• 48 questions

CSET Agriculture Practice Test

Unofficial practice for CSET: Agriculture, test codes 172, 173 and 174: plants, soil, horticulture, animals, environment, business and systems.

A fertilizer bag is labeled 10-20-10. What does the middle number stand for?

Pick an answer, then press Check answer. Then you see Correct or Not quite, with the reason. Keys: A to D pick, Enter checks.

Print covers the next 40 questions. Share this set copies a link to the same questions in the same order.

Exam mode: 40 questions, no time limit.

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing or Pearson. Bank checked October 11, 2026.

Constructed-response prompts to print 7 lines, made to print

Agriculture constructed-response practice

Name ____ Date ____

Write a focused answer to each prompt on the lines. Unofficial practice prompts; none is from the real test.

Subtest I: plants, soil and horticulture

  • A soil test for a vegetable field reports a pH of 5.4 and low phosphorus. Explain what each result means for the crop and what you would apply to correct it.
  • Describe how you would graft a fruit tree variety onto a rootstock, step by step, and what each part of the new tree contributes.
  • A nursery wants a short-day flowering crop in bloom for a set sale date. Explain how the length of the night controls flowering and what the grower would do in the greenhouse.

Subtest II: animals, environment and natural resources

  • Compare the digestive systems of a cow and a pig, and explain how the difference changes what each can be fed.
  • A stream runs through a grazed pasture. Describe two practices that would protect the water and the banks, and what each costs the rancher.

Subtest III: agricultural business and systems technology

  • A student plans to raise and sell 50 market lambs. List the costs and the income the student should record, and show how to work out the break-even price for one lamb.
  • Write the safety rules you would teach before students use an arc welder in the school shop, and give the hazard behind each rule.

Source: Own prompts. Each real subtest sets 3 short constructed-response questions, 2 on its first domain and 1 on its second (https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/Content/StudyGuide/CA_SG_obj_172.htm); the topics follow the subtest descriptions (https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/content/docs/CSET_Prep/CS_172subtestdescription.pdf, https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/content/docs/CSET_Prep/CS_173subtestdescription.pdf, https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/content/docs/CSET_Prep/CS_174subtestdescription.pdf), read 2026-10-11. Checked October 11, 2026.

How the subtests are scored 10 lines, made to print

How the sections count

What the program publishes about scoring, in our words. Unofficial; not a scoring guide of the real test.

The score

  • Two sections, one score On each subtest the 40 multiple-choice questions carry 70% of the score and the 3 short constructed responses carry 30%.
  • The scale Raw scores are converted to a 100 to 300 scale, and 220 is the minimum passing score.
  • One sitting A passing score has to be earned at a single administration; sections cannot be combined across sittings.
  • Ten years A passed subtest need not be taken again if the score is used toward a credential in the ten years after the test date.
  • Handwritten answers Subtests II and III have at least one assignment that lets you handwrite an answer and scan it.

What scorers look at in a written answer

  • Purpose How far the answer does what the assignment asks.
  • Subject matter knowledge Whether the subject knowledge is accurate and is applied to the task.
  • Support Whether the supporting evidence is fitting and of good quality.
  • Depth and breadth of understanding A fourth characteristic, named for some assignments only.
  • Each written answer is scored by two or more qualified California educators.

Source: Test Results Report Information (https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/content/docs/CS_ScoreReport_Insert.pdf) and the test structure (https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/Content/StudyGuide/CA_SG_obj_172.htm), both read 2026-10-11. Handwritten answers: the test page https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/TestView.aspx?f=HTML_FRAG/CA_CSET172_TestPage.html, read 2026-10-11. Checked October 11, 2026.

Next step More on crops and pests: pesticide applicatorAnother teacher test: FTCE Agriculture

All 48 questions

Subtest I: Plant and soil science 10

  • A fertilizer bag is labeled 10-20-10. What does the middle number stand for? Wikipedia, Labeling of fertilizer (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0002 Plant Nutrition and Soil Treatments (SMR 1.2).
  • A grower follows corn with soybeans and then wheat on the same field over three years. What is this practice called? Wikipedia, Crop rotation (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0005 Crop Management and Production (SMR 1.5).
  • A soil test shows a pH of 5.2, too acidic for the planned crop. Which amendment raises soil pH? Wikipedia, Agricultural lime (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0002 Plant Nutrition and Soil Treatments (SMR 1.2).
  • Bt corn has been genetically modified to produce a protein that Wikipedia, Genetically modified maize (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0006 Emerging Technologies in Plant Production (SMR 1.6).
  • Corn (maize), wheat and rice are monocots. What does that mean? Wikipedia, Monocotyledon (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0003 Plant Classification, Anatomy, and Physiology (SMR 1.3).
Show all 48 questions (43 more)

Subtest I: Plant and soil science, continued

  • In a soil profile, which horizon is the surface layer made mostly of organic matter such as leaf litter? Wikipedia, Soil horizon (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0001 Characteristics, Components, and Properties of Soil (SMR 1.1).
  • In grafting, what is the scion? Wikipedia, Grafting (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0004 Plant Genetics, Reproduction, and Propagation (SMR 1.4).
  • Soil texture is classified by the relative amounts of which three particle sizes? Wikipedia, Soil texture (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0001 Characteristics, Components, and Properties of Soil (SMR 1.1).
  • Which plant tissue carries water and dissolved minerals up from the roots? Wikipedia, Xylem (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0003 Plant Classification, Anatomy, and Physiology (SMR 1.3).
  • Why do legumes such as alfalfa and soybeans add nitrogen to the soil? Wikipedia, Legume (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0002 Plant Nutrition and Soil Treatments (SMR 1.2).

Subtest I: Ornamental horticulture 6

  • A boutonnière is a floral decoration worn Wikipedia, Boutonnière (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0009 Floral Design (SMR 2.3).
  • A greenhouse grower pulls blackout cloth over a short-day crop each afternoon to bring it into flower. What is the controlling factor in the flowering of such plants? Wikipedia, Photoperiodism (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0007 Greenhouse and Nursery Management (SMR 2.1).
  • A plant hardiness zone is defined by a place's Wikipedia, Hardiness zone (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0008 Landscape Design, Construction, and Management (SMR 2.2).
  • What is hydroponics? Wikipedia, Hydroponics (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0007 Greenhouse and Nursery Management (SMR 2.1).
  • Which landscaping approach chooses drought-tolerant plants to reduce or end the need for irrigation? Wikipedia, Xeriscaping (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0008 Landscape Design, Construction, and Management (SMR 2.2).
  • Why is mulch spread over the soil around landscape plants? Wikipedia, Mulch (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0008 Landscape Design, Construction, and Management (SMR 2.2).

Subtest II: Animal science 10

  • A crossbred calf grows faster than the average of its two purebred parents. What is this effect called? Wikipedia, Heterosis (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0004 Animal Genetics and Reproduction (SMR 3.4).
  • A disease that can pass from animals to people is called Wikipedia, Zoonosis (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0002 Management and Veterinary Practices in Animal Production (SMR 3.2).
  • In a ruminant, which stomach compartment is the "true stomach", where acid and enzymes digest the feed? Wikipedia, Ruminant (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0001 Anatomy and Physiology of Livestock (SMR 3.1).
  • In cattle terms, what is a steer? Wikipedia, Bull (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0002 Management and Veterinary Practices in Animal Production (SMR 3.2).
  • In cattle the polled (hornless) allele is dominant to the horned allele. A bull with one polled and one horned allele is bred to horned cows. What share of the calves is expected to be polled? Wikipedia, Polled livestock (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0004 Animal Genetics and Reproduction (SMR 3.4).
  • On a hog or dairy farm, what is an anaerobic lagoon used for? Wikipedia, Anaerobic lagoon (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0005 Environmental and Facilities Management in Animal Production Systems (SMR 3.5).
  • Soybean meal is added to livestock rations mainly as a source of Wikipedia, Soybean meal (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0003 Nutritional Requirements of Livestock (SMR 3.3).
  • What is estrus? Wikipedia, Estrous cycle (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0004 Animal Genetics and Reproduction (SMR 3.4).
  • Which of these farm animals is monogastric? Wikipedia, Monogastric (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0001 Anatomy and Physiology of Livestock (SMR 3.1).
  • Why does colostrum matter to a newborn calf or lamb? Wikipedia, Colostrum (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0002 Management and Veterinary Practices in Animal Production (SMR 3.2).

Subtest II: Environment and natural resources 6

  • A watershed, or drainage basin, is Wikipedia, Drainage basin (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0008 Ecosystem and Resource Management (SMR 4.3).
  • Fertilizer runoff feeds an algal bloom in a lake, and oxygen levels crash as the algae decay. What is this process called? Wikipedia, Eutrophication (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0007 Relationships Between Agriculture, the Environment, and Society (SMR 4.2).
  • How does no-till farming reduce soil erosion? Wikipedia, No-till farming (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0008 Ecosystem and Resource Management (SMR 4.3).
  • In a pasture food chain of grass, grasshopper and bird, what is the grass? Wikipedia, Trophic level (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0006 Basic Ecological Principles and Natural Resources (SMR 4.1).
  • The largest population of a species that an environment can sustain over time is its Wikipedia, Carrying capacity (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0006 Basic Ecological Principles and Natural Resources (SMR 4.1).
  • Which timber harvest method removes most or all of an area's trees at one time? Wikipedia, Clearcutting (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0009 Forestry (SMR 4.4).

Subtest III: Agricultural business and economics 8

  • A corn grower sells a futures contract in spring for delivery at harvest. What does the contract fix? Wikipedia, Futures contract (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0002 Agricultural Marketing and Trade (SMR 5.2).
  • A farm stand has fixed costs of $12,000 a season. Each box sells for $8 and has variable costs of $5. How many boxes must it sell to break even? Wikipedia, Break-even point (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0004 Agricultural Business Management, Record Keeping, and Accounting (SMR 5.4).
  • A grower keeps adding nitrogen to one field, and each extra pound adds less yield than the pound before. Which principle is this? Wikipedia, Diminishing returns (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0001 Agricultural Economics (SMR 5.1).
  • A ranch's balance sheet lists assets of $850,000 and liabilities of $310,000. What is its net worth? Wikipedia, Net worth (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0004 Agricultural Business Management, Record Keeping, and Accounting (SMR 5.4).
  • A record wheat harvest shifts the supply curve to the right while demand is unchanged. What happens at the new equilibrium? Wikipedia, Supply and demand (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0001 Agricultural Economics (SMR 5.1).
  • Demand for staple foods is price inelastic. What does that mean? Wikipedia, Price elasticity of demand (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0001 Agricultural Economics (SMR 5.1).
  • In a meeting run by parliamentary procedure, what must usually happen before a motion can be discussed? Wikipedia, Second (parliamentary procedure) (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0003 Agricultural Entrepreneurship and Leadership (SMR 5.3).
  • Who owns an agricultural marketing cooperative? Wikipedia, Agricultural cooperative (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0002 Agricultural Marketing and Trade (SMR 5.2).

Subtest III: Agricultural systems technology 8

  • How is the fuel ignited in a diesel engine? Wikipedia, Diesel engine (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0008 Maintenance and Operation of Power Equipment (SMR 6.4).
  • How many acres are in one section of the U.S. Public Land Survey System? Wikipedia, Section (United States land surveying) (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0009 Land Measurement and Irrigation Systems (SMR 6.5).
  • How many board feet are in a plank 2 inches thick, 8 inches wide and 12 feet long (nominal size)? Wikipedia, Board foot (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0007 Construction (SMR 6.3).
  • In a four-stroke engine, which stroke comes straight after the compression stroke? Wikipedia, Four-stroke engine (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0008 Maintenance and Operation of Power Equipment (SMR 6.4).
  • In the U.S. system of fire classes, a Class B fire involves Wikipedia, Fire class (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0005 Safety Principles and Practices (SMR 6.1).
  • MIG welding is the common name for which process? Wikipedia, Gas metal arc welding (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0006 Shop Fabrication (SMR 6.2).
  • What is a tractor's rollover protection structure (ROPS) designed to do? Wikipedia, Rollover protection structure (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0005 Safety Principles and Practices (SMR 6.1).
  • Which irrigation method delivers water slowly to the root zone through emitters and loses little to evaporation? Wikipedia, Drip irrigation (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Agriculture subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0009 Land Measurement and Irrigation Systems (SMR 6.5).

How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the published content domains of CSET: Agriculture, Subtests I, II and III (test codes 172, 173 and 174), read 2026-10-11 on the program site of the California Educator Credentialing Assessments (test page https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/TestView.aspx?f=HTML_FRAG/CA_CSET172_TestPage.html; test structure https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/Content/StudyGuide/CA_SG_obj_172.htm; subtest descriptions https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/content/docs/CSET_Prep/CS_172subtestdescription.pdf, https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/content/docs/CSET_Prep/CS_173subtestdescription.pdf and https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/content/docs/CSET_Prep/CS_174subtestdescription.pdf). The real subtests ask 25 multiple-choice questions on plant and soil science, 15 on ornamental horticulture, 25 on animal science, 15 on environmental science and natural resource management, 20 on agricultural business and economics and 20 on agricultural systems technology. This bank keeps that ratio: 10, 6, 10, 6, 8 and 8. Definitions and rules were read on the Wikipedia article each question names. Every calculation was worked a second time. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.

How it works

Here are 48 questions of our own for a free CSET Agriculture practice test, weighted like the six domains of the real exam. The page is unofficial; the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Pearson neither wrote nor reviewed it.

Read the full guide

Three subtests, six domains

Subtest I (172): 25 multiple-choice questions on plant and soil science, 15 on ornamental horticulture. Subtest II (173): 25 on animal science, 15 on environmental science and natural resource management. Subtest III (174): 20 on agricultural business and economics, 20 on agricultural systems technology. Exam mode draws 40.

One subtest at a time

Each subtest is two topics in the Start from menu, named Subtest I, II or III. Take those two, one after the other, to study only the subtest you have booked.

Short written answers

Every real subtest adds three short constructed responses. Seven prompts of our own print from under the questions.

Questions and answers

Is this agriculture CSET practice test official?

No. The 48 questions on this page are our own, written from the subtest descriptions for test codes 172, 173 and 174. Nothing is taken or reworded from the program's sample questions or practice tests, and nothing here forecasts a result.

How many questions are on the CSET Agriculture test?

Each of the three subtests has 40 multiple-choice and 3 constructed-response questions and lasts 1 hour 45 minutes. All three in a single session run 5 hours 15 minutes.

What is a passing score on CSET Agriculture?

A scaled score of 220 on each subtest, on a scale from 100 to 300. Multiple choice makes up 70% of each subtest score and the three short written answers make up 30%.

What is on CSET Agriculture Subtest 3?

Subtest III (174) covers agricultural business and economics and agricultural systems technology, 20 multiple-choice questions each: markets, marketing, records and leadership, then safety, shop fabrication, construction, power equipment, land measurement and irrigation.

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