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

Exam Review

Key Facts: CSET Science Physics Exam

215 + 220

Subtest Codes for a Physics Credential

Official CSET Science test structure

100 + 4

Subtest I (215) Selected + Constructed Items

Official CSET Foundational-Level General Science (215) page

50 + 3

Subtest II Physics (220) Selected + Constructed Items

Official CSET Physics (220) subtest description

220

Scaled Passing Score Per Subtest

Official CSET score-report guidance

4h / 2h

Time for Subtest 215 / Subtest 220

Official CSET Science test pages

$99

Fee Per Subtest

Official CSET fee table

Reference sheet

Constants & Formulas Provided for 220

Official CSET Physics (220) subtest description

Grade 8

Authorization Level for 215 General Science

CSET Foundational-Level General Science (215) guidance

For 2026 planning, a California Single Subject Physics route uses two separately scored CSET: Science subtests. Subtest I: Foundational-Level General Science (215) has 100 selected-response and 4 constructed-response items in a 4-hour session and spans scientific practices/engineering design, physical, life, and Earth/space sciences. Subtest II: Physics (220) has 50 selected-response and 3 constructed-response items in a 2-hour session covering motion and stability, energy (including thermodynamics and electricity/magnetism), waves and their applications, and modern physics; a reference sheet of constants and formulas is provided. Each subtest needs a 220 scaled score to pass, at $99 per subtest. California also allows alternative subject-matter pathways in some routes, so verify whether you need CSET before registering.

Sample CSET Science Physics Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CSET Science Physics exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A 2 kg cart accelerates at 3 m/s2. According to Newton's second law, what net force acts on the cart?

A.6 N

B.1.5 N

C.5 N

D.0.67 N

Explanation: Newton's second law states F = ma. With m = 2 kg and a = 3 m/s2, F = 2 x 3 = 6 N. Force equals the product of mass and acceleration.

2An object moves in a straight line at constant velocity. What is the net force acting on it?

A.Equal to its weight

B.Equal to its momentum

C.Zero

D.Proportional to its speed

Explanation: Constant velocity means zero acceleration. By Newton's first and second laws, an object with no acceleration experiences zero net force, even if individual forces are present.

3A ball is dropped from rest and falls freely for 3 seconds. Ignoring air resistance, what is its approximate speed at that moment (g = 9.8 m/s2)?

A.3.3 m/s

B.9.8 m/s

C.29.4 m/s

D.44.1 m/s

Explanation: For free fall from rest, v = gt = 9.8 x 3 = 29.4 m/s. Velocity increases linearly with time under constant gravitational acceleration.

4Two objects collide and stick together in a perfectly inelastic collision. Which quantity is always conserved?

A.Kinetic energy

B.Both kinetic energy and momentum

C.Neither, because they stick

D.Momentum

Explanation: In any collision with no external net force, total momentum is conserved. In a perfectly inelastic collision, kinetic energy is not conserved because some converts to heat and deformation.

5A free-body diagram of a book resting on a table shows which two balanced forces?

A.Gravity down and normal force up

B.Friction left and tension right

C.Applied force up and air resistance down

D.Centripetal force in and weight out

Explanation: A stationary book on a table has gravity (weight) pulling it down and the normal force from the table pushing it up. These equal and opposite forces produce zero net force, keeping it at rest.

6When you push on a wall, the wall pushes back on you with equal force. This illustrates which of Newton's laws?

A.First law

B.Second law

C.Third law

D.Law of universal gravitation

Explanation: Newton's third law states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. The force you exert on the wall is matched by the wall's force on you.

7A 1000 kg car traveling at 20 m/s has what kinetic energy?

A.20000 J

B.100000 J

C.200000 J

D.400000 J

Explanation: Kinetic energy KE = 1/2 m v^2 = 0.5 x 1000 x 20^2 = 0.5 x 1000 x 400 = 200000 J. Kinetic energy scales with the square of speed.

8A pendulum swings from its highest point to its lowest point. What energy transformation occurs?

A.Kinetic to potential

B.Thermal to kinetic

C.Chemical to potential

D.Potential to kinetic

Explanation: At the highest point the pendulum has maximum gravitational potential energy and zero speed. As it falls to the lowest point, potential energy converts to kinetic energy, giving it maximum speed.

9How much work is done lifting a 5 kg box 2 meters vertically at constant speed (g = 9.8 m/s2)?

A.10 J

B.49 J

C.98 J

D.196 J

Explanation: Work against gravity W = mgh = 5 x 9.8 x 2 = 98 J. The work equals the gain in gravitational potential energy when lifted at constant speed.

10According to the kinetic molecular theory, what does temperature most directly measure in a gas?

A.The total mass of the gas

B.The average kinetic energy of the molecules

C.The pressure of the gas

D.The volume of the container

Explanation: Temperature is proportional to the average kinetic energy of the molecules in a substance. Higher temperature means faster average molecular motion.

About the CSET Science Physics Exam

CSET: Science — Physics is the California subject-matter exam for the Single Subject Physics credential. It combines Subtest I: Foundational-Level General Science (test code 215) with Subtest II: Physics (test code 220). Together they assess general-science breadth plus in-depth physics across forces and motion, energy, waves, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, and modern physics.

Exam sponsor: California Commission on Teacher Credentialing / Pearson Evaluation Systems. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

150 questions

Time Limit

6h combined (215: 4h + 220: 2h)

Passing Score

220 scaled on each subtest

Exam / Certification Fees

$99 per subtest ($198 for both)

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

33 MC + 1 CR (Subtest 215)

Scientific Practices, Engineering Design & Crosscutting Concepts

Scientific investigation, experimental design and variables, measurement and significant figures, data analysis and graphing, engineering design process, and NGSS crosscutting concepts.

23 MC + 1 CR (Subtest 215)

Physical Sciences (General Science)

Atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding and reactions, conservation of mass, acids and bases, phase changes, and basic motion, force, energy, and electricity concepts.

22 MC + 1 CR (Subtest 215)

Life Sciences (General Science)

Cell biology and organelles, photosynthesis and respiration, genetics and inheritance, evolution and natural selection, ecology, energy flow, and human body systems.

22 MC + 1 CR (Subtest 215)

Earth and Space Sciences (General Science)

Plate tectonics and the rock cycle, the water cycle, atmosphere and climate, Earth-Moon-Sun system, seasons and Moon phases, astronomy, and geologic time and fossils.

Motion + Energy (Subtest 220)

Motion and Stability & Energy (Physics 220)

Newton's laws, free-body diagrams, kinematics, momentum and collisions, work, power, conservation of energy, thermodynamics and kinetic molecular theory, and electricity and magnetism.

Waves + Modern (Subtest 220)

Waves & Their Applications and Modern Physics (Physics 220)

Wave properties, interference, reflection and refraction, optics, the electromagnetic spectrum, the photoelectric effect, quantum and relativity basics, the standard model, and nuclear processes.

Preparing for the CSET Science Physics Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 220 scaled on each subtest
Exam length: 150 questions
Time limit: 6h combined (215: 4h + 220: 2h)
Exam / certification fees: $99 per subtest ($198 for both) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

Work through all 100 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CSET Science Physics: Suggested Study Strategy

1Study by subtest: 215 covers broad general science (physical, life, Earth/space) while 220 is physics-specific depth

2Practice the physics reference-sheet formulas until you can choose and apply the right one quickly under time pressure

3Drill unit-aware calculations for force, energy, momentum, Ohm's law, and waves so you avoid arithmetic and unit slips

4Do not ignore constructed responses; show your reasoning and correct relationships, not just final numerical answers

5Review scientific practices and engineering design for 215 — variables, controls, measurement precision, and data graphing appear often

6If your program may allow a coursework-based subject-matter route, confirm that before scheduling expensive retakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CSET Science Physics exam?

It is the California subject-matter exam for a Single Subject Physics credential. A physics route combines Subtest I: Foundational-Level General Science (test code 215) with Subtest II: Physics (test code 220), assessing both general-science breadth and in-depth physics content.

How many questions are on CSET Science Physics?

Subtest I (215) has 100 selected-response plus 4 constructed-response items. Subtest II: Physics (220) has 50 selected-response plus 3 constructed-response items. The subtests are scored separately.

What passing score do I need for CSET Physics?

The official passing standard is a scaled score of 220 on each subtest. Because Subtest I (215) and Subtest II (220) are scored separately, you must reach 220 on each one.

How much does CSET Science Physics cost in 2026 planning?

The current official fee is $99 per subtest, so Subtest I (215) plus Subtest II Physics (220) totals about $198. Always confirm the fee in your registration cart before checkout.

What materials are provided during the Physics 220 subtest?

Examinees taking Subtest II: Physics (220) receive a reference sheet with physical constants, formulas, trigonometric functions, and notes. An on-screen scientific calculator is also available for the science subtests.

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

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

Free Practice Questions for CSET Science Physics

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