.

What passing score do I need for CSET Science?

The official passing standard is a scaled score of 220 on each subtest. Because the subtests are scored separately, you must reach 220 on both Subtest I (215) and Subtest II (219) to satisfy the requirement through the exam route.

What domains does CSET Subtest II (219) cover?

The Earth and Space Sciences subtest is organized into three content domains: Earth's Place in the Universe (astronomy and cosmology), Earth's Systems (geology, plate tectonics, oceanography, and meteorology), and Earth and Human Activity (resources, climate change, and California hazards).

How much does the CSET Earth and Space Sciences pathway cost in 2026?

Current official fees are $133 for Subtest I, Foundational-Level General Science (215), and $99 for Subtest II, Earth and Space Sciences (219). Always confirm the fee in your registration cart before checkout because fees can change.

Do I still need CSET in 2026 to teach science in California?

Not always. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing continues alternative subject-matter-competence pathways, such as an approved degree major or coursework route, in some credential programs. Verify your specific route before paying for the exam.