CSET Health Science: Format, Content Areas and Passing Score (2026)
October 10, 2026 · Damiano S. · reviewed by Hana N., Quality Reviewer · how we write
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This is the short, sourced answer to the questions candidates ask most about the CSET: Health Science (Subtests 178, 179, 180): how many questions, how long it takes, what is on it and what you need to pass. Every number below comes from California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CSET, administered by Pearson)'s own pages, linked at the end, and was checked on October 10, 2026.
CSET Health Science at a glance
- Questions: 125 questions
- Format: Subtests I and II: 40 multiple-choice + 2 constructed-response each; Subtest III: 40 multiple-choice + 1 constructed-response
- Time: Subtests I and II: 1 hour 45 minutes each; Subtest III: 1 hour 15 minutes; all three 4 hours 45 minutes
- Passing score: 220 on each subtest
- Fee: $99 per subtest; $297 for all three together
The passing score
220 on each subtest.
Scaled or raw, this is the official standard: plan to clear it with a margin, because exam forms differ in difficulty.
How to use this to plan your preparation
- Check your starting point by area. Take a mixed set of questions and look at your results per content area, not just the total. The real exam has 125 questions, so practise in blocks that match its pace.
- Work the weakest area first, in short sessions, and read every explanation, including the questions you got right.
- Finish with full timed practice that matches the official time (Subtests I and II: 1 hour 45 minutes each; Subtest III: 1 hour 15 minutes; all three 4 hours 45 minutes), so the length of the exam is not a surprise on test day.
Official sources
Verified on October 10, 2026 against the sources above. Exam bodies change formats and fees: if a detail matters for your registration, check the official page before you book.