“Plan ahead” is the probably the most valuable words of advice. In California , aspiring teachers are obligated to pass a basic skill assessment, usually in the form of California Basic Skills Test (CBEST), and a subject area competence exam, California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET). There are many study handbooks for both series of examinations. The most useful aids will contain details for each subject covered in each subdivision of the tests and complete practice tests with answers and explanations. Because the CSET is extremely detailed yet varying on the exact questions asked, I suggest studying from textbooks or grade level information that present facts simply and succinctly. The “Everything You Need to Know About” series of books for each core subject by Anne Zeman and Kate Kelly are wonderful study guides and teaching tools once in the classroom.
One of the biggest obstacles to acquiring a California teaching credential is the CSET. It can seem like a beast of an evaluation (if you are not prepared), each subject with several subtests of multiple choice and essay questions. I wish someone had warned me of the exhaustive extent of the exam. Had I known, I would have taken each segment individually. Five hours are provided to complete the test. The probability of using the maximum time allowance without completing the exam exponentially increases if two sections or more are taken in one sitting. Considering some students require several attempts to pass certain portions of the CSET, the financial cost and the time spent is the same whether you take each part of the CSET at once or separately.
Considering dates during summer and throughout the year, here are a few test taking tips.
- Remember, when taking exams to read each question twice and all provided answers before selecting your final answer.
- Use the language of the exam within your essay answers.
- Also, restate the essay question in the introduction of your thesis statement.
For California test requirements and dates please see: http://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/
As a card carrying member of “Procrastinators Anonymous,” I did not take the advice of either my Guided Practice professor or the Performance Assessment for California Teacher (PACT) advisor. 
Both suggested beginning work on the PACT in the midst of Guided Practice during the semester to ensure required questions on the assessment are addressed. The PACT assesses lesson plans and teaching methods during the first ten weeks of guided practice. Waiting too long to begin the PACT may result in forgetting essential information; you may come across questions requiring insight from your guiding teacher or principal and you may become overwhelmed by the amount of time and attention necessary to complete each writing component completely and correctly.
My summer is filled with teaching methods, learning theory analysis and description for assessment. Feeling thankful not to rush yet processing the PACT thoughtfully and carefully. I will use hot days and cooler nights devoid of lessons to teach and papers to grade, to complete the task with time to spare, though beginning later than suggested. Enjoy the summer and plan purposefully for the fall.
Triumphant Testing!
Dranae Jones
