• 48 questions

CSET Business Practice Test

Unofficial practice for CSET: Business, test codes 175, 176 and 177: management, marketing, accounting, economics, information technology and communication.

Who is personally liable for all the debts of a sole proprietorship?

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

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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 6 lines, made to print

Business 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: management and marketing

  • A bakery with one shop plans to open a second. Describe how its manager would plan, organize and control the opening, with one concrete action for each.
  • Choose a product you know well and set out a marketing mix for it: the product, its price, where it is sold and how it is promoted. Explain how the four fit the target market.

Subtest II: accounting, finance and economics

  • An owner starts a month with $5,000 in cash and no debts, buys $1,200 of equipment for cash and makes $3,000 of cash sales. Say how each event changes assets, liabilities and equity, and show that the accounting equation still balances.
  • Explain what happens to the quantity supplied, the quantity demanded and the buyers left without the good when a price ceiling is set below the market price.

Subtest III: technology, communication and enterprise

  • A small office keeps its customer records in one spreadsheet that staff pass around by email. Recommend a better way to store, protect and back up the records, with a reason for each step.
  • Outline a business plan for a student-run school store: the sections you would include and what each one must tell a lender.

Source: Own prompts. Each real subtest sets 2 constructed-response questions: 1 extended and 1 short in Subtest I, 2 short in Subtest II, 1 short and 1 extended in Subtest III (https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/Content/StudyGuide/CA_SG_obj_175.htm); the topics follow the subtest descriptions (https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/content/docs/CSET_Prep/CS_175subtestdescription.pdf, https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/content/docs/CSET_Prep/CS_176subtestdescription.pdf, https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/content/docs/CSET_Prep/CS_177subtestdescription.pdf), read 2026-10-11. Checked October 11, 2026.

How the subtests are scored 9 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 2 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.

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_175.htm), both read 2026-10-11. Checked October 11, 2026.

Next step Another teacher test: FTCE Business

All 48 questions

Subtest I: Business management 8

  • A buyer promises to pay $500 and a seller promises to hand over a used bicycle. In contract law, what are the $500 and the bicycle? Wikipedia, Consideration (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0004 Business Law (SMR 1.4).
  • A manager sets next year's sales goals and decides how the firm will reach them. Which management function is this? Wikipedia, Management (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0001 Management Functions and Decision Making (SMR 1.1).
  • A purchasing manager awards a supply contract to a firm owned by her brother and tells no one of the tie. What is this? Wikipedia, Conflict of interest (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0003 Ethical and Social Responsibility (SMR 1.3).
  • In Herzberg's two-factor theory, salary and working conditions are Wikipedia, Two-factor theory (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0002 Organizational Behavior and Theory (SMR 1.2).
  • In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which needs form the base? Wikipedia, Maslow's hierarchy of needs (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0002 Organizational Behavior and Theory (SMR 1.2).
Show all 48 questions (43 more)

Subtest I: Business management, continued

  • What is the main aim of just-in-time production? Wikipedia, Lean manufacturing (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0005 Production and Operations Management (SMR 1.5).
  • Which U.S. law set a federal minimum wage and overtime pay? Wikipedia, Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0006 Human Resource Management (SMR 1.6).
  • Who is personally liable for all the debts of a sole proprietorship? Wikipedia, Sole proprietorship (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0004 Business Law (SMR 1.4).

Subtest I: Marketing 8

  • A firm exports steel at a price below the price it charges in its home market. In international trade, what is this called? Wikipedia, Dumping (pricing policy) (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0009 Global Marketing (SMR 3.3).
  • A grocery store prices milk too low to earn its usual margin, to draw in shoppers who will buy other goods. What is the milk? Wikipedia, Loss leader (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0008 Customer Service, Sales, and Promotion (SMR 3.2).
  • A new streaming service launches at a very low price to win customers quickly and plans to raise the price later. Which pricing strategy is this? Wikipedia, Penetration pricing (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0007 Marketing Strategy and Concepts (SMR 3.1).
  • A sportswear firm groups its customers by their activities, interests and opinions. Which kind of market segmentation is this? Wikipedia, Market segmentation (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0007 Marketing Strategy and Concepts (SMR 3.1).
  • After dividing a market into segments, a firm picks one group of customers at which to aim its marketing. What is that group called? Wikipedia, Target market (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0007 Marketing Strategy and Concepts (SMR 3.1).
  • In a SWOT analysis, which two elements describe conditions outside the organization? Wikipedia, SWOT analysis (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0007 Marketing Strategy and Concepts (SMR 3.1).
  • In the AIDA model of promotion, what does the D stand for? Wikipedia, AIDA (marketing) (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0008 Customer Service, Sales, and Promotion (SMR 3.2).
  • Which list gives the four Ps of the marketing mix? Wikipedia, Marketing mix (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest I, 0007 Marketing Strategy and Concepts (SMR 3.1).

Subtest II: Accounting and finance 10

  • $1,000 is deposited at 5% a year, compounded annually, and left alone. What is the balance after 2 years? Wikipedia, Compound interest (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0003 Personal Finance (SMR 2.3).
  • A bakery buys an oven for $18,000 and expects to sell it for $3,000 after 6 years of use. What is the straight-line depreciation for one year? Wikipedia, Depreciation (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0001 Accounting Principles (SMR 2.1).
  • A firm buys a delivery van and pays cash. How is the purchase recorded under double-entry bookkeeping? Wikipedia, Debits and credits (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0001 Accounting Principles (SMR 2.1).
  • A print shop has assets of $240,000 and liabilities of $95,000. What is the owner's equity? Wikipedia, Accounting equation (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0001 Accounting Principles (SMR 2.1).
  • An investor who buys a corporate bond is Wikipedia, Bond (finance) (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0002 Principles of Finance (SMR 2.2).
  • By the rule of 72, about how long does money take to double at 6% a year? Wikipedia, Rule of 72 (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0003 Personal Finance (SMR 2.3).
  • Current assets are $120,000 and current liabilities are $80,000. What is the current ratio? Wikipedia, Current ratio (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0002 Principles of Finance (SMR 2.2).
  • Under accrual accounting, when is revenue recorded? Wikipedia, Basis of accounting (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0001 Accounting Principles (SMR 2.1).
  • Under FIFO inventory costing, which costs are assigned to the goods sold first? Wikipedia, FIFO and LIFO accounting (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0001 Accounting Principles (SMR 2.1).
  • Which financial statement shows assets, liabilities and equity at a single point in time? Wikipedia, Balance sheet (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0001 Accounting Principles (SMR 2.1).

Subtest II: Economics 6

  • A country has a comparative advantage in a good when it can produce the good Wikipedia, Comparative advantage (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0007 International Economics (SMR 5.4).
  • A farmer plants corn on a field that could have grown soybeans. What is the opportunity cost of the corn? Wikipedia, Opportunity cost (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0004 Economic Concepts (SMR 5.1).
  • A government sets a minimum legal price for milk above the market equilibrium price. What does economic theory predict? Wikipedia, Price floor (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0005 Microeconomics (SMR 5.2).
  • A market supplied by a few large firms, each watching the others' prices, is Wikipedia, Oligopoly (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0005 Microeconomics (SMR 5.2).
  • Gross domestic product measures Wikipedia, Gross domestic product (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0006 Macroeconomics (SMR 5.3).
  • Which action is an example of fiscal policy? Wikipedia, Fiscal policy (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest II, 0006 Macroeconomics (SMR 5.3).

Subtest III: Information technology 10

  • A customer table holds two people named Maria Lopez who live in the same city. Which column would work as the primary key? Wikipedia, Primary key (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0002 Information and Media Systems (SMR 4.2).
  • A network that links the computers and printers inside one school building is Wikipedia, Local area network (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0004 Network Communications (SMR 4.4).
  • A programmer needs the same block of code to run once for each of 500 customer records. Which construct fits? Wikipedia, Control flow (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0005 Programming (SMR 4.5).
  • A school network refuses incoming connections except on a few approved ports. Which security tool applies rules like these? Wikipedia, Firewall (computing) (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0003 Ethics, Security, and Data Integrity (SMR 4.3).
  • A user types a web address, and the browser first asks for the numerical address of the server. Which system answers that lookup? Wikipedia, Domain Name System (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0004 Network Communications (SMR 4.4).
  • An email that pretends to come from a bank and asks the reader to "confirm" a password is an example of Wikipedia, Phishing (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0003 Ethics, Security, and Data Integrity (SMR 4.3).
  • How many bits make up one byte on nearly all modern computers? Wikipedia, Byte (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0001 Computer Technology (SMR 4.1).
  • What does a compiler do? Wikipedia, Compiler (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0005 Programming (SMR 4.5).
  • Which component carries out the instructions of a computer program? Wikipedia, Central processing unit (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0001 Computer Technology (SMR 4.1).
  • Why is RAM called volatile memory? Wikipedia, Random-access memory (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0001 Computer Technology (SMR 4.1).

Subtest III: Business environment and communication 6

  • A manager restates an employee's concern in her own words and asks a follow-up question before replying. Which skill is this? Wikipedia, Active listening (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0007 Business Communications (SMR 6.2).
  • An applicant changing careers wants a résumé that stresses skills and areas of expertise and plays down past job titles. Which format does that? Wikipedia, Résumé (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0008 Career Development (SMR 6.3).
  • In a franchise, what does the franchisee receive? Wikipedia, Franchising (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0006 Entrepreneurship (SMR 6.1).
  • In one year a country exports $400 billion of goods and imports $520 billion. What is its balance of trade? Wikipedia, Balance of trade (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0009 International Business (SMR 6.4).
  • Which document is normally used for written messages inside an organization? Wikipedia, Memorandum (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0007 Business Communications (SMR 6.2).
  • Which document sets out a new firm's goals, the methods for reaching them and the time frame for doing so? Wikipedia, Business plan (read 2026-10-11). Outline: CSET: Business subtest descriptions, Subtest III, 0006 Entrepreneurship (SMR 6.1).

How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the published content domains of CSET: Business, Subtests I, II and III (test codes 175, 176 and 177), 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_CSET175_TestPage.html; test structure https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/Content/StudyGuide/CA_SG_obj_175.htm; subtest descriptions https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/content/docs/CSET_Prep/CS_175subtestdescription.pdf, https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/content/docs/CSET_Prep/CS_176subtestdescription.pdf and https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/content/docs/CSET_Prep/CS_177subtestdescription.pdf). The real subtests ask 20 multiple-choice questions on business management, 20 on marketing, 25 on accounting and finance, 15 on economics, 25 on information technology and 15 on business environment and communication. This bank keeps that ratio: 8, 8, 10, 6, 10 and 6. 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

Work through 48 questions of our own on this free CSET Business practice test, set in the same proportions as the real exam's six domains. It is unofficial, with no tie to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing or Pearson.

Read the full guide

Three subtests of 40

Subtest I (175) splits its 40 multiple-choice questions evenly between business management and marketing. Subtest II (176) gives 25 to accounting and finance and 15 to economics. Subtest III (177) gives 25 to information technology and 15 to business environment and communication. Exam mode draws 40.

A CSET Business study guide by topic

Used as a CSET Business study guide, the page has one topic for each domain. The accounting topic works every figure in its explanation: the accounting equation, debits and credits, straight-line depreciation, inventory costing, the current ratio and compound interest.

Written answers

Each real subtest also sets two constructed-response questions. Six prompts of our own print from under the questions.

Questions and answers

Is this CSET Business practice test official?

No. Its 48 questions were written here from the three subtest descriptions. Nothing was taken or reworded from the program's sample questions or practice tests, and a score on this page says nothing about a real one.

How many questions are on the CSET Business test?

Each of the three subtests has 40 multiple-choice and 2 constructed-response questions. Subtests I and III allow 1 hour 45 minutes and Subtest II 1 hour 30 minutes; all three in a single session run 5 hours.

What is the passing score for CSET Business?

220 on each subtest; scores run from 100 to 300. On every Business subtest the multiple-choice section is 70% of the score and the two constructed responses are 30%.

How much accounting is on the CSET Business test?

Accounting and finance is the largest domain of Subtest II: 25 of its 40 multiple-choice questions and one of its two short constructed responses. Economics has the other 15 questions and the second response.

Can I take all three CSET Business subtests at once?

Yes. You may register for any one subtest or for all three in a single session. Together they are given one at a time, beginning with Subtest I, and a finished subtest cannot be reopened.

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