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Test Structure
Cantonese (202/203/204/250/253) 

Introduction

The World Languages subtests taken toward a Single Subject Teaching Credential differ from the subtests taken toward a Bilingual Authorization. For more information on certification requirements, see Tests Used Toward Certification. 

The structure of the examination is shown in the tables below. 

Cantonese (202/203/204)—Used Toward a Single Subject Teaching Credential 

CSET: Cantonese consists of three separate subtests, each composed of both multiple-choice and constructed-response questions. Each subtest is scored separately.

Table outlining the test format, number of questions, time, and passing score.
Test Name CSET: Cantonese (used toward a single subject teaching credential)
Test Code
  • Cantonese Subtest I (test code 202)
  • Cantonese Subtest II (test code 203)
  • Cantonese Subtest III (test code 204) 
Time
  • Subtest I: 1 hour and 30 minutes 
  • Subtest II: 1 hour and 45 minutes
  • Subtest III: 2 hours 
Number of Questions
  • Subtest I: 20 multiple-choice questions and 4 constructed-response questions 
  • Subtest II: 20 multiple-choice questions and 4 constructed-response questions 
  • Subtest III: 20 multiple-choice questions and 6 constructed-response questions 
Proportions of subtest sections used to determine overall score
  • Subtest I: 50% multiple-choice questions and 50% constructed-response questions 
  • Subtest II: 50% multiple-choice questions and 50% constructed-response questions 
  • Subtest III: 50% multiple-choice questions and 50% constructed-response questions 
Format Computer-based test (CBT)
Test Structure
Table outlining test content subject weighting by domain.
Subtest Domain Number of Multiple-Choice Questions Number of Constructed-Response Questions
I General Linguistics 5 1 short (focused)
I Linguistics of the Target Language  15 3 short (focused)
Subtest I Total 20 4 short (focused)
II Literary and Cultural Texts and Traditions  10 2 short (focused) 
II Cultural Analysis and Comparisons 10 1 short (focused)
1 extended
Subtest II Total 20 3 short (focused)
1 extended
III Language and Communication: Oral Expression  none 2 short (focused)
III Language and Communication: Listening Comprehension  10 1 short (focused)
III Language and Communication: Reading Comprehension   10 1 short (focused)
III Language and Communication: Written Expression  none 1 short (focused)
1 extended
Subtest III Total 20 5 short (focused)
1 extended 

Cantonese (204/250/253)—Used Toward a Bilingual Authorization 

Effective fall 2007, specific CSET: World Languages subtests replaced Tests 4, 5, and 6 of the BCLAD Examinations as the required assessments for individuals who wish to use the exam route to earn a Bilingual Authorization. For more information refer to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) website at www.ctc.ca.gov or the California Educator Credentialing Examinations website at www.ctcexams.nesinc.com.

To verify competence in the knowledge and skill areas necessary for effective teaching of English learners for the Bilingual Authorization, candidates must pass CSET: Cantonese Subtests III*, IV, and V.

Table outlining the test format, number of questions, time, and passing score.
Test Name CSET: Cantonese (used toward a bilingual authorization)
Test Code
  • Cantonese Subtest III (test code 204)*
  • World Languages Subtest IV (test code 250) 
  • Chinese Subtest V (test code 253)** 
Time
  • Subtest III: 2 hours 
  • Subtest IV: 1 hour and 15 minutes 
  • Subtest V: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of Questions
  • Subtest III: 20 multiple-choice questions and 6 constructed-response questions
  • Subtest IV: 50 multiple-choice questions 
  • Subtest V: 5 constructed-response questions  
Proportions of subtest sections used to determine overall score
  • Subtest III: 50% multiple-choice questions and 50% constructed-response questions 
  • Subtest IV: 100% multiple-choice questions
  • Subtest V: 100% constructed-response questions
Format Computer-based test (CBT)

*This Cantonese Subtest III is the same Cantonese Subtest III that can be used toward the Single Subject Teaching Credential. Passage of this subtest is not required if (1) you hold a valid, non-emergency Single Subject or Standard Secondary Teaching Credential with a major in Cantonese or (2) you hold a three-year or higher degree from a foreign institution in which all instruction is delivered in Cantonese and the institution is equivalent in status to a regionally accredited institution of higher education in the United States.

**This Chinese Subtest V is the same Chinese Subtest V that can be used toward Mandarin certification.

Test Structure
Table outlining test content subject weighting by domain.
Subtest Domain Number of Multiple-Choice Questions Number of Constructed-Response Questions
III Language and Communication: Oral Expression  none 2 short (focused)
III Language and Communication: Listening Comprehension  10 1 short (focused)
III Language and Communication: Reading Comprehension   10 1 short (focused)
III Language and Communication: Written Expression  none 1 short (focused) 
1 extended
Subtest III Total 20 5 short (focused) 
1 extended
IV Bilingual Education and Bilingualism  12 none
IV Intercultural Communication  13 none
IV Instruction and Assessment  25 none
Subtest IV Total 50 none
V Geographic and Historical Contexts none 2 short (focused)
V Sociopolitical and Sociocultural Contexts  none 3 short (focused)
Subtest V Total none 5 short (focused)
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