CSET conducts two types of exams for teachers who wish to teach a science subject. The first type is the state-specific examination called the “Crete Science Test.” The second type is the international-standard CSETS examination. Both types of the tests have certain requirements that must be met before the teacher can be given an examination.
The state-specific examination has many prerequisites. The tests are set by the California State Board of Examiners and follow closely state-specific guidelines. In order to qualify for the examination, a teacher must complete an approved science curriculum, complete a science class, take a state-administered biology test, participate in one or more state-sponsored field trips and participate in a program for career advancement. In order to qualify for the international-standard examination, a teacher must complete a science curriculum, complete a science course and take a test that is accepted internationally as the International Standard Test of Basic Sciences. An international-standard test must be approved by the International Society for Physical Chemistry.
The CSETS examination is a state-administered test that is administered by the State Board of Examiners. Like the state-specific examination, students who want to take the international-standard examination need to meet certain criteria and be certified teachers who have taken a science course and who have completed a science curriculum. The first step in the process is for the teacher to be accredited as a science teacher by the State Board of Examiners. Next, the teacher must complete a basic science course and pass a state-administered biology test. After completing these requirements, the teacher can request an International Standard Test of Basic Science (ISTBS) from the International Society for Physical Chemistry.
The first International Standard Examination of Basic Science was administered in 1977. It covers the science topics covered in a typical science class and can be used as a way to determine whether or not the teacher will pass the international-standard examination. Some of the subjects covered in the ISTBS include chemistry, astronomy, Earth and space sciences, physics and physical sciences, and geology. In addition, students must complete a test on algebra and English composition in addition to taking the science test.
All students who want to take the international-standard examination must first earn a teaching certificate from the State Board of Examiners. The certificate is then submitted along with the testing materials to the ISTBS site and the instructor will be notified of the certification. The ISTBS site will then send the instructor a set of tests to be given to the student and will request additional tests from the teacher. Upon receipt of the student’s test scores, the instructor will contact the board to determine how many tests will be required to complete the exam. These tests will include the ISTBS, a national test for students in all states, as well as state tests for specific subjects in each state.
Once students complete the certification requirement, they are now qualified to take the state-administered exams and to take the international-standard examination. Students must complete all the tests within a certain time period in order to pass the state-administered examination. If students do not pass the test, they must complete a state test within six months. They must also take the International Standard Test of Basic Science to become eligible to take the international-standard examination.
Students can take the International Standard Test of Basic Science, even if they did not earn their teaching certificate. This type of testing is often required for teachers who wish to be certified as science teachers. Although this type of testing is typically given as a refresher course, it is useful to take because it provides a good general idea of what a science course will consist of. For students who did not earn their teaching certificate, it will give them the opportunity to become more acquainted with the topics covered in a typical science course.
