USTET Coverage: Topics and Exam Format

The USTET evaluates academic readiness across four core subtests totaling 300 items. Knowing what each one covers is half the battle.

Where this coverage comes from: Coverage is compiled from UST's published admissions information and reports from past USTET takers (student discussions on Reddit and Facebook groups). The USTET list is broader than the others, so use it to plan your review areas rather than as a detailed syllabus.

Exam Format at a Glance

Subtest	Items	Focus
Mental Ability	80	Abstract reasoning and problem-solving
English	80	Spelling, reading comprehension, grammar, verbal reasoning
Mathematics	60	Algebra, quantitative reasoning, fundamentals
Science	80	General chemistry, biology, physics, Earth Science
Total	300

Mental Ability (80 items)

• Abstract reasoning
• Problem-solving skills
• Visual patterns and sequences (student-reported)

English (80 items)

• Spelling
• Reading comprehension
• Grammar
• Verbal reasoning

Mathematics (60 items)

• Algebra
• Quantitative reasoning
• Fundamental mathematical concepts

Science (80 items)

• General chemistry
• Biology
• Physics
• Earth Science

Review broadly: The exam may also include topics from across your high school science subjects, so go back to your earlier years too, not just senior high.

How to Use This Coverage

• Budget your time by item count. Science and English have 80 items each, as does Mental Ability.
• Review older notes. Science may pull from your whole high school curriculum.
• Don't neglect Mental Ability. It carries as many items as English or Science.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many items does the USTET have?

300 items across four subtests: Mental Ability (80), English (80), Mathematics (60), and Science (80).

Which USTET subtest has the most items?

Mental Ability, English, and Science have 80 items each. Mathematics has 60, so it carries the fewest.

Does Mental Ability matter on the USTET?

Yes. It carries as many items as English or Science, so skipping it leaves a large share of the exam to chance. It covers abstract reasoning, problem-solving, and visual patterns.

Does USTET Science cover all of high school?

It may. Besides general chemistry, biology, physics, and Earth Science, questions can draw on topics from across your high school science subjects, so review your earlier years too.

Is the USTET topic list a detailed syllabus?

No. It is broader than the other lists, so use it to plan your review areas rather than as a detailed syllabus.

Ready to test yourself? Try the free USTET reviewer and mock exam questions.