Frequently Asked Questions:
How do you add a credential onto your existing credential?
It's not too difficult to do! I received my multiple subject credential back in 2005. After teaching for a few years, I decided to finally work on obtaining a science credential. Your first step is to read the information and requirements on the CTC website:
http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/CREDS/add-cred-auth.html
Next step is to read the CSET Examination Information Guide.
http://www.cset.nesinc.com/PDFs/CS_science_geninfo.pdf
Then, unless you haven't done this yet, you will need to look into take a methodology class at a university. If you are adding on a single subject credential, then you will need to take a secondary education methodology course. And, if you are looking into adding a multiple subject credential, then you will need to take a multiple subject methodology course. Your best bet is to call your university's education department and ask them what class you will need to take. If you are currently not enrolled at a university, you may take it through Open University. Because I went though this route, I did have to jump through a couple of hoops (nothing too major) and bug several different people in many different departments. Luckily, they were all very polite and helpful, and I was able to take a class at a nearby university that is normally not offered through Open University in order to meet my last requirement.
Once you have officially passed your CSETs and completed your methodology class, then you are ready for your final step of actually applying for you credential. The procedure, apparently, differs. My friend was told to apply through the university she took her methodology class at. For me, I was told to apply through the county of education. So, call around and find out what method you will need to follow.
What were your favorite resources while studying for the CSET?
I get asked this quite a bit. I am a hands-on, visual learner. So for me, watching videos, such as the ones on KhanAcadamy, documentaries, and taking classes at the college (with labs) all really helped.
What test-taking strategies did you utilize?
Another common question I am asked is basically, "What will help me to pass the test?". Each one of us is different. What worked for me may not work for you. However, what I tell people when they email me this question is that I like to take my time and really think about each question. Some are easy whereas some are a bit trickier. For those tricky ones, I will underline, draw pictures, create diagrams, cross out the obvious incorrect answers, etc. I also had time on my side and was able to take each CSET one at a time, which allowed me to take my time. Another important tip is to make sure you get enough rest the few weeks leading up to the test and to consume a healthy diet of fruits, veggies, and good fats and carbs (carbs are the primary macronutrient that provide energy to our brain so eat up!).
Will you be adding information for CSET 120, 121, and/or 123?
Yes... eventually. I am a full time teacher with a heavy work-load. While I love teaching, it leaves me with very little time to work on this beloved project of mine. I spend some time during breaks on this site, working to improve it, however, I also want to make sure that I am giving you the best, up to date information. Thus, these CSETS will come out once I am happy with the information.
© Science CSET: Free Prep Guides, 2008. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Science CSET: Free Prep Guides with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
It's not too difficult to do! I received my multiple subject credential back in 2005. After teaching for a few years, I decided to finally work on obtaining a science credential. Your first step is to read the information and requirements on the CTC website:
http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/CREDS/add-cred-auth.html
Next step is to read the CSET Examination Information Guide.
http://www.cset.nesinc.com/PDFs/CS_science_geninfo.pdf
Then, unless you haven't done this yet, you will need to look into take a methodology class at a university. If you are adding on a single subject credential, then you will need to take a secondary education methodology course. And, if you are looking into adding a multiple subject credential, then you will need to take a multiple subject methodology course. Your best bet is to call your university's education department and ask them what class you will need to take. If you are currently not enrolled at a university, you may take it through Open University. Because I went though this route, I did have to jump through a couple of hoops (nothing too major) and bug several different people in many different departments. Luckily, they were all very polite and helpful, and I was able to take a class at a nearby university that is normally not offered through Open University in order to meet my last requirement.
Once you have officially passed your CSETs and completed your methodology class, then you are ready for your final step of actually applying for you credential. The procedure, apparently, differs. My friend was told to apply through the university she took her methodology class at. For me, I was told to apply through the county of education. So, call around and find out what method you will need to follow.
What were your favorite resources while studying for the CSET?
I get asked this quite a bit. I am a hands-on, visual learner. So for me, watching videos, such as the ones on KhanAcadamy, documentaries, and taking classes at the college (with labs) all really helped.
What test-taking strategies did you utilize?
Another common question I am asked is basically, "What will help me to pass the test?". Each one of us is different. What worked for me may not work for you. However, what I tell people when they email me this question is that I like to take my time and really think about each question. Some are easy whereas some are a bit trickier. For those tricky ones, I will underline, draw pictures, create diagrams, cross out the obvious incorrect answers, etc. I also had time on my side and was able to take each CSET one at a time, which allowed me to take my time. Another important tip is to make sure you get enough rest the few weeks leading up to the test and to consume a healthy diet of fruits, veggies, and good fats and carbs (carbs are the primary macronutrient that provide energy to our brain so eat up!).
Will you be adding information for CSET 120, 121, and/or 123?
Yes... eventually. I am a full time teacher with a heavy work-load. While I love teaching, it leaves me with very little time to work on this beloved project of mine. I spend some time during breaks on this site, working to improve it, however, I also want to make sure that I am giving you the best, up to date information. Thus, these CSETS will come out once I am happy with the information.
© Science CSET: Free Prep Guides, 2008. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Science CSET: Free Prep Guides with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.